Date:          January 12, 2013
Time:          9:30 am
Near:          Topanga, CA 90290
Distance:    7.25 miles round trip
Difficulty:    Moderate
Elevation:    800 feet
Hike Time:   4 1/2 hours
Trail Type:   Trail/Fire Road
Hike Type:   Loop
Higlights:     Beautiful meadows, oak groves, panoramic views, impressive Eagle Rock

Summary: Trippet Ranch is the main entrance and parking area for Topanga State Park. We will start at the Musch Trail along a grassy hillside and soon plunge into the shade of oak and bay trees.  We pass a trail campground and soon begin our winding ascent through chaparral.  Soon we will see the imposing Eagle Rock.  This layered sandstone outcrop is pitted with caves and is part of a 15 million year-old Topanga Canyon Formation. Eagle Rock is easily the most impressive landmark in Topanga State Park and affords great panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and the ocean.  Back on the fire road, we continue along the ridgeline to “hub junction.”  We will take a short detour to Cathedral Rock before we continue our descent back to Trippet Ranch.

Trailhead: From the San Fernando Valley, take Topanga Canyon Blvd South for 12 miles and turn left on Entrada Road.  From Santa Monica, drive north on PCH to Topanga Canyon Blvd and turn right.  Drive about 4.6 miles and turn right on to Entrada Road.  Once on Entrada Road, follow the signs to Trippet Ranch Parking Lot.  There is some parking on the street before you reach the entrance station.  Otherwise, if you park inside the fee is $10 per car. We will meet at near the restrooms on the left hand side of the parking lot. 

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. Bring a hat/cap and sunscreen.

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

Rain Cancels.