Originally hiked: 6/2/2019
This past weekend I went on a solo hike in our backyard mountains to Eagle Rock. Haven’t been hiking The last time I went hiking was Baden-Powell about a month ago which I haven’t written a blog yet, but I did put together a youtube vlog of the hike. Check it out if you have a second. There are several ways to visit Eagle Rock in the Santa Monica Mountains. If you are looking to do a close by hike if you live in the area, this is a good training hike. The easier route is actually from Trippet Ranch ($10 parking or park outside the park for a longer hike).
What’s in this Guide?
Hike Stats – Mileage, elevation gain, map of hike, weather
Directions – quick write-up on how to get to the trailhead
What to Pack – some gear, map and food recommendations
Blabbering – best part of the write up, my pictures and thoughts of the hike
1. Hike Stats
Location Mileage Elevation Gain Type Santa Monica Mountains 7.24 mi 1556 feet Out-and-back
map of hike
weather
Topanga – Weather Forecast
I ended up taking a rain jacket because the forecast stated that there was a chance of light rain. I didn’t end up using it at all, but better to be safe then sorry.
2. Directions
To get to the trailhead –
From I-10 W, continue onto CA-1 N (Pacific Coast Highway), turn right onto Sunset Blvd. about 4.4 miles from I-10 W. Drive 0.4 miles and turn left onto Palisades Dr. Continue on Palisades Dr. for 2.5 miles until you hit Vereda De La Montura, turn left. The trailhead is on the right, there is a sign that notates “Santa Ynez Canyon Trail”. There is parking on the street, but not overnight – make sure you read the signs before you go.
3. What to Pack?
Since I did a day hike and it was very local, I packed minimally. Here are some of the items that I took on this hike:
Backpack: Osprey Hydration Pack
Hiking Poles: REI Co-op Carbon Trekking Poles
Hydration Reservoir: Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir 2.5 L
First Aid Kit: Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight
Headlamp: Black Diamond Storm Headlamp
Hiking Shoes: KEEN Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Satellite Messenger: Garmin inReach Exporer+
GPS Watch: Garmin Fenix 5X Plus+
Rain Jacket
Toilet paper/ziplock
Knife
Food
To-Go Wrap: Recipe
Mozarella cheese stick
Starkist Salmon Creations Lemon Pepper & Mayonnaise
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Check out a little more gear I have currently on my What’s in My Backpack Page& some Backpacking Gear Ideas.
4. My Blabbering
Before I get into blabbering a little more about this hike, why don’t you take a look at the YouTube video I put together for this hike.
I had been sick all week and was itching to get outdoors and decided that it was going to be for a hike not too far away from home. I’ve done part of this trail before and thought it would be cool if there would be water in the creek and wanted to check it out.
The start of a local hike
I was the second car parked for the trailhead, which is awesome and that’s why I got there just after 6:30am. As I finished off my coffee from Starbucks, I turned on the Garmin inReach because there was no service in the area. Once I got it working, I sent a message to a couple people that I was beginning my hike. When I send the message it sends the location I sent it from as well; one of the reasons having a satellite communicator is something I recommend anyone who goes outdoors and is out of cell phone range.
When you begin the trail there is a little pavement that later disappears into a single track dirt trail. The first portion of the trail is all flat and goes alongside the creek. I had to cross the creek several times, but to my knowledge there hasn’t been so much water that you would get wet.
I passed a sign that says “Waterfall” about 0.6 miles. The trail eventually ascends up the side of the canyon and out into the open around 1.5 miles.
For the first 2.8 miles of the hike I did not see one soul. And the thing about being the first person on the trail especially at this time of year is that you will hit a ton of spider webs. For this reason, my hiking poles became my best friend on this hike.
At about 2 miles you will hit the Eagle Rock Canyon Fire Rd. Not quite a trail, but still a great place to get a 360 degree view of the surrounding area. This portion of the trail seems to be flat at first, but to reach Eagle Rock there is still about 700 feet elevation gain, however it’s very gradual. At this point, I saw way too many people for my liking on a hike, but what can I expect when I’m in Los Angeles area.
I stood on Eagle Rock at a good time because I was the only one who ended up going to it. There were several other people around with just different destinations. The rock itself is made of sandstone, if you climb onto it, you can get quite a view of the area.
A little background
The original name of Eagle Rock was “Elephant Rock”, mainly because the way it looks to the human eye is like an elephant head when standing on the north side.
I bet if it was a clearer day I would have had some ocean views. I quickly ate a little of my To-Go Wrap before I headed back down before even more crowds would show up.
On my way down
On my way out once I got back onto Santa Ynez Canyon Trail, I had a good mile or so that I didn’t see anyone on the trail. I hadn’t hiked this long in a while, so my legs were definitely getting tired once I hit the 6 mile mark. I finally ran into a couple families along the way just near the trailhead. There was a group of teenagers who were hiking in and the last of them had a stick he was holding and asked me if I wanted to switch. At first I didn’t get it, but it was a joke to switch my poles with his stick. I said “good one”. Thought it was a funny little story to share with you all.
All in all great hike to go on if you’re just trying to get a quick morning hike or afternoon hike in.
Happy Adventures,
Annette, Adventurer – Beyond Limits on Foot
Related links
Before I go on a hike I always check some other peoples write-ups. Here are some others you may want to check out to read further:
Hikespeak – Eagle Rock from Trippet Ranch in Topanga State Park
Hiking Project – Eagle Rock Loop
SoCalHiker – Eagle Rock in Topanga State Park
Modern Hiker – Eagle Rock and Temescal Peak
Well I hope you loved reading along. If you want to check out more on the hike, don’t forget to check my YouTube channel here: Beyond Limits on Foot YouTube Channel.
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Eagle Rock via Santa Ynez Canyon Trail - Santa Monica Mountains Originally hiked: 6/2/2019 This past weekend I went on a solo hike in our backyard mountains to Eagle Rock.
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Tranquil Trails: Your Guide to Topanga State Park's Natural Wonders
Tucked away in the rugged hills of Southern California, Topanga State Park stands as a serene oasis amidst the urban hustle and bustle. This enchanting park, with its diverse ecosystems and scenic beauty, has rightly earned its reputation as a natural wonderland. Join us on a journey through the tranquil trails of Topanga State Park California, where nature's wonders unfold at every turn.
A Wilderness Retreat in the City
Located just a stone's throw from Los Angeles, Topanga State Park offers a unique blend of wilderness and accessibility. As you step onto its well-maintained trails, the city's noise and chaos seem to fade away, replaced by the soothing sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. It's a testament to the park's role as a haven for urban dwellers seeking solace in nature.
Scenic Hiking Adventures
Topanga State Park boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, each offering a unique experience. From the panoramic vistas of Eagle Rock to the shaded tranquility of the Musch Trail, there's a hike for every preference and skill level. The park's trails are perfect for both seasoned hikers and families looking for a leisurely stroll.
Biodiversity in Abundance
Nature enthusiasts will revel in the park's remarkable biodiversity. Topanga State Park is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the iconic California live oak, sycamore, and the elusive bobcat. Birdwatchers can spot everything from red-tailed hawks to colorful songbirds.
Seasonal Delights
The park's character evolves with the seasons. Spring brings a burst of wildflowers, painting the landscape in vibrant colors. Summer offers sunny days and cool canyons for respite. Autumn sets the trees ablaze with fiery foliage, and winter brings crisp air and the possibility of spotting seasonal waterfalls after a rain.
Plan Your Visit
Before embarking on your Topanga adventure, remember to check for trail conditions and any park alerts. It's crucial to stay hydrated, wear appropriate attire, and follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park's natural beauty.
As you explore the tranquil trails of Topanga State Park, you'll not only find solace in nature but also discover the profound beauty of this Southern California gem. So, lace up your hiking boots, breathe in the fresh air, and let the wonders of Topanga State Park captivate your soul.
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Best Hiking Trails Near Hummingbird Trail
Hummingbird Trail is an iconic hiking trail located within Topanga State Park. It is known for its rich foliage, local wildlife, and stunning vistas. The trail is relatively easy, only lasting about an hour and a half roundtrip. It is a great option for beginners or those looking for a short hike with impressive views.
Hummingbird Trail is one of the most popular trails in Topanga State Park. Located in the heart of the park, it is a great place to enjoy nature and take in the stunning views. The trail is also a great way to explore the surrounding area and to catch glimpses of some of the wildlife that inhabits the park. One of the best hikes near Hummingbird Trail is to explore Temescal Ridge.
Topanga State Park California is an iconic park that is located in the Santa Monica mountain range. It spans 11,000 acres of land and is the largest wildland within the city of Los Angeles. There are over 36 miles of trails that wind through the park, making it a popular destination for hikers, bikers and equestrians. The park also contains important wildlife habitats for animals like deer, bobcats, and a variety of birds.
One of the most popular hiking trails near the Hummingbird Trail is the Eagle Rock Trail. This trail is two miles long and meanders through the park, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail has several difficult stretches, making it a favorite for serious hikers. Also nearby is the Backbone Trail, which is an eight mile long trail that runs through Topanga State Park and offers plenty of challenging terrain.
One of the best hikes in Topanga State Park is near the Hummingbird Trail. It is an easy to moderate trail that is great for families. It is a 4.6-mile loop that has a great mix of terrain, including rolling hills and open meadows. Along the trail, hikers can catch glimpses of the ocean as well as beautiful wildflowers, native plants and bird species.
For more details you can visit :- www.hikeforfunandfitness.com/
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