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Eagle Rock in Topanga State Park

Topanga, California

4.4/5
based on 7 reviews

Details

Distance

5.99 miles

Elevation Gain

1106 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Ben Lertsakdadet

This hike offers great panoramic views of Santa Monica Mountains from Eagle Rock. The trail is well-maintained and perfect for group hikes.

Eagle Rock is located in Topanga State Park in the Santa Monica Mountains, and it is a unique formation that provides an amazing panoramic view of Santa Monica. On a clear day, the Catalina Islands and Palos Verdes Peninsula are visible. You can park on along the street of Entrada Rd. or pay $10 to pay for parking inside Trippet Ranch (worth it in my opinion to support the park and the amenities it provides).

The hike itself is approximately 6 miles and can be extended if desired. The trail I would suggest starts at Trippet Ranch and begins on

  • 1) Trippet Ln. towards East Topanga Fire Rd
  • 2) Turn left on East Topanga Fire Rd. and head northeast towards Eagle Rock
  • 3) Keep left to stay on East Topanga Fire Rd. at the Santa Ynez Canyon Trail junction
  • 4) At the next major junction, take a right onto Eagle Springs Fire Road to begin the loop towards Hub Junction.

(I would recommend a slight detour (0.3 miles) at Hub Junction to climb up Cathedral Rocks for another panoramic view.)

  • 5) Return back to Hub Junction and take Backbone Trail all the way to Eagle Rock.
  • 6) After you're done exploring Eagle Rock, continue on Backbone Trail back to East Topanga Fire Rd.

I've been here twice and both times have had the pleasure of running into some widelife as seen in the photos. It's definitely one my favorite hikes in Southern California on a cloudy or comfortable day. I would not recommend it on a hot day because there is very little coverage from the heat. My last trip here I also tried geocaching to find some hidden "treasures" along the trail with my dad, which made the hike even more enjoyable. I'd recommend giving that a try as well if you haven't already!

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Features

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Mountain Biking
Hiking
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Family Friendly
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Picnic Area
Scenic
Wildlife

Reviews

Loved this hike! Scenic, quiet, and beautiful views! Easy to follow trail. We parked on the street for free. Topenga Canyon is such a cool area in Southern CA!

I came here as a tourist and was captivated by the views and the stark beauty of the trail. It seems massive, so map out your course before you take off, and make sure to bring adequate water and sunscreen. The sun can feel relentless even when the clouds are out - there’s no coverage for you on this fun SoCal hike.

I agree with what others said. Take the Mulsch trail up to the rock and the fire road back down. Full sun for most of the final mile up to the rock. Full sun on the fire road back. Pay for parking (support the park!) or park for free on the side road. Stop at the weird costume/vintage store in Topanga canyon afterward.

I love this trail so much! The views from Eagle Rock (and the entire trail, to be honest) are incredible. I've done trail twice and both times saw lots of wildlife (deer, coyotes, rattle snakes, hawks and bunnies). I recommend doing the Musch loop as well- if you start out on the Musch trail you go through a lovely meadow (deer country!) and then work your way down to a creekbed and then back up to Eagle Rock. After you enjoy the mind blowing views from Eagle Rock you can cruise back to the parking lot along the fire road (easy-peasy). Or you can keep exploring more trails!

I love this hike so much. Trails are well maintained and the views on Eagle Rock are unbeatable. As with most things in LA, parking can be a bit expensive though

I took the fire road up and Musch trail down. I wish I took Musch trail up and down. So much more scenery. Just follow the paved bike path type road from the Parking lot to Musch campground sign. Also, at the forks... stay right! On way down. Stay left!

I didn't know this hike existed until reading Ben's write-up (thanks!), but it was fun way to spend a Sunday morning. I'd actually recommend making this hike into a loop by either starting or finishing with Musch Trail. You'll be able to see more diverse scenery, get away from the mountain bikers and it only tacks on an extra 0.5 miles.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Parker Mesa Overlook via Trippet Ranch

Hike to Santa Ynez Falls

Hike to the Labyrinth at Tuna Canyon Park

Hike Red Rock Canyon to Calabasas Peak

Hike to Vanalden Vista

Hike the Top of Topanga Overlook