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Eagle Rock - Topanga State Park

Eagle rock, topanga state park Malibu hike, california hike, Hike for fun and fitness

Location : Topanga state park 

Total distance : 4.5 miles round-trip (loop) 

Elevation gain : 1,000 ft

Peak elevation : 2,000 ft

Tree Cover : Open trail. Sunscreen recommended.

Parking : Paid parking at the trailhead. 

Trailhead : Click here

Note : No pets, bikes or horses on this trail 

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Eagle rock, topanga state park Malibu hike, california hike
Eagle rock, topanga state park Malibu hike, california hike, Hike for fun and fitness

Note : Pets are not allowed on this trail. Even though we may not see any animals Topanga state park's wildlife inclues bobcats, coyotes, mule deer, racoons, ringtail cats and skunks. There is paid parking at the trailhead - $10 all day last time I've checked. 

Detailed directions : The hike starts at this sign, click here for the location. Hike past the sign for 2 miles to get to Eagle rock. Checkout hiking tips page. This hike offers great views including Channel Islands to the west in the ocean. After a few minutes follow the arrow with 'Trail' sign and keep left at the fork. 

Perched at the highest poin in the Topanga state park Eagle rock offers sweeping 360  views including not only the canyons but also the ocean and Channel Islands - this also means you can also enjoy the evening as the sun starts to set and hurry up back to the parking lot to leave before the park closes at sunset. 

​At this point follow the arrow point towards Eagle rock and keep left. take the trail on the left. Keep your eyes open in case there are any coyotes or bobcats close to the trail. Once again - pets are not allowed on the trail, it is also unsafe to take pets on trails where there are coyotes. Coyotes particularly target smaller pets and when in packs, so keep your eyes open and stay safe.  

At about 1.4 miles from the trailhead the E Topanga Fire Road splits into 3 - Musch trail to the left, Backbone trail continues straight and Eagle Springs Fire Road to the right. Stay on the Backbone Trail and follow signs for 'Eagle rock'. We will be taking Musch trail on the way back. Read about hiking gear on the hiking gear page.

Eagle rock, topanga state park Malibu hike, california hike, Hike for fun and fitness
Eagle rock, topanga state park Malibu hike, california hike, Hike for fun and fitness

​On your way back from the Eagle rock take Musch trailand follow another sign Musch trail to Musch camp. You will encounter a fork as shown in the picture above, keep left and stay on the trail. From the trailhead to Eagle rock it is 1.7 miles. But Eagle rock to the trail head it is 2.7 miles. So if you are feeling tired you can take the shorter route and come back the same way you took to go to Eagle rock.  

Pass Musch camp and follow the sign that says 'Musch trail to Trippet Ranch Parking Lot'. 

Eagle rock, topanga state park Malibu hike, california hike, Hike for fun and fitness
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