Red Rock to Topanga Lookout to Hondo Cyn

Red Rock to Topanga Lookout to Hondo Cyn in the Santa Monica Mtns

This will be a 9 mile car-shuttle hike with 2,000 ft gain in the first 3 miles. During the first 3 miles, we will http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/3/0/a/event_78058122.jpegbe doing a lot of minor rock-climbing as we traverse a ridge-line. This is NOT a hike for beginning hikers. We will meet at the trailhead for the Backbone trail, leave some cars, and then take some cars a few miles up the road to our starting point at Red Rock Canyon park. At Red Rock Cyn Park, we will head up a fire road toward the Calabasas Peak Trail. Once we reach that trail, we will scale the rocks as we follow a ridge line trail through interesting rock formations to Topanga Lookout. If the day is clear, at the Lookout we will have views of Mt Baldy, SF Valley, Downtown LA, and Santa Monica as we enjoy lunch. After lunch, it is all downhill via the Fossil Ridge Trail, where there are imprints of ancient sea-shells in the rocks and views of the ocean. Finally, we will take the Backbone trail, which will http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/d/1/4/event_77959732.jpegtake us down through a lovely shaded canyon to Hondo Cyn below and return us to our cars.

There is a $5 fee to park at Red Rock Cyn State park. Folks going with the shuttle drivers should be prepared to contribute to this fee. In addition, wear hiking shoes with tread, plenty of water, and lunch/snacks. Also, bring your camera. Poles are recommended if you have them, and light gloves are also useful to protect your hands while climbing the rocks along the ridgeline.

The parking at the Backbone trailhead is limited, so we will need to get an early start. To carpool to the trailhead, meet the leader at Towsley Cyn at 6:50AM for a 7AM departure. Or meet at trailhead by 8AM. To meet at the trailhead, from the 101 Fwy, exit at Topanga Cyn and go south to Old Topanga Rd, turn right and go .4 miles to the Backbone Trail parking on the wide dirt shoulder on either side of the road, parking here is limited, but free. FYI: Old Topanga Rd hits Topanga Cyn Rd where the Inn of the Seventh Rey restaurant is located. To GPS, use 128 S. Old Topanga Rd, Topanga CA 90290.

Leader: Nikki

Rating: Strenuous