Trippet Ranch to Parker Mesa Overlook(edit)

Overview

This is a difficult out and back trail in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area from Topanga State Park's Trippet Ranch entrance to Parker Mesa Overlook.

Getting Started

The hike starts in Topanga State Park's Trippet Ranch parking lot. Cost is $10 per day (http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/737/files/Current_web_day%20use.pdf). If you want to avoid the fee, there is limited parking on the side of the road on Entrada the road into the parking lot. This is a narrow windy road. If you want to park on the side of the road, you should probably be there before 8AM on the weekends and holidays.

Trippet ranch area is well maintained and there are restrooms in the parking lot. There is also good signage.

The main part of the hike is rolling hills in a fire road, you are kind of on a ridge so you can see into Topanga Canyon and Temescal Canyons a little. There are also ocean views. The turn off for Parker Mesa is still a fairly wide trail. You have a view of Santa Monica bay from the overlook.

Trippet ranch is popular and the trail is also very popular. There are a lot of bicyclists on the fire road and so you'll need to watch out a little for them.

Dogs are prohibited: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=629

Taking Children

While a little long for small children the wide road and good views and modest ascent make it a good choice for families, although watch out for the bikes.