Date: July 25, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Near: Calabasas, CA
Distance: 8 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1677’
Hike time: 4 1/2 hours with lunch
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike Type: Out and Back

Summary:  Stunt High Trail begins with a pleasant shaded walk along Cold Creek Canyon and is one of the secret treasures of the Santa Monica Mountains. A year-round stream and a protected north-facing canyon provide a rich variety of ferns and flowering plants in the 600-acre preserve.

This hike has a terrific payoff at the end of a long steady climb in the way of panoramic views and dramatic sandstone formations at the top of Saddle Peak.  Saddle Peak is the sixth tallest summit in the Santa Monica Mountain range at 2805 feet. We will follow along the creek and make a left at the trail junction and pass an oak grove. We continue our steady ascent on Stunt High Trail until we access a trail that meets up with the Backbone Trail. Along the way we will hike through chaparral and Manzanita. Turn left onto the Backbone Trail going to Saddle Peak.  This hike provides a steady aerobic workout on the ascent portion of the hike.

Trailhead:

From 101 North, exit Topanga Canyon Blvd South (CA-27), go 1.6 miles, turn right at Mulholland DR for .5 miles, turn left at Mulholland HWY and go 5.3 miles, turn left at Stunt RD for 1.0 mile to the pullout on the right. 

From 101 South, exit on Las Virgenes Road and head south for 3 miles to Mulholland Highway. Turn left and continue 4 miles to Stunt Road. Turn right and drive 1 mile to the pullout on the right.

From Santa Monica, drive north on PCH/Highway 1 to Topanga Canyon Blvd (CA-27) and go 4.3 miles.  Turn left at Old Topanga Canyon RD, go 3.7 miles.  Turn left to stay on Old Topanga Canyon for 1.6 miles.  Turn left to stay on Old Topanga Canyon Rd for .4 miles.  Turn left at Mulholland Hwy for 3.6 miles.  Turn left at Stunt Rd for 1.0 mile to the pullout on the right. 

We will gather in the parking lot.  Please be on time, as we would like to be on the trail by 9:15 am.  I will be driving a gray Subaru Outback.

What to Bring: Good hiking boots/shoes. A hiking/trekking pole may be useful for the occasional step ascent/descent on the trail, but not necessary. Pack a lunch, snacks and bring plenty of water. Everyone’s water requirements are different, but I went through 3.0 liters of water from my Camelback Pack on this hike. Bring a hat/cap and sunscreen.

Carpooling: Contact other members to carpool; share the conversation and travel expenses.

This hike is Co-sponsored by Gay Outdoors and the CMG Local Events Committee in Los Angeles. All men are welcome.