As seen in the Nobody Hikes in L.A. Guidebook!
Woodlands on the way to Topanga Overlook
Text and photography copyright 2010 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.
Topanga Overlook
- Location: Santa Monica Mountains. From Pacific Coast Highway, take Sunset Blvd. 0.3 miles to Paseo Miramar. Go left on Paseo Miramar, which is a winding, narrow street, and follow it to the end where there is on-street parking before a vehicle gate.
- Agency: Topanga State Park
- Distance: 5 miles (out and back)
- Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
- Suggested time: 2.5 hours
- Difficulty rating: PG13 (Elevation gain)
- Best season: All year
- USGS topo map: “Topanga”
- Recommended gear: sun hat
; sunblock
- More information: here
- Rating: 6
The Santa Monica Mountains are a great place to hike during the summer, when the valleys, and even higher areas, can become very hot. Still, this hike is best done in the morning or evening on a cooler day. While this trail never really leaves civilization, it offers a nice outdoor escape, just a short drive from downtown L.A.
From the gate at the end of Paseo Miramar, take the fire road north. After 0.2 miles, a trail from Los Liones drive joins up with the fore road. As the road ascends to the top of a ridge, you will get views of the ocean on the left and Santa Ynez Canyon on the right. With a sharp eye, you can even locate Eagle Rock, the noted Topanga State Park geological landmark.
Soon, the trail descends into a grove of oaks, and then begins a climb along the south face of the ridge. At 2 miles, take a left and walk a half mile to the Topanga Overlook. Here, at 1,525 feet of elevation, you will get great views of the ocean and beaches below, and on clear days, Catalina Island and the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
hey there, just want to let you know I’ve barely browsed your site but I like the idea. I love the outdoors and am determined to get my gf into it too. It’s just hard knowing where to look for places to explore when it doesn’t seem like there are too many people around me that are into hiking and stuff. Have you been to all these places? cheers
Thanks for reading, hope you get some good ideas about some trails to check out! All feedback/suggestions are welcome.
Hi WCT!
As the previously “hike resistant” girlfriend of this site’s admin, dlockeretz, I can say that I am glad he kept at it and eased me into hiking so that I could learn to love it too! Start by taking your girl out on “nature walks,” hikes with less than, say, 600 feet elevation gain and a couple miles. She’ll dig on the fresh air and spending time with her man on a nice romantic nature stroll. Once she finds out how peaceful and restorative these walks can be, slowly turn up the heat for more “athletic” elevation gains and mileage.
Be gradual! be supportive! help her to see that hiking is FUN, not just ass burning nature torture. good luck!
Mindy
p.s., he’s been to every hike on this blog and taken all the pictures!