With some of the best views in Topanga State Park and a chance to explore one of the iconic rock formations, this run is a popular option for all visitors.
At just under seven miles, this is a solid day run for most and it's worth considering bringing a lunch or snacks in addition to sufficient water for the day.
For families with younger children or folks who aren't looking for a full day's journey, luckily, there is a shorter, ~3.8-mile, option that heads north up the
Eagle Rock Fire Road to Eagle Rock as an out-and-back. This skips the northern section of
Eagle Springs Fire Road and the
Musch Trail. The elevation only cuts out a little over 200', so it still takes some uphill work. Or for those looking to lengthen their trip to over 11 miles, start to the southeast at the
Santa Ynez Canyon Trail.
To access this featured run, head to the Trippet Ranch parking area off Entrada Road. Locate the Trippett
Ranch Trail at the southeast corner of the parking lot and start onto
Eagle Springs Fire Road as it heads east and then north away from the
East Topanga Fire Road, which heads to the Park Mesa Overlook.
Slowly but surely, this well-maintained trail heads upwards out of the oak groves, passing the
Santa Ynez Canyon Trail off to the right (east). From here, the trail continues up for just over a mile along the ridgeline to the Eagle Junction.
Remember this spot, as you'll be returning from the northern loop before heading west on the
Musch Trail. For now, continue to the northeast on
Eagle Springs Fire Road along a well-deserved downhill section before the final one-mile climb up to the Hub Junction.
The Hub Junction is aptly named as it is the central location for a number of trails. Some even refer to this spot as the crossroads for the Eastern Santa Monica Mountains. For this run, head northeast on the
Eagle Rock Fire Road as it bends back to the west and south toward Eagle Rock from above. From the Hub Junction, it's almost exactly a mile to Eagle Rock, where there will be an obvious spur trail out to the rock itself.
Eagle Rock is a large, exposed section of sandstone that shows a number holes and cracks that represent varying erosion patterns. From Eagle Rock, continue south as the
Eagle Rock Fire Road descends to Eagle Junction. This time, instead of heading down the
Eagle Springs Fire Road that you came up, turn right onto the
Musch Trail.
If Eagle Rock wasn't enough, this beautifully scenic singletrack is the cherry-on-top reward for the journey. With seasonal wildflowers, intact chaparral, and shaded oak groves, it's truly the perfect way to end an already amazing run. The trail winds to the south through Musch Camp for just over two miles, ending back at the Trippett Ranch parking area.
Intact chaparral ecosystem, sagebrush, oak, and woody shrubs.
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