Red Rock Canyon to Calabasas Peak

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/0/8/2/event_260468322.jpegWhile earthbound, we’ll commemorate a two-fer anniversary of big space happenings this Saturday by:

• Taking many small steps up toward some lunar-looking landscapes (44th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission’s most famous outing)

• Visiting Red Rock Canyon Park (http://lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=47) (37th anniversary of the first spacecraft -- Viking 1 -- landing on the Red Planet)

The fun on this short, but steep-ish route starts with the time tunnel-y drive down Red Rock Road past some homes that were no doubt built around or before the space landings above (hint: wear your tie-dye shirt if you have one). Right off the bat, we’ll see some enormous rocks and caves, and then get increasingly expansive vistas of the Santa Monica Mountains as we climb toward the 2,163-ft. summit of Calabasas Peak. And we may encounter about as many people on the trail as Neil did when he landed on the moon.

The fire road is exposed and the weather forecast, toasty, but we’ll be up and down well before the real heat hits. There are many other connector trails (to Stunt High Trail and others) in the area, so if anyone wants to extend the hike, email Shawn for info.

Thanks to ModernHiker.com (http://modernhiker.com/) for suggesting this hike.

STATS
Level: Moderate
Gain: ~ 1,100
Distance: ~ 5 miles
Time: 3 hours
Type: Out-and-back, exposed fire road (with a few side trip options)
Dogs: Permitted on leash
Water: Available at trailhead
Restrooms: Porta potty available at trailhead
Parking: $5 fee (pay at Iron Ranger at trailhead - bring exact change); see carpool note below.
Bring: Water, hat, sunscreen, space-y snacks/stories to share. Poles may be helpful for the downhill; trailrunners are fine since this is all fire road.

DIRECTIONS

For GPS purposes, the trailhead address is 23601 West Red Rock Road, Topanga, California, 90290. The mileage below is approximate and may vary on your vehicle.

From the 101 Fwy., exit Topanga Canyon (27) and head south for about 1.4 miles. Turn right on Mulholland Drive. In a half-mile, take a left onto Mulholland Highway, then left onto Old Topanga Canyon Road. Go 3.8 miles to Red Rock Road and turn right. Proceed .8 mile to the trailhead. Note the road gets progressively more narrow and turns into a bumpy dirt road as it approaches the trailhead.

From PCH, head north on Topanga Canyon Boulevard for 4.3 miles, then west on Old Topanga Canyon. Go ~1.9 miles and turn left onto Red Rock Road, following it to the trailhead.

There are two Iron Rangers in the Park. Pass by the first (just beyond the Red Rock Park sign) and continue to the trailhead. Park and fill out an envelope at the Iron Ranger there with your vehicle information, enclose the $5 fee and detach the receipt from the flap. Place the envelope into the slot on the Iron Ranger and place the receipt on your dashboard in a spot visible from the outside.

Two carpool options: (1) Email Shawn if you want to carpool from Griffith Park Zoo north lot, departing at 6:40 am. (2) If anyone coming from the 101 wants to double up with other drivers to share parking costs, there’s a free lot at Wild Walnut Park, on the SE corner of Mulholland Highway and Old Topanga Road (approx.23050 Mulholland Highway (http://goo.gl/maps/wXqN8)). It’s about a 10-to-12 min. drive to the trailhead from there, so you’d want to meet by 7:15 am. Post a note on the site if you’re interested; otherwise, we’ll meet at the trailhead parking lot. Here’s a map to the trailhead. (http://goo.gl/maps/C4xp6)

Shawn’s mobile: 213/308-7372(There’s no reception at the trailhead, so call before Saturday with any questions.)

****************************************************************************The Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts in this group are not professional guides. The function of the organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who signs up for a trip/meetup/ or outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts of this Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities.