Goat Peak - Rivas Canyon Loop (Pacific Palisades)
Details
http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/3/1/8/highres_216821752.jpeg
Local legend has it that some of Gaspar de Portola's scouts spotted a goat atop a summit near Temescal Canyon and named it Goat Peak. More recently, when Will Rogers was asked if he wanted the peak renamed after himself, he replied. "No. I don't want to rob the goat of his glory."
We can grab some of that glory, however. Although the goat's tracks are long gone there is an old hidden trail that will take us to that summit -- marked "1729" on the topo maps. One of the residents who used to hike there in the 60s claims there used to be a register at the peak until 1967 calling the peak "High Point." The trail is steep and loose in some places so wear decent hiking boots.
Starting from the top of Chautauqua, we'll head north along the eastern ridge of Temescal Canyon to the peak. After leaving the summit we'll continue north to the Backbone Trail and Rogers Road, take that down to Will Rogers State Park and exit the park via Rivas Canyon trail and back to Chautaqua.
We'll take our snack break at the oak tree on Rogers Road. There will also be a short stop at Inspiration Point and at Will Rogers' house (restrooms available)
There are mellow sections.....
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/b/d/8/highres_351643992.jpeg
....and then there are the challenging sections
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/0/8/6/highres_216953382.jpeg
There are spectacular ocean views.....
http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/0/1/e/highres_351649182.jpeg
....then there are lush canyons
http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/d/d/4/highres_216971732.jpeg
Hike is about 7.5 miles with 1,800 feet total ascent (1,200 net). No Beginners due to elevation gain and terrain.
For more photos, check out our previous hikes
https://www.meetup.com/localhikers/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=13861832
https://www.meetup.com/localhikers/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=21053402
Directions:
Check here to see if LA Marathon will affect your driving directions: https://www.meetup.com/localhikers/photos/25974299/
From Sunset, drive to the north end of Chautauqua Blvd and park on street. Do not park on the private roads.
Navigating the Sunset Blvd/Chautauqua Blvd nexus is non-intuitive and depends on where you live. Click on the map link above for best directions.
From 405: Take Hwy 10 to PCH/Santa Monica....
From PCH/Santa Monica: Head north on PCH and turn right onto Chautauqua (not W Channel) to Sunset. Turn left on Sunset, go a couple hundred feet then a right onto Hartzell. Then turn right on Drummond to Chautauqua. Turn left onto Chautauqua.
From PCH/Topanga-Malibu/: Take Temescal Cyn Rd to Sunset. Right on Sunset. Turn left on Via de La Paz, right on Bestor Blvd to Chautauqua. Turn left onto Chautauqua.
From Pacific Palisades Village: Go east on Sunset. Turn left on Via de La Paz, right on Bestor Blvd to Chautauqua. Turn left onto Chautauqua.
From Brentwood: Take Sunset west (see https://www.meetup.com/localhikers/photos/25974299/) to Chautauqua and make a 180 degrees right turn before you get to the traffic signal. If you miss it, don't despair.... continue past the signal and see directions for PCH/Santa Monica above.
Click on the Google map link in venue above and input your FROM location for best directions.