Saddle Peak 3-way Part 1

High above central Malibu is Saddle Peak, just east of Malibu Canyon, one of the highest points in the Santa Monica Mountains at 2,805 feet. Up here you are literally in the sky, often above the clouds over Malibu. On a clear day, facing south, you can see a vast stretch of the Pacific coast, Catalina and Channel Islands miles out in the water. If facing north, you can see the inland valleys of the Malibu Creek watershed or east toward Calabasas and the San Fernando Valley. On a cloudy day, you look down on the cloud tops as if in an airplane.

This is the first in a series of 3 different hikes to Saddle Peak. Here, we hike north through Cold Creek Canyon Preserve. The preserve exceeds 1,000 acres and includes thirteen waterfalls, numerous species unique to the Santa Monica Mountains, and great species diversity.

Although the peak is the highest in the area, this hike is not too strenuous -- I find it easier than the Calabasas Peak hike.

8mi/1700ft elev gain

9:30am Meet at Stunt High Trailhead:

(appx address: 1647 Stunt Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302)

Weather Forecast as of Tue 10:00am: Partly sunny, high 60's

From the 405/101 Freeway...
West on 101 to Topanga Cyn Bl South.
Right on Topanga 1.6 mi.
Rt on Mullholland Dr 0.6 mi.
Bear left onto Mullholland Hwy for a pleasant 5.3 mi
Left on Stunt Rd 1.0 mi.
Park in turnout on right

From the 101 Freeway east of Calabasas: 101 East, exit on Las Virgines Road and head south for 3 miles to Mulholland Highway. Turn left and continue 4 miles to Stunt Road. Turn right and drive one mile to the pullout on the right.