Giant Topanga Loop

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/8/6/0/event_109435392.jpegTopanga State Park weighs in at a hefty 11,000 square acres, making it the largest state park contained within an American city’s limits, and we'll do our best to see it all. Starting at Trippet Ranch, we'll ramble through a shady oak grove favored by mule deer and into stretches of grassland. Our route will pass along ridges overlooking canyons, exposed sandstone, and chaparral and sagebrush thickets.

We'll dip in and out of a canyon or two, including Santa Ynez Canyon, a woodsy heart-pumping climb that is among the lesser seen attractions in Topanga. The meadows w'll pass will be painted green for our enjoyment, and maybe we'll even spy some overachieving wildflowers. We'll tie together a lot of routes we've done before, with some new stuff just for fun.

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This is a 10.5 mile loop hike, with 1800' feet of elevation gain. Much of the hike is exposed, so wear a hat and sunscreen. Traffic on Topanga Canyon Blvd can make the drive longer than you expect, so give yourself enough time. Free parking outside the park is limited, so carpool if you can.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/a/a/e/event_109435982.jpegDirections:

From the 101, exit at Topanga Canyon Boulevard (the 27), drive south over the crest of the mountains and proceed three miles to Entrada Road (not Entrado!) and turn left. Keep to the left at every opportunity until you reach the park's main parking lot (about one mile)

From the Pacific Coast Highway, travel north on Topanga Canyon Boulevard, pass the post office at the center of "town," then turn right on Entrada Road. Keep to the left at every opportunity until you reach the park's main parking lot (about one mile).

Parking is $10.00 inside the park. There is some street parking (free) outside of the park on the road, which is about 1/4 mile from our meeting point.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.

If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.