Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Topanga State Park

    4.5 (231 reviews)

    Topanga State Park Parks Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Topanga State Park

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Enjoying a sunny perch
    Alisha S.

    A beautiful spot for hiking and home of one of the most amazing trees my kids have ever climbed. We parked in **I think** the Dead Horse lot. Pay to park unless you have a state park pass. Nice thing is they now take credit cards and if it pains you, feel good in the fact that it goes to the state park system. We had a lovely hike up, crossed a bridge, had some shade, saw lots and lots of pollinators at work and ended up the second parking area which works perfectly because voila, water, restrooms and picnic benches if you feel so inclined. SUNSCREEN AND WATER, hats and sunglasses also wise. Beware the poison oak. Enjoy the beauty.

    Pacific Ocean
    Samer H.

    Lovely park it's huge. The rocky mountains of Santa Monica the view is stunning . We pulled into the park we had to pay for parking, I paid 9$ for 3 hours or ten dollar flat fee for the day. There is available parking lot. Many trails and scenery . Eagle rock trail and many more each are unique and different . You get to see many wild life , red hawks , birds California quails ,coyotes . They said they are Bob cats and mountain lions. But I have not catch one on site. Restrooms are available. In some spots. I love how how organised the place is. So there is information map on trails to tell you where u are . With different trail u get to see a lot of seasonal flower and trees. I can't wait to discover more. My four stars comes in for the parking. For natural park I think it's a bit high.

    Yarrow
    Keo N.

    Living in the Twightlight Zone with no nowhere to go or to eat out, I started to look in my own back yard. Some State Parks are finally open. Yippee! This one happens to be open. No rangers and not too crowded yet. The views of Eagle Rock were spectacular and so were the views standing on it . Anything, just not to be cooped up at home but this was more than just anything! Parking is $10 if you don't want to bother with parking behind the white line on Entrada.

    Linda K.

    We hiked up to Eagle Rock!! It is such a great hike make sure to wear tons of sunscreen and pack water and some snack because you will need it. I was so blowed away bout gorgeous it was and what. Supported me was how clean the bathroom was hahaha. I care about stuff like that I didn't wear any block on my lips and got burned up.

    Aileen R.

    I have no idea why I have waited this long to do this review. Topanga State Park is the closest State Park that I have near my home. I love to hike here with family, friends and/or my boyfriend, Diego R., (hi babe if your reading this!). Parking lot opens at sunrise and there is a parking fee of $10 for the whole day. I normally park outside of the park and walk in to avoid paying but in order to help the park I should. I will next time. My favorite trails to do are the two following: 1. Start at Eagle Junction to Eagle Rock and to complete the loop go down Musch Trail. Total miles are five miles. It is a wide open path and used a lot by trail runners. 2. Another favorite is starting from Eagle Junction towards Parker Mesa Overlook. This is a fairly easy hike and roundtrip mileage is about seven miles. This is an excellent trail for hiking, running, and a few mountain bikes. The views are AMAZING and endless. I could say now that I have completed it that it is one of my favorites. You will encounter some incline at the beginning and a little before reaching the overlook. There is one campground at Musch Trail as a first come, first serve basis. You can honestly spend an entire day here and eat at the picnic tables. What I love about Topanga State Park is that you can do some many different trails. It is also within distance to the San Fernando Valley and beaches.

    Teresa A.

    I hiked the Musch Trail and walked the East Topanga Fire Road today. It was nice. I loved seeing all mountain ranges,foliage, rock formations, and meadows. I saw one lizard while on the Musch Trail. Note: I started my trek from the Trippet Ranch parking lot. Parking was $10 in the lot.

    Marco B.

    Wooow definitely a challenging hike...I went down the santa ynez trail which is not maintained as posted and it was a challenge coming back up...I ran down it no problem trying to see a waterfall ended up only seeing tears run down my face from the river being dry...I found this place with a hiking app and they said it was easy hence why I came to do it...my skinny fat ass almost passed out going uphill in the sun all alond got some dope shots but not worth my life

    Eddie M.

    This trail was a very nice place to walk on, there was many amazing things to look at. I would definitely recommend to check it out if you were deciding on spending time somewhere, it's relaxing and there's wonderful breeze in the afternoon.

    Topanga state park
    Enrique C.

    Beautiful place for to go to walk with panoramic scenic you can feel the nature & that's it

    Map of Topanga State Park.
    Nishad J.

    I took the 5-7 mile Eagle Rock Loop. I hike almost every weekend in the (Norcal) Bay Area so I was excited to hike down in Los Angeles with my friend this weekend. It's a good hike. Notable things: Parking - $10 if you don't want to park on the side of the road. Maps - Make sure you take a picture of the map at the entrance to the park. The cell phone connection is spotty so you'll have to rely on your picture if you get lost. Trail Navigation - I always budget time to get lost, especially the first time I try a trail - this time I definitely needed it. Climbing to the top of Eagle Rock, make sure you pay careful attention to all the signs and reference your map. There are a few junction points so it's easy to go the wrong way. Eagle Rock/Vistas - Hiking is the most fun when you have an end goal, a.k.a you summit something and get a cool view. At the end of our 3 mile hike to Eagle Rock, we were rewarded with great views of the Ocean and Malibu pier. There were also a couple of (wannabe?) Instagram models at the top posing awkwardly for pictures. Rattlesnake/Wildlife - Watch out. For the first time in my life, I saw a large adult rattlesnake just chilling on the side of the trail. Luckily, it didn't seem threatened or ready to attack so we were able to calmly walk by it. Aside from the rattlesnake there are a lot of lizards, hawks, and other smaller birds on the trail. Overall - a great hike! I'll be back.

    Nick A.

    I can't believe I've lived here for so long and not been to Topanga State Park. First suggestion. try to go on a weekday and try to go in the morning. Why? Hardly anyone will be there and you can probably park on Entrada Road, just outside the park entrance and save yourself ten bucks. See pic. The park was in great shape. The bathrooms were the cleanest I've ever experienced at a California State Park. They even have flush toilets, liquid soap, and paper towels. You'll also find plenty of picnic tables and even a covered picnic area. Plenty of well marked trails to choose from. I would say the hiking is at a moderate level because there's very little level terrain. Seems you're either climbing or descending, both on the way up an back. I also like that it's really easy to choose a circular route, so you can have some different sights and terrain to behold. I loved that it wasn't crowded at all. I might have seen ten other hikers the whole time. There may have been more, but there are tons of trails. I like being able to go on a hike and not see tons of people like you would in Runyon Canyon, or Griffith Park. If you chose to enter the park in your car, you'll find ample parking. See pic. I usually hike Paseo Miramar in the Pacific Palisades (it also gets pretty crowded). I think this hiking at Topanga State Park is a little bit easier, but not by much. I still felt like I had a really good workout when I was done with my 4 1/2 mile hike. Oh yah, there was even actually a restroom up there at one of the turning points. I'd recommend bringing a couple water bottles with you. It can get pretty hot and dry there. Most of the trails were very wide and well groomed. They are made for big trucks to use. You will find some narrower rocky trails along the way if you take some of the smaller trails. I was there with a group of people, and most of them were only wearing sneakers, one of them wore Uggs, and still had no problems on the trail. I saw evidence of horses on the trail, but I didn't see any dogs. I'm pretty sure dogs are allowed though, as long as they're on a leash. No excuses, get out there and enjoy a nice hiking experience, not too far away from LA. It'll leave you feeling good, inside and out!

    Views of the ocean

    See all

    2 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Troy H.
    1229
    1290
    1270

    1 year ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 5
    Love this 15
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Wendy K.
    27
    67
    83

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Afton B.
    103
    12
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Keo N.
    364
    1137
    10670

    6 years ago

    Helpful 31
    Thanks 0
    Love this 28
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 0
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Megan R.
    4864
    950
    3723

    6 years ago

    Helpful 34
    Thanks 0
    Love this 29
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nick A.
    1440
    995
    7663

    11 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Great trails to hike and beautiful grounds. Employees are very professional and friendly

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anson W.
    1205
    1093
    1257

    8 years ago

    Helpful 16
    Thanks 0
    Love this 15
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    For some reason, dogs are no longer allowed on trails. very disappointing after driving an hour to get there.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kevin W.
    790
    3015
    20393

    9 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Always a great visit for a lazy weekend afternoon. Sunny, relatively clean and beautiful!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brian U.
    0
    2129
    128

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jeff M.
    9
    698
    18

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rob K.
    0
    19
    0

    3 years ago

    Great hikes and views. Also, quite a workout to get to the top of Eagle Rock. There are many additional trails as well

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 47
    Thanks 0
    Love this 41
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Topanga State Park

    I know hikes are dry in the summer but between Topanga State Park and Malibu Creek which would have more green during this time? Asking for a photo shoot I have this week

    I am looking into putting on a play in this park. Does anyone know how I would get in touch with someone to ask about permits?

    You would want to contact the state park. Google Topanga Canyon State Park private event and you should be able to find the contact information you need

    View All 6 Questions

    Review Highlights - Topanga State Park

    I hiked the Musch Trail to Eagle Rock, which ended up being around 10km and took me 2 hours to complete.

    Mentioned in 60 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Parks 13,724 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Musch Trail - Topanga State Park

    Musch Trail - Topanga State Park

    4.8(22 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    Been there, did that. Many rides, a few runs, one rattlesnake escape. Oh, the 80s! oh Topanga Daysread more

    This was a fantastic hike - especially in the clear, cool weather we had today - at the top of the…read moretrail and Eagle Rock, we could see all the way out to Catalina Island and the Palos Verdes peninsula!! Wasn't expecting that! I found this hike when I was looking for trails with lighter traffic - it's inside Topanga State Park. It's the lesser traveled trail that gets you up to Eagle Rock and it's awesome! It was very lightly traveled - even on a Sunday!! I was so shocked! There were tons of people (and mountain bikers!!) on the heavier trafficked trail that takes you to the rock - and lots of people at the rock, but not on Musch Trail! No bikers at all - it's pretty narrow and rocky in places - and very few other hikers - and we even got there around 10am! The trail had a lot of shade - very cool temperatures and breezy. It was absolutely perfect! Lots of beautiful vegetation and trees. I think AllTrails might be a little off (again lol) - it says this hike is a loop at 4.4 miles with 921 feet elevation gain - but my fitness tracker says we did 5.5 miles, out and back (not a loop), and had only 763 feet of elevation gain. Took us about 3.5 hours - but we stopped for tons of pics and played around on Eagle Rock for quite while. Overall, for me, this hike was mostly easy for the first bit and then I'd say the last mile or so becomes moderate with the most elevation gain. There's a moment when you get up a hill and need to go right to get to the rock - but there's a wider trail to the left too - be aware on your way back bc we almost walked right past this turn to get back - it's kinda hidden! And we were chatting away and not watching too closely - luckily we spotted it in time! Eagle Rock itself is so fun!! It's very steep but the rock wasn't slippery so it was ok to walk up - just take your time and be careful. There's a cool cave to climb in to for pics too! I loved this hike!! Be sure to park at the main parking all the way up Entrada Road - I think it's the "Trippet Ranch" parking. We initially parked like a mile down below (at Dead Horse Trail I think) but that would've added 2 miles onto our hike. We paid $7 to park at the lower lot - then had to pay again at the actual lot - it was another $10!! They don't give you credit so plan ahead and don't make my mistake lol! They have good bathrooms at the trailhead and also about halfway in where the trail crosses the fire road so that was wonderful!! Easy to stay hydrated! Highly recommend this trail! It's become a fave!

    Photos
    Musch Trail - Topanga State Park
    Musch Trail - Topanga State Park
    Musch Trail - Topanga State Park

    See all

    Topanga Canyon

    Topanga Canyon

    4.6(29 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    As a natural place, Topanga Canyon epitomizes what much of mountainous L.A. County looked like…read morebefore urbanization, suburbanization, and exurbanization brought their ever more destructive waves of subjugating the land. Every once in a while, the lands lashes out, and the Palisades Fire was close enough to Topanga Canyon to remind everyone of just how vulnerable we all are, especially when we live on hillsides amid the trees and scrub brush. I don't wish disaster or any sort of ill will on the people who live here, but the people who live here, while many of them fierce champions of the wildness of the land, are really part of the problem. Ideally, this would all be wilderness. But people live here, so there are stores, and more people living and spending their days here. I understand the hippie and even back-to-the-land notions of the 1960s and '70s, but even then, this secluded ideal was being co-opted into an exclusive ideal--OK, not intentionally or in any kind of widespread way, at first, but who can afford to live here now if they don't already own the land? That's a really sad truth about much of California now, and it all comes down to pure greed disguised as an inexorable market truth, a physical law as reliable, immutable, and potentially punishing as gravity or the spread of wildfire. It is beautiful, though. As it happens, I've recently read two works of fiction that mention some of the new-money fakers that occupy this canyon. In both, someone was pretending to be someone he was not, in often frightening and offensive ways. Southern California can feel like that sometimes--a lot of the time, if I'm being honest. If you don't care about any of this, it's fun to drive from the 101 to the 1 on the 27, and vice versa. Just don't do it in the rain. Or during the Santa Anas.

    Gets extremely cold at night, internet reception can be extremely challenging. Locals race their…read morecars around here, which I don't recommend.

    Photos
    Topanga Canyon - Topanga hiking trail sights

    Topanga hiking trail sights

    Topanga Canyon - Topanga hiking trail sights

    Topanga hiking trail sights

    Topanga Canyon

    See all

    Santa Ynez Falls - Topanga State Park

    Santa Ynez Falls - Topanga State Park

    4.0(56 reviews)
    0.0 miPacific Palisades

    A huge thank-you to the Topanga State Park ranger who pointed me to this trailhead and helped me…read morefind the Humboldt lily I was looking for, my latest rare native plant treasure hunt. I had driven up to the Entrada entrance of TSP with nothing more than a rumor that lilies were blooming in the Santa Monica Mountains, somewhere. This ranger went above and beyond, giving me hiking tips, pointers on where I could find the flowers, and even showing me his own pics of the gorgeous native plant. This trailhead lies right next to a luxurious housing development, landscaped with 100% non-native and non-drought tolerant plants. (Aargh.) I found parking easily on the street; there is no admission fee at this entrance. The first few steps of the trail are covered with concrete, which itself is covered with graffiti. A typical urban hike. As you hike onwards, you're in a beautiful forest, watered by a creek, with lots of native plants to be found including the aforementioned lilies and the native California wild rose. This would be a great hike on a hot summer's day. Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Look out for poison oak. Don't forget water and the bug spray of your choice.

    Not enough signage on the trail. Make sure you will remember how to come back…read moreAnd just follow the trail. Bring enough water and snacks if youll get hungry. Its cold and has alot of shades when we went there (spring time). including stopping to take pictures. It took us 4 hrs roundtrip. We parked at the address provided here. Paid the parking ticket. Big lot to park. Bring extra clothes and get ready to get your shoes/socks wet. Just remember not to touch plants and bringing a trail sticks will be helpful. Overall its worth it!

    Photos
    Santa Ynez Falls - Topanga State Park
    Santa Ynez Falls - Topanga State Park
    Santa Ynez Falls - Topanga State Park

    See all

    Topanga Lookout Trail - Beautiful flowers

    Topanga Lookout Trail

    4.6(67 reviews)
    3.4 mi

    On a beautiful spring day there is nothing better to do then go for a hike in the mountains! As I…read morewas up early I decided to jet out to the Topanga lookout Trail! The ride to this trail is beautiful but keep your eyes on the road! Once you get to the trailhead there is street parking. Just don't park on the street between 9-6am. Come early for a good spot near the trailhead! This walk/ hike is relatively short. The hike starts at the gate and from there stay left all the way to the end. You hike will start on a paved area and then transition to a trail. A relatively simple hike with some gradual ups and downs! The views from the trail is absolutely beautiful! Especially when the fog is rolling off the mountains! You can truly get a 360 view! And the very end of the trail you are greeted with a cement platform that has been graffiti! This Takes away from the beauty but interesting its own right! On your way back to your car, if the cloud and the fog has lifted you will be able to see the beautiful ocean from the mountain peaks! If you are seeking a quick simple hike with beautiful 360 views, then this is worth the windy uphill drive!

    Came here for a quick hike to a graffitied spot. It was about a 20 minute hike to the top and on…read morethe day we went, it was all foggy so there were no views. ahhahaha Great place to just stop and think and enjoy the silence. Great for all levels and I saw some people making a bouquet out of all the beautiful flowers on the trail.

    Photos
    Topanga Lookout Trail - Lookout

    Lookout

    Topanga Lookout Trail - Floral abundance

    Floral abundance

    Topanga Lookout Trail - Thistle

    See all

    Thistle

    Temescal canyon Trail

    Temescal canyon Trail

    4.3(10 reviews)
    4.2 miPacific Palisades

    This beautiful trail can be extra beautiful in early Spring when runoff from the rain creates a…read morewaterfall and streams. The path is fairly easy in the beginning near the parking lot, with lush vegetation and plenty of shade. After you pass the various ranger homes and conference buildings the grade begins to get steeper, then more rockier. The reward is a bridge with a waterfall and small pool. Many hikers stop here, have a rest or snack and go back. If you carry on , the trail becomes more challenging but you eventually come to an area with great views before the path winds downward. Completing the loop back to the parking lot is a good accomplishment for the novice hiker.

    In A Nutshell: -The…read moreTemescal Canyon Trail is just okay, but could be better if whoever is in charge would cut back some of the overgrown brush & branches along the trails. -If you are tick adverse & don't want to chance getting them on you especially during the summer months, I wouldn't suggest this trail. -I did a tick check & did not get any ticks, but the chances of them landing on you are exponentially greater due to the overgrown brush you rub up against. -Most people hike the various trails, but I decided to do a nice 4 mile loop run. -The workout itself is very satisfying along w/ the nice, overcast weather. -I would imagine the views to be nice after the low lying clouds dissipate. -Parking is $12 per day, just pay using your credit card at the parking machine. Overall, this is a good workout if you don't mind the narrow trail systems w/ overgrown plants & trees.

    Photos
    Temescal canyon Trail - The waterfall

    The waterfall

    Temescal canyon Trail
    Temescal canyon Trail

    See all

    Topanga State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...