Lasky Mesa Loop (at Ahmanson Ranch)

Miles: 8.25
Time: 2 hours
Directions: 101, exit and right off Las Virgenes (going north). Trail starts at the end of Las Virgenes.

We've hiked and biked this trail before. Today makes the first time, however, we also ran this trail. This is our first official run for our NY Marathon training. This is our biggest goal thus far. And yes, we are CRAZY.


Great trail for running because it's a dirt trail, mostly flat. The few hills are easy to manage and the foilage provide nice scenery while you're walking/running.

For a map go to:
http://www.venturacountytrails.org/TrailMaps/AhmansonRanch/AreaHome.html

Temescal Canyon Loop - 4m 1000'

Pacific Palisades

Distance: 4 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1000 ft
Hike time: 2 hours

This is a very popular hiking spot with great views of the ocean on clear days, a seasonal waterfall, and a densely wooded canyon. The loop starts out on Temescal Ridge Trail, climbing almost 1,000 feet in the first mile. At the intersection with Temescal Canyon Trail, you can either take a half mile side trip to Skull Rock (staying on the ridge trail) or head down into the deep Temescal Canyon. At the bottom of the canyon, you will cross a bridge with a lovely waterfall. If you are careful, you can do some rock scrambling upstream to see some additional small waterfalls. After crossing the bridge, the trail drops through the canyon at a mild pace, through a pleasantly dense wooded area.If you skipped the ridge trail, and just walked up the canyon and back, this would be a great easy 2 mile family hike.

Directions: From Santa Monica, drive north on Pacific Coast Highway (1) for 2.6 mile to Temescal Canyon Road and turn right. Drive to the end of Temescal Canyon Road and park at the entrance to the Presbyterian Conference Center. The trail head is at the far end of the parking lot on the left.

Bonus: on the way home we took PCH back to Topanga and stopped at Pat's Grill (couple miles past Inn of the 7th Ray, about a mile north of Entrada Rd where we go hiking at Trippett Ranch). Nice breakfast/lunch menu and they had someone playing guitar in back that added a nice touch.

Directions: South on Topanga Canyon Blvd. Left on PCH past Sunset. Left on Temescal Canyon Rd. (Or from Santa Monica, drive north on PCH 2.6 mile and right on Temescal Canyon Rd.) Drive to the end of Temescal Canyon Rd. and park on the street at the entrance to the Presbyterian Conference Center. Plenty of street parking available near the high school. The trial head is at the far end of the parking lot on the left.) (Lat:34.05312 Lon:-118.5286)

Topanga Overlook - 6mi 800'

Santa Monica Mtns

Distance: 6
Elevation gain: 800 feet
Hike time: 2.5 hours

We started before 9am and were rewarded with seeing a deer and 2 doe near the parking lot as we started our hike. At the top we took a break and talked with some volunteer rangers patrolling the area and keeping an eye out for fires. This is reportedly going to be the worst summer yet.

Directions: See Eagle Rock.

Sandstone Peak Loop - 6mi 1400'

Mishe Mokwa Trail, Circle X Ranch

Distance: 6 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1400 ft
Hike time: 3.5 hours

Self portrait.

Near the top.

Start out along Mishe Mokwa Trail through grotto and unusual cliff formation, including Balanced Rock. Continue along the Backbone Trail. This fire road ascends to Sandstone Peak, then descends to the trailhead.

Directions: Exit on Westlake Blvd from the 101 Freeway, and follow it south for several miles as it merges with Mulholland highway. Turn right onto Little Sycamore Canyon and it will become Yerba Buena Road. (From Pacific Coast Highway take Yerba Buena Road about 5 ½ miles.)Proceed on Yerba Buena Road for about 4 miles to trailhead (about a mile before you hit the Circle X Ranch Ranger Station).

Runyan Canyon Loop - 3.5mi 700'

Hollywood Hills

Distance: 3.5 miles

Elevation gain: 700 feet

Hike time: <2 hours

Views of the Hollywood sign, downtown L.A., Beverly Hills, Century City and Universal City. How many different dogs can you spot on this hike? You see the hollywood starlet with dogs smaller than our cat Misto and dogs that look like they could take us. And if you have to pee we recomend the DSW on Hollywood off of La Brea.
Directions: From the top take Laurel Cyn, left on Mulholland about 2.5 miles and you'll see a free parking lot with a sign identifying Runyan Park. From the bottom take Franklin to Fuller and hope you can find street parking.

Free yoga from 10:30-11:30am in the park at the bottom.

Calabasas Peak - 4mi 1000'

Calabasas, Santa Monica Mtns

Distance: 4 miles
Elevation gain: 1000 feet

Hike time: >2 hours

Most of the way is uphill with a few chances to rest in the shade. Once you reach the top there is place to sit and enjoy the view.
Directions: Take 101, exit and go south on Topanga Canyon Blvd, right at Mulholland Dr., left at Mulholland Hwy and drive about 5 miles. Turn left at Stunt Rd and drive about 1 mile (look for the 1mile marker). Free street parking - trailhead across the street.

Eagle Rock Loop - 5mi 800'

Topanga State Park, Santa Monica Mtns
Trippet Ranch - Musch Ranch Loop

Distance: 5 miles round trip

Elevation gain: 800 feet

Hike time: 2.5 hours

The trailhead is located at the end of the parking lot by the picnic area. Follow the trail uphill a short distance to a posted junction. Take Eagle Springs Road-the left trail. 0.5 miles along this gradual uphill trail, you will pass the Santa Ynez Canyon Trail on the right. Continue on the fire road up to Eagle Rock... keep an eye out for cyclists.

Take a break at the top and check out the cave graffiti art. From Eagle Rock, return to Trippet Ranch via the Musch Ranch Trail. Take this footpath to the right as it winds down to the creek bottom through lush foliage and dense oak, sycamore, and laurel woodland. Two miles down this trail is a junction at the Musch Ranch Campground. Follow the trail sign and walk across the meadow. Turn left a short distance ahead at an unmarked junction and left again at a second unmarked junction. The trail winds back down to the Topanga parking lot.

Directions: South on Topanga Canyon Blvd about 4 miles and make a left on Entrada Road. (From Santa Monica, drive 4 miles north on PCH, right on Topanga Canyon Blvd and continue 4.6 miles, make a right on Entrada Road.) Drive about 1 mile to Topanga State Park. Parking available on the street or in the parking lot for a small fee.