hikespeak

Parker Mesa Overlook is one of the best vista points in the Santa Monica Mountains, serving up panoramic views over Santa Monica Bay from a 1,525-foot oceanfront ridge in Topanga State Park. The overlook is located along East Topanga Fire Road, a north-south running ridge trail spanning between Trippet Ranch, the park's main trailhead in the north, and Paseo Miramar in the Pacific Palisades... Read more.

At a saddle in the Santa Monica Mountains 2,375 feet above the Pacific Ocean and 3 miles from the coast, the Backbone Trail crosses Stunt Road, creating a high trailhead for nearby destinations. Topanga Lookout, the former site of a fire tower, stands above Red Rock Canyon Park and continues to offer fine views of the Santa Monica Mountains, Calabasas, and the Santa Susana Mountains. This... Read more.

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 Road. Main is in quotes because... Read more.

Hondo Canyon Trail is a well maintained section of the Backbone Trail that crosses fields of grains and forests of bays as it climbing 1,550 feet over 3.8 miles. The trail passes through a quiet section of the Santa Monica Mountains west of Topanga Canyon. Hondo Canyon Trail meets roads at both ends and can be hiked as a one-way trek with a car shuttle or a 7.6-mile out and back hike without... Read more.