Eagle Rock Loop in Topanga State Park

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/7/6/6/event_67174662.jpegTopanga State Park is an urban wilderness sitting in the middle of the Santa Monica Mountains. The often spectacular terrain varies from rocky peaks and canyons to gentle meadows with scattered oak and chaparral forests. On this hike, we'll see some of the best examples of each of these.

We'll start at Trippet Ranch, heading east on the Musch trail through grassy meadows, oak groves and overhead chaparral. Using a well-travelled equestrian trail, we'll connect to Cheney Fireroad (although it's more of a trail these days) to reach the rocky overlook of Eagle Rock . The photo shows the short walk to the top of Eagle Rock. After pausing for a snack and a good look at the view, we'll head back to the start on Musch Trail, but continue on Dead Horse Trail almost to Topanga Canyon Road. From there we return to the cars, but we'll take a different route for the last half mile or so. Confused? Come on out and see how it all fits together! And look at the photos from our hike here in the spring (http://www.venturacountytrails.org/RecentPhotos/2011-03-17TrippetRanchLoop/_Page.html).

The hike overall is about 8.3 miles round trip with about 2100 feet of climbing. We'll be going past the parking area after 5.8 miles (1600' of climbing) so there is an option to stop there and skip the Dead Horse Trail. If you park outside the park, you will have to hike another half mile total to get to and return from the meeting point.

Directions: Meet at the Trippet Ranch parking area near the bathrooms. There is a $10 fee for parking. You can park just outside the park on Entrada Road and hike the quarter mile to the meeting area. This Google Map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=&daddr=34.093539,-118.587826&hl=en&geocode=&mra=mi&mrsp=0&sz=18&sll=34.093211,-118.588695&sspn=0.00307,0.004485&ie=UTF8&ll=34.092864,-118.588818&spn=0.006139,0.004903&t=k&z=17) will get you to parking area. Briefly,

From the 101 Freeway, exit at Topanga Canyon Blvd (from the west, exit at Ventura Blvd and turn right onto Topanga Canyon Blvd after 1/2 mile) and drive south for 7.6 miles. Turn left onto Entrada Rd and follow the signs up the hill 1 mile to the park. Be carefull on Entrada because it makes several turns.

From the PCH, follow Topanga Canyon Blvd north 4.7 miles and turn right onto Entrada Rd. Follow it 1 mile up the hill to the park, following the signs.

Lunch: We almost always go somewhere for lunch after the hike. This is completely optional and is considered to be in addition to this event, not part of it.

Please read the release of liability below in its entirety. By signing up for our group, you are agreeing to it for all events you participate in.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

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, its organizers, and sponsors 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.