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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a great hike from the Trippet Ranch in Topanga State Park to the Parker Mesa Overlook. The first section of the trail meanders through a lovely oak grove with lush green grass. Above Trippet Ranch, the trail traverses the ridgeline between Topanga and Santa Ynez Canyons, with views of giant sandstone slabs and the ocean peaking out between the folds of the mountains. The vista from the Parker Mesa Overlook is stunning. You can see all of the LA basin laid out before you, the snow capped San Gabriel Mountains to the north, Catalina Island to the south, and the crescent shaped coastline of Santa Monica to the east. Trailhead: From Topanga Canyon Boulevard, turn east on Entrada Road; that's to the left if you are coming from the San Fernando Valley. Follow Entrada Road by turning left at every opportunity until you arrive at Topanga State Park. The trailhead is at the end of the parking lot. (Lat:34.0928 Lon:-118.58707) Trail Guides for Parker Mesa Overlook: Day Hikes Around Los Angeles by Robert Stone (Day Hike Books, Inc.) Hiking in Topanga State Park by Milt McAuley (Canyon Publishing) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Bikes Ranger Contact: California State Parks, (818) 880-0350 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Guillermo on 9/12/2010 I start early to do this hiking the sun was shine and warm in the way I found a pretty good size deer there was foggy and I couldn’t have a nice view to the ocean but there was a nice view around the mountains would do this trail again it’s a nice work out
Reviewed by Ghanie on 7/4/2010 I wanted to note that if you park in the lot it's $10. We didn't mind but it was a surprise so I wanted to mention that (free parking is along the side of the road before the entrance). The hike itself was very enjoyable, one of the best views we've seen so far. On our way down we saw a garden snake slither across the trail right in front of us.
Reviewed by DMW on 1/4/2010 This is an all-season hike. The first two times I hiked from Trippet Ranch, the coast was fully fogged in and looked like the very edge of earth. In winter after a rain, the views are clear to Long Beach. It's popular, though, so expect company at the overlook. If you want ocean views, use Los Liones trailhead. 
Reviewed by C.K. on 11/29/2009 Excellent morning hike. It was not difficult and the views of the Pacific coastline is amazing. Will come again soon.
Reviewed by MB on 11/2/2009 We did this hike on the full moon night last month. It was an easy stroll - fire roads almost all the way. Canyon views were nice while there was light. The highlight was the awesome view from the overlook (duh?). We could see the entire LA coastline glittering beneath the full moon night. Overall, it was pretty enjoyable and worth doing atleast once. If I do it again, I'll make sure to take along my camera and tripod :-).
Reviewed by Imajeep on 10/23/2009 I've done this hike four times now, the last time from the Los Liones trailhead. That's my favorite route, as it adds a few hundred feet elevation and about a mile each way to the hike. In addition, the LosLiones portion of the hike is completely different from the upper part. Instead of a fire road/desert environment, you get a winding trail through a sub-tropical forest. Very cool. 
Reviewed by Fabrizio on 10/18/2009 Great hike. All along fireroad. Good workout. Coordinates of parker mesa overlook N 34.05914 W118.57398. Great view from the overlook. Great spot for a picnic.
Reviewed by L.T. on 7/4/2009 Hiked the Parker Mesa trail from Trippet this morning (2nd trip). Approximately 1.5 miles from the final path to the overlook, I had an encounter with a Puma. I was walking up a moderately steep incline and once I reached the top I saw a large, "orange" animal in the brush. It was facing away from me with the side of it's body exposed. One second after seeing it, it's head turned. I didn't move and we stared at each other for approximately 10 seconds and thankfully, it slithered forward into the brush. I decided not to continue to the overlook as I would have had to go passed him (and I lost sight of him). I mentioned my experience to the ranger at Trippett and he advised that this was a VERY rare experience. And what an experience it wa 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
