Topanga State Park

One of the best kept secrets in LA: we have the “nation’s largest state park within a city limit” right here in LA. Topanga SP is such an underrated gem in the wild park scene. Incredible views from Temescal Peak. Cathedral Rocks. Limitless hiking and trail running, all right here in the city limits. Spectacular.

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 after yourself.

Construction on the main parking lot eliminates most of the parking spaces on the weekend and almost all of them during the week. Not expected to be complete until early 2025. I hike here monthly. From a quick trip to see some deer to an all day hike up the hill and down in the canyon, it has it all. The deer are definitely out early in the morning, I never fail to see them if I get there within a couple of hours after sunrise. There is water in the canyon during the winter and spring starting after the first rain of the season and lasting until a month after the last. I have only once seen a bobcat, but rabbits, squirrels, and hawks are easy to find. Cayote is seen rarely. The main parking lot does not open until 8 am and you must pay to park there, but you can park on the side of the road and walk into the park. There are toilets at the main parking lot as well as picnic tables.

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 enjoy once again!

Great hike with lots of trails all over. The views are breathtaking of the whole ocean, Malibu and Los Angeles areas. Moderate hike depending on how far you go and what trails you choose. We started at the Los Leones trail head. It is very busy on the weekends. Hiking boots are not needed, it's a gradual climb with many switch backs. No bathrooms close by and parking can be hard to find on busy days. Trails are narrow at the beginning of the first mile, but it gets wider as you get to the top and then you can hike further up on a wider trail/road. There are lots of lookout points and one park bench at the first upper stopping point. Watch for snakes on hot days. Bring plenty of water and sun protection if you are worried about heat as there isn't shade. There's so much to explore and many different starting points so plan and prepare and have fun.

Great hiking area. I came to check out the trail after the fires. Looked pretty apocalyptic until I found the little plants and trees growing amongst the ash. Great hike. Wear a hat as most of the shade has been burnt away.

Always a great place to hike. Good for families. Munsch trail, nature trail particularly good for the little ones. Both have rest rooms. Try to beat there when opening as parking lot is small and fills up. $10 day use.

My father and I (two big dudes from Michigan) had a blast here hiking up to Eagle Rock and back. I wouldn’t recommend coming here if you weren’t going willing to dedicate a bit of time walking on the trails. Pay attention to the trail signs and you should be good. Make sure you go up the road and down the trail. We went up the trail and down the road, which is apparently more difficult. We saw some breathtaking scenery and some critters—including rattlesnakes. We will definitely head back here the next time we are in the area. We wanted to go to the waterfall as well, but we were running out of time, unfortunately.