Topanga State Park — Attraction in Los Angeles

Topanga State Park is readily accessible from Will Rogers Historical Park, which serves as Park Headquarters, and there are many other entry points around its borders. Each entry accesses the extensive inter-connected trail system that is heavily traveled by hikers, bicyclists and sometimes equestrian riders. Even in the darkest parts of (wonderfully cool) nights, I have frequently seen the lights of bicyclists and hikers. The cyclists lights travel so fast, along what I know are difficult trails, that I marvel at their abilities!!!

Topanga Park serves as the beginning of the "backbone trail" a continuous trail corridor reaching from Topanga Park to the western end of the Santa Monica Mountains. A citizen group, the Temescal Canyon Association, which I helped found in 1972, and later served as president, was created with the chief purpose of persuading public purchase of Topanga State Park. About 4 years after completion of the park acquisition, the Los Angeles City Council honored me with the Los Angeles Bicentennial Award for this success.

The State was apparently very pleased to learn that there were so many beautiful park sites so near Los Angeles, and asked my group to propose a ranked list of the acquisitions we believed would be of greatest public good. This was such a large undertaking that I created three regional committees, each with the citizens I believed most expert on a particular part of the mountains: (1) Topanga, (2) Malibu/Century Ranch, and the Pt. Mugu/Sycamore Canyon area, at the extreme west of the range. Soon the Santa Monica Conservancy was set up to facilitate acquisition of the parks we proposed. In about 20 years, I was pleased to see that just about every park purchase my committees originally proposed had been acquired. And there was the wonderful addition of the 68 mile long trail tying all these parks together. The Backbone Trail was a wonderful extension of the dreams of the latter day citizen pioneers who successfully fought to create this great system of parks as a gift to all the public. (You know who you are, and there are very many of you who can celebrate this as your very...

Feeling a great sense of loss with the Palisades fire of 2025, of what has been my favorite local park! I’m in disbelief of the wildlife that may have perished, irreplaceable on such a large scale! My heartfelt sympathies for the loss of the buildings and homes of the area. The trees, especially the oaks, can’t be replaced easily. Topanga State Park has been an urban respite within easy access of the Los Angeles area, both from the San Fernando Valley, and from the south, thru the Pacific Palisades. I’ve had good times here hiking, biking, and having picnics with friends and family! The park entrance has had signage directing visitors to pay and display stubs or pay online. There has also been street parking along Entrada Rd. where it may be safe to do so! Also for long distance trail user’s, parking down at Palisades Highlands and hiking up has been possible. Now I’m unsure when there will be some sense of normalcy, as access from the lower trails may be affected after the wildfire. Palisades Highlands and Topanga Canyon will need month’s, if not years of rebuilding. Perhaps a short hike from the entrance, thru to the edge, or lookout and around back to Entrada Rd, will still be possible once the trails are cleared. This short loop could’ve been completed in under an hour, as it passed thru a mix of coastal desert hills and oak tree wilderness, including ocean views! A concern, especially at the creeks along the lower trails, are ticks. These little critters like moist, dark places and can quickly hitch a ride on unsuspecting hikers. I’ve made it a practice to do a body check in the restroom, before getting back in my vehicle! Sun exposure may be a consideration, so best be prepared, taking appropriate measures for any length of trails and time out in the open! Deep appreciation for the efforts of Firefighters to help contain the fire, as well as the park staff, local volunteers and related agencies who will persevere the temporary setback and return our beloved park for all to...

If you are anywhere in Los Angeles you will want to go to Topanga State Park. It is the biggest wild park we have in LA and one of the largest in the State. It is easy to get to and near places you might want to go or already be at. It is right near Malibu and close to Brentwood and the West Side of LA.

Parking is easy for a fee. It is not at all crowded on the weekdays, but can get a little congested on the weekends. There are very few staff type people to help you so make sure you have water and can walk, sometimes on rough trails. You can camp there over night, but there are no facilities at all. None. You pack in and pack out. Most people go there just to walk or hike.

In the parking area there is a bathroom and a drinking fountain. There is also a nice set of picnic tables for lunch.

If you walk far enough you can see the ocean and it is a lovely view. There are also wonderful wild flowers, little critters and great hills to see. It is part of the Santa Monica Mountains.

There are about 36 miles of trails through open grassland. It is beautiful. Mountain bikes are allowed but only on fire trails and people will not be happy to see you.

We have had fires, a lot, lately (I am writing in Sept of 2024), now none of been here, but there is really bad air right now and it is hot so keep that in mind. If you are healthy you will be fine. If not, maybe wait to take a long hike after fire season is over in late October.

Outside the park is the little town of Topanga, you will pass it on your way. There are places to eat there and a few shops. It is very nice.

It is a great place to go for a long hike or a short walk. Have a great time and pick up...