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 Reporter |
Summary: Just when I thought I'd seen it all in the Santa Monica Mountains this hike is a real gem and even reminded me of views in the Grand Canyon at times. Another spectacular section of the Backbone Trail this hike includes staggering views of pink colored sedimentary rock formations. Proceed over the creek near the Topanga trailhead and up steadily thru beautifully shaded live oaks and a sloping green meadow. Before long you will come to a wonderful pink gorge down on the right and you can take a side path down to it past a small waterfall. Once back at the main trail you will begin switch backing up the steep south slope of Hondo Canyon thru a lovely oak forest and then a deep chaparral forest. Along the way you will enjoy breathtaking views of sedimentary rock formations known as the Sespe Formation. If you are feeling adventurous keep on hiking all the way up to Saddle Peak which has ocean views and adds another mile or so to this route. Trailhead: The trailhead with street parking is off Old Topanga Canyon Road 0.4 miles just before the junction with Topanga Canyon Blvd. The Hondo Canyon trail is part of the Backbone Trail. If you want to do a car shuttle a good idea would be to hike downhill from the upper traihead which is located located at mile 0.60 on Saddle Peak Road (0.6 mile east of Stunt Road). (Lat:34.0927126060473 Lon:-118.608010294907) Trail Guides for Hondo Canyon: Afoot and Afield in Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Horses, Ranger Contact: California State Parks, (818) 880-0350 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Eric Altizer, who has posted 13 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 6 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Raven on 8/16/2010 We did this hike on Saturday evening at around 3pm. The trail is not marked, so we almost missed it except that we saw a guy walking down into the woods. The hike was like walking into a cool breezy forest, zig zagging up gradually along the mountain side, with views of the valley & some rock formations on the Westside, but no Grand Canyon like views (lol). We walked for 2 hours up and still didn't reach the end of the other side, so we turned back. It took us another hour & a 1/2 back because it was downhill. This hike takes 3 1/2 to 4 hours there & back,not 2 like stated. It was nice & cool in the woods, I would do it again & go all the way to the end next time & bring a snack & please don't go alone, feels kinda scary in the woods. 
Reviewed by mountainman99 on 7/22/2010 At age 57, it took me 30 minutes to the pink rock gorge, and another hour and 20 minutes to rest rock below the graffiti tower. About 7 miles RT confirmed by the sign on Stunt Road indicating 3.6 mi. back to Old Top Rd. 3 hrs 55 min total, with 15 min. for lunch. No snakes today, but huge forests of poison oak! 70% shade! Heavy fog, cool, but muggy. Very pretty place. Highly recommended!
Reviewed by jsschlif on 7/19/2010 Saying this hike is moderate is a bit of an understatement. My girlfriend and I just started weekly hikes about a month ago and we bit off more than we could chew with this one. If you don't have a drop off pick up plan look at doubling the time to get back to start. Our time was more like three hours to the pink sand stone and since our other hikes topped out at two hours we turned around after two and was back in four, ouch! We need a bit more conditioning to complete this one...in SIX HOURS!
Reviewed by sjm on 7/15/2010 I love this hike and have done it many times but please be aware there are LOTS of angry rattle snakes up there right now and the trail is so narrow in parts with no way of passing them.
Reviewed by Bill on 6/17/2010 It is gratifying to read this,as myself as President of ETI(corral 63)and Grant of Calamigos Ranch,our 2 groups along with the Santa Monica Trails council.Produced in 1990 the Dwight Yoakum/Hondo Cyn.Trail Benefit at the Ranch where we partnered with the Santa Monica mtns.Conservancy.Thanks for your kind comments.In service to HIM Bill
Reviewed by Maxwell on 5/23/2010 This was one of the more beautiful trails I have seen in the Santa Monica Mountains. It is a little bit overgrown in some sections, so pants might be better than shorts. There is also a lot of poison oak in the shaded areas to watch out for.
Reviewed by Dean on 4/26/2010 While you are there be sure to continue along Fossil Ridge and connect to the backbone trail to Saddle Peak. As you emerge onto the top of Stunt Rd, continue past the overlook and a short, easy scramble up off the road will place you on the right trail. Its a much nicer trail than what it looks like from the road. Continue around the water tank to a fork and turn left to Saddle Peak. See also http://www.theweekdayhikers.com
Reviewed by mike d on 2/20/2010 hiked it right after the heavy rains this month and ended up getting all muddy and stepping in the river but this is normally a great trail. the entrance has a sign and usually has a few cars parked nearby. you generally don't see many other folks out, but there might be a few at the beginning. the first part is the best, with a small stream, some open views of hills, and a large rock structure with a nice view of the valley. after a few miles it turns into switchbacks with woods/brush all around you. the end is nice when it opens up and has an excellent view at the end but you'll sweat getting up. this part is great for a long secluded walk through some decent scenery... one of my nearby favorites. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
