Topanga Lookout

DETAILS:

• Location: 23300 Saddle Peak Rd. Calabasas, CA 91302 (near the intersection of Stunt Road)

• Hours of Operation: Sunrise to sunset.

• Parking: There are limited parking spots at the trailhead but you can also park on Stunt Road.

• Cost: Free!

• Time Commitment: 1-2 hours will be plenty.

• Miscellaneous: The trail is dog-friendly.

One of the more unique trails you’ll find in Los Angeles is the one out to Topanga Lookout in the Calabasas/Malibu area. In stark contrast to the nature that surrounds it, the remaining platform of this former fire department observation tower is now covered in graffiti as it peers out for miles above Red Rock Canyon Park. I’ll let others debate the merits of the graffiti here (or anywhere else, for that matter), and it is something to consider, but there does seem to be a tacit agreement by most of those in the tagging community to keep their work confined to the man-made structures abandoned at the lookout even if a few bad apples do exist, but don’t they always? Topanga Lookout stands at one of the highest points in the Santa Monica Mountains, but fear not, you’ll gain almost all of that elevation driving to the trailhead on Saddle Peak Road.

The trail to the lookout is approximately 2 miles out & back. The trail begins past the gate near Vista Point. Take the paved trail until you come to a fork. From here, continue on the dirt path to your left (the trail to your right will take you up to some radio towers). The trail is pretty flat until you come to the incline that occurs on the final stretch to the lookout, but even then it’s nothing too strenuous. Once you pass this ridge, Topanga Lookout will come into view in front of you along with the rest of the San Fernando Valley.

 

RESOURCES:

• HikeSpeak; Topanga Lookout Trail page.