Topanga overlook - Mother's Day Potluck Hike
Details
Happy Mother's Day!!
Bring your mother, mother figure, or your kids. This is a lovely way to celebrate and make great memories together.
Beginner - 2 miles, 180' gain (route link)
Intermediate - 3.25 miles, 500' gain
This is a social hike and an out-and-back event.
We’ll head north-east along the Topanga Ridge Motor Way. At that point anyone who does not want to hike further can stop at the Topanga Lookout. The main group will continue on for about another half mile down the ridge along a single track trail. Then we’ll track back to the Topanga Lookout where we will have our snack share.
There is a potluck at the platform before we turn around for the return. If your item requires paper plates, utensils, etc. please bring them. You may wish to bring your own cup, plate, and utensils in case there aren't any.
Pot Luck guidelines link
We take the Topanga Tower Motorway along a mostly paved route down, to a typically heavily graffitied platform with stunning views of San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica Bay, and the San Gabriel Mountains. This destination, called the Topanga Lookout, has been used in many music videos and was once used as a fire lookout tower.
At that platform, we'll lay out a table cloth, share food, drink, listen to music, and enjoy a fun social event with great views all around, before turning back the way we came.
Overview
Topanga Lookout, also referred to as Rosas Overlook, is located in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area near Topanga, California, at an elevation of approximately 2,375 feet above sea level. It sits on the site of a former fire observation tower, offering sweeping views of Red Rock Canyon Park, the San Fernando Valley, Calabasas Peak, and the surrounding mountains. On clear days, visitors can see as far as downtown Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Mountains, and Catalina Island.
Hike
Distance: 2.0 - 3.25 miles (please read the details above)
Gain: 180' - 500'
Distribution: Well distributed.
Difficulty: Beginner or Intermediate (please read the details above)
Shape: Out and Back.
Pace: approx. 2.0 mph.
Trail Type: Paved Asphalt
Trail Variations: Some of the asphalt may be uneven.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Dogs: yes
Restrooms: no
Drinking Fountains: no
Parking: Free along street.
What to bring:
1 liter of water for every 3 miles.
Hiking shoes preferred, but athletic shoes will be OK.
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunscreen and/or hat as needed.
Snacks and/or beverages to share
A camera, maybe even binoculars! This place really does have some great views.
Hosting
Route: The host knows the route. A pic of the route has been posted.
Navigation: Host memory, enhanced by GPS navigation as needed.
Hike type: Social.
We won't be hiking at a fast pace because this is a social hike, not a conditioning hike. There is nothing wrong with stopping, even if it means every 50 steps.
Directions
From US-101 in Calabassas, exit Las Virgenes exit 32 or Lost Hills exit 33 (whichever comes first, depending on your direction).
Head south. If on Lost hills, turn right to continue south after 1.1 mi onto Las Virgenes.
Continue on Las Virgenes for 1.6 miles to Mulholland Hwy, turn left.
Continue on Mulholland Hwy for 4 miles to Stund Rd., turn right.
Continue on Stunt Rd. for 4 miles to Saddle Peak Rd.
Find a place along the road and park.
FAQ
Hiking Plus Page Links
Disclaimer / Release of Liability
23300-23398 Saddle Peak Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
Meet at the intersection of Stunt Rd, Schueren Rd., and Saddle Peak Rd.
Lois Ewen Overlook