Pre-Game Hike: Ridge Route to Parker Mesa Overlook - Los Liones Loop - Reel Inn

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Perched high above the Palisades and Malibu, the vista from the Parker Mesa Overlook is stunning. You can see all of the LA basin laid out before you, the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, Catalina Island to the south, and the crescent shaped coastline of Santa Monica to the east.

Hike will be about only 5 miles -- get home early, watch the game and eat Hike ends about 11:30 -- kick-off is at 3:30. without guilt! Hike ends about 11:30 -- kick-off is at 3:30. We'll have an optional post-hike lunch at the Reel Inn. Read on...

This isn't your usual Parker Mesa Hike! Our ridge route starts near the Los Liones Canyon trailhead and makes a bee-line up a ridge to the Overlook with a 1400 ft gain in a mere 1.5 miles. Some parts are steep and loose. You've been warned!

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At the top, on the Parker Mesa Overlook, there are a couple of benches where we can enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the Los Angeles coastline and a snack. We'll take an extended break here to allow everyone to catch up

Here we are last July

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We will return via the hilly side trails of E Topanga Fireroad, and the beautiful Los Liones Canyon

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The Los Liones Trail weaves through a lush canyon just a mile from the Pacific Ocean. Slivers of big blue sea can be seen from much of the ivy and chaparral-lined canyon

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The No Fireroad rule will be in effect!

This strenuous hike is a relatively short 5-mile loop, but packs a wallop with about 2100 feet of total ascent, and will bring you home for the Superbowl with plenty of time to spare!

Post hike lunch will be at the Reel Inn on PCH and Topanga

Directions

From Santa Monica or Malibu: Take the Pacific Coast Highway and turn on Sunset Boulevard. Go 0.3 miles on Sunset, take a left on Los Liones and drive half a mile to the end of the street. Park on the right side of the street in the lot across from the church.

There is plenty of free street parking, as well as two lots near picnic areas and restrooms.