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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike has an amazing variety of sites and smells including strange geologic formations, frothy streambeds, tar pits and many different plant communities. The Tataviam Indians used the naturally occurring asphalt for healing purposes and to seal their basketry. At about the 0.9 mile you will encounter a slot like canyon called the Narrows which contains layers of nearly vertical rock formations. After the passage through the narrows stay left, then after another 200 yards stay left again and climb the switchbacks to the left that is called the Towsley Canyon Loop Trail. Topping out at 2450 feet, the trail begins a steep winding descent and includes breathtaking views of lush hillsides and canyons as it heads into Wiley Canyon. Joining a dirt road turn left and head down the canyon. After almost a mile of hiking take the Canyon View Loop Trail to the left which traverses over a summit and takes you back down to Ed Davis Park by the ranger station. Trailhead: Take the Calgrove exit from the Golden State Freeway (Interstate 5). Turn west back under the freeway and take the Old Road south to Ed Davis Park at Towsley Canyon. Drive 0.6 mile west on the graded entrance road to reach the picnic area and nature center. Park your car in the dirt lot to the right and then proceed up the graded road towards the floodplain of Towsley Canyon. (Lat:34.35685 Lon:-118.55792) Trail Guides for Towsley Canyon View Loop Trail: Afoot and Afield in Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Bikes, Ranger Contact: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (805) 370-2301 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Eric Altizer, who has posted 13 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 2 of 7 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Sidney on 4/17/2009 I went there on Easter day. Nice weather and lots of wildflowers blooming including poppies. I'd recommend it especially in spring, really loved it! 
Reviewed by Towsley on 4/11/2009 BEWARE HIKERS~~~ There are 2 older guys watching you passenger has a blk short beard & Balding Tan skin.5'8 150 lb who sit in the lot parked in backwards in a Beige Chevy 2 dr Silverado truck who break windows to steal wallets etc.. Think they are from LA. we have called the Sherriff not sure if they have been caught in the act............ 
Reviewed by T.D. on 3/7/2009 Took my wife hiking on this trail on 4/01/09. The weather was a warm 80 degrees! It brought out plenty of hikers. Overal it was a beautiful hike, and i'd recommend it to anyone. Also, with the unusual warm weather, we did see one big rattlesnake. Have fun, but pay attention to the trail too.
Reviewed by Tanya H. on 2/8/2009 This is one of my favorite hikes. It can be challenging if you are up for it and the views at the top are breathtaking. We've also hiked this with our kids and stayed on easier trails and it was still really fun! Great hike!
Reviewed by Mark on 1/19/2009 Took advantage of the nice weather to try this local hike. I don't know how others manage it in the summertime - we got warm even in January. Took the advice of EF here and went the reverse direction. Took our two kids (14 & 12), as well as the small family dog, and all had a good workout. A jogger or hiker had broken her ankle (!) on this trail, which caused some excitement. We saw her airlifted out on LA County helicopter - we certainly hope she's ok. The views were good throughout, best earlier in the day when the overcast skies made for dramatic lighting.
Reviewed by Melissa on 11/28/2008 Went there Day after Thanksgiving...I chose the mountain loop which stated 4.3 miles...after the first climb I was convincing myself it has to get better from here..Very steep climb in the beginning so bring a really motivating friend or great music to keep you going. On a side note, I have also hikes the 1.9 mile loop which is steep in the beginning but nothing like the other...start off with the mile long hike and work up to the other, bring some water, but I have found this hike is pretty shady if you go at about 1 pm...when the sun is already on the other side of the mountains.
Reviewed by EF on 11/9/2008 I really like this hike and have enjoyed it in all seasons. My kids (10 and 7) can hike this and are nice and worn out at the end. I have found that it's easier to do this hike in the opposite direction. You still get a great workout, but it's not so discouraging to start with the steep incline close to the beginning of the hike. To do this, just go down the entrance road all the way to Ed Davis park and follow the trail up. It is also easier to do thise direction with kids. Great hike!
Reviewed by B4P on 11/8/2008 Great place to bring your puppy friends, they can even pull you and motivate you up the hill. There are a few nice views (possibly overrated), but in the spring don't forget to look down occasionally and check for the baby rattlers! Also, a couple natural mineral smells tend to make you pick up your pace at times. It's a great hike for beginner's to test their limits, and no matter who you are there is a great little spot to lunch and rest as you hit bottom where water fall has artistically carved the rock. Bring a liter or two or water, a good bagel sandwich, and your on your way to a good local hike. -www.backpackingforprincesses.com 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||