Hiking to Topanga Lookout

Hiking the ridge to Topanga Overlook

At a saddle in the Santa Monica Mountains 2,340 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 and continues to offer fine views of the Santa Monica Mountains, Calabasas, and the Santa Susana Mountains. This hike to Topanga Lookout is 2 miles round trip with just 160 feet of elevation gain.

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Just beyond the gated trailhead, the paved Topanga Tower Mountainway crosses a junction with Fossil Trail, a 0.6-mile section of the Backbone Trail that connects to the top of Hondo Canyon Trail. Continue past this junction up the paved road toward the radio towers atop Topanga Mountain. When a wide dirt trail breaks off to the left, follow it along the ridge down to the lookout.

Looking out at Calabasas Peak through the Tree Poppies

A large graffiti-covered concrete foundation marks the site of the old fire tower. It is clear why this site was chosen to look over the mountains. The views are wide and far. Take them in before returning the way you came. Across the road, the Backbone Trail finds its way up to Saddle Peak. This neighboring 2-mile hike also offers great views. No fee or permit is required, so get out and enjoy.

An alternative route to the lookout can be found at the junction of Calabasas Peak Motorway and Red Rock Canyon Motorway. This unmarked trail starts in between the two fire roads and climbs the ridge to the overlook.

To get to the trailhead: From the PCH, turn inland on Las Flores Road (Across from Duke’s restaurant), drive 3.4 miles up this narrow twisting canyon and turn right onto Rambla Pacifico St. After 0.6 miles make a sharp right onto Schueren Rd. and take that for 1.8 miles to the intersection with Stunt Road. The trailhead is on the left just past the intersection.

From the 101 freeway, exit Las Virgenes Road and head south toward Malibu. After 2.8 miles turn left, (east) on Mulholland Highway. After 4 miles, turn right on to Stunt Road and drive 4 miles to the top of the road intersection with Schueren Road.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

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	You might also enjoy:
	Saddle Peak The 2-mile round trip hike across from Topanga Lookout climbs just 450 feet but offers fantastic views of Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains.
	Stunt High Trail to Saddle Peak This 8.2-mile hike climbs the north slope of saddle peak through Stunt Ranch, offering great views of Calabasas Peak and the Santa Monica Mountains.
	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.
	Calabasas Peak This 3.6-mile round-trip hike to Calabasas Peak travels an easy-to-follow fire road, climbing 1000 feet to panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the San Fernando Valley.
	Red Rock Canyon The beautifully sculpted canyon has trails of 2.5 and 5 miles in length.
	Hikes in Los Angeles This list of trails explores the peaks and waterfalls of the San Gabriel and Santa Monica Mountains