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 Reporter |
Summary: Always bring the ten essentials on a day hike. I began this hike at 2:30 pm thinking I had plenty of time to get back by dark. Wrong! This would have been an interesting situation had I not had my trusty Photon flashlight handy. Hey night hiking is actually a lot of fun if you are prepared. Enough said. This hike has a terrific payoff at the end of a long climb in the way of panoramic views and dramatic sandstone formations. Do bring map and compass for this hike otherwise you might not know which way to turn at trail junctions. At the dirt parking area find the trailhead to the left with a sign "High Stunt Trail". Follow along this trail next to a creek and make a left at the trail junction. Follow the Stunt High Trail across a service road then across Stunt Road two times until it hooks up with the Backbone Trail. Note: walk down to the right each time to find the trail again across Stunt Rd. Turn left onto the Backbone Trail going to Saddle Peak. Trailhead: From the 101 Freeway exit Las Virgenes Rd. heading south towards Malibu. Make a left turn on Mulholland Highway about 5 miles then turn right onto Stunt Rd. Take Stunt Rd. 2.9 miles to a turn out on the right hand side. Find the trailhead with a sign that says "Stunt High Trail" to your left. (Lat:34.09493 Lon:-118.64743) Trail Guides for Saddle Peak from Stunt High Trail: Afoot and Afield in Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Santa Monica Mountain Conservancy (310) 589-3200 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Eric Altizer, who has posted 13 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Ellen on 4/11/2007 We began at the 2.9 marker on Stunt Rd. - Backbone trailhead - with a group of 9, all different ages, 10 to 50 yrs. Going this way cut the hike a bit (commenced at 2 p.m. and finished at 4 p.m.) but I believe the only thing we may have missed is more of the creek - which for now is dry anyhow. We loved spending the time with the local scenery.
Reviewed by ARC on 6/12/2006 This was definitely a true hiking experience. Beautiful diversity of plant and native California flowers. Great views of valley and awesome rock formations at the top. Lots of lizards and fire ants. Overall, a great hiking day.
Reviewed by TMH on 9/13/2005 This hike begins at the pull out just after the 1.00 mile marker on Stunt Rd; if you try following the trail with these directions from the 2.9 marker (which is where the trail crosses the road for the second time) then they won't make sense. Also, if you are driving from the PCH, remember to take a right on Malibu Canyon, which turns into Las Virgenes, and don't try taking Stunt Road via Topanga Canyon, because there is a road closure. As for the hike itself, it has awesome views, but the proximity of civilization (road crossings and radio antennea) negate any sense of remoteness. 
Reviewed by Pamela on 6/25/2004 I took a bunch of people up here with the 20s 30s Sierra Club Section in February. This was a great hike and I would definately do it again. We started in the morning and ate lunch on the peak while overlooking the ocean. Someone said we looked like seals huddled on the rocks ; ) On a clear day you can get a great view of Catalina Island and the LA area. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||