Red Rock Canyon Park
in the Santa Monica Mountains
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As the name implies, Red Rock Canyon is filled with impressive colorful sandstone. The red rocks stand out from their lush green surroundings to create a dramatic landscape. The canyon lies adjacent to Calabasas Peak, which can be visited in conjunction with the park to form an excellent excursion.
The park’s “main” entrance is located at the end of Red Rock Canyon Road. Main is in quotes because the park entrance is so hidden that one must drive down a narrow dirt road to reach it. First time visitors will be questioning their directions, but this only adds to the enchanting character of the park.
The other way to enter the park is by hiking in from Stunt Road along the Calabasas Peak Mountainway. This adds some extra mileage but eludes a $5 parking fee.
Overlook Trail
There are two basic trails within the park, Red Rocks Overlook and Red Rock Mountainway. Red Rock Mountainway is a wide fire road that starts at the parking lot and progresses up to a T-junction with the Calabasas Peak Mountainway. The junction is 1.4 miles from the summit and 0.7 miles from Stunt Road. The total distance from the Red Rocks Trailhead to Calabasas Peak is 2.6 miles, and it is 1.9 miles from the Red Rocks Trailhead to Stunt Road.
A third of a mile from the trailhead along Red Rock Mountainway, there is a tall sandstone formation on the left that begs to be explored (and should be). Climb above the small caves to gain a sweeping view of Red Rock Canyon.
Not far beyond the caves comes a junction with the Overlook Trail. This unmarked single track breaks off to the right and climbs 325 feet over ¾ of a mile to more outstanding Red Rock views. Those looking to break off trail and do some bouldering, will find good opportunities along the way.
How far am I hiking agan? A lot of numbers have been thrown around, so here are the basic distances for hiking in the park:
- From Stunt Road to the overlook is 4.5 miles round-trip
- From Red Rock Trailhead to the overlook is 2.5 miles round-trip
- From Red Rock Trailhead to Calabasas Peak is 5.2 miles round-trip
- From Red Rock Trailhead to the junction with the Calabasas Peak Mountainway is 2.4 miles round-trip
Red Rocks Canyon is an enchanting spot. The drive into the park makes you feel as though you are entering a remote and rustic location, even if you are only miles from the 101. Leashed dogs and bicycles are permitted. There are bathrooms and a picnic area at the trailhead.
Red Rock Canyon
To get to the trailhead: Take the Valley Circle Drive/Topanga Canyon Blvd. exit off the 101, and head south on Mulholland Drive. Turn right on Valmar Road which becomes Old Topanga Canyon Road. Turn right when the road comes to an end on Mulholland Highway Road. After a short distance, turn left to get back on Old Topanga Canyon Road. Stay on this road as it weaves through canyon neighborhoods, and turn right on to Red Rock Canyon Road. Stay on Red Rock Road as it becomes narrow and unpaved. Continue past all of the “no parking” and “no trespassing” signs until the road ends at the park.
For directions to the Stunt Road trailhead, review Calabasas Peak. Use the map below to create your own directions.
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Nearby Trails
 | Stunt High Trail to Saddle Peak This 8.2-mile hike combines Stunt High Trail and a section of the Backbone Trail to visit the 6th tallest summit in the Santa Monica Mountains. |
 | Malibu Creek Traverse This adventure hike explores the C-shaped gorge between Rock Pool and Century Lake in Malibu Creek State Park. |
 | Calabasas Peak This 3.6-mile hike travels an easy-to-follow fire road, climbing 1000 feet to panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains and San Fernando Valley. |
 | Hondo Canyon This fairly well maintained section of the Backbone Trail crosses fields of grains and forests of Bays, climbing 1500 feet over 3.8 miles. |
 | Topanga Lookout This 2-mile visits the site of an old fire tower that still offers great views of the surrounding mountains. |
 | Backbone Trail to Saddle Peak This 2-mile hike approaches Saddle Peak from the east. |
 | More trails in the Santa Monica Mountains Explore other destinations in the range. |
Similar Trails
 | Hidden Valley This one mile loop circles the interior of a small valley surrounded by tall rocks that serves as an excellent bouldering arena. |
 | Temescal Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains This 2.6-mile loop offers a variety of scenery and decent exercise, despite its relative brevity. |
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Great Hike. If you’re looking for a great L.A. experience without the buzz this is the place for you. We were there the first week of Jan 2012, mid 70′s and just saw one other hiking party (2). The views are spectacular with a variety of vistas, sand stone formations (climbing), foliage, and caves. A short stunning ride out of the area brings you to Malibu and the Pacific. Already planning to go back there next time in L.A. If you leave your camera you’ll be sorry.
Rick J. ( Gainesville, Fla. )