Topanga State Park to Parker Mesa Overlook

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Views

One of the best views of the beach all the way to the mountains is the payoff at the end of this run. Just strenuous enough to get your heart rate high, but there is nothing difficult on the route.

Parking costs $10, but there is some street parking outside of the lot.

Solid fire roads with bits of exposed sandstone.

Parking lot costs $10, but there is some street parking a little down the road. Follow the signs for the running trail leaving from the back of the parking lot and heading South and East to start. When you get to the T intersection, go left.

Follow the fire road trail along ridges and around a couple small peaks until you reach another intersection and a pit toilet. Go Right at the toilet/intersection until you get to the wide open view point with a couple of benches(Parker Mesa Overlook).

Lots of mature oaks in the first mile of the run, but this track is mostly exposed. Be ready for a lot of sun. Can easily be done in three hours round trip. One of the best runs I have found in the Santa Monicas to do right after some rain.

Access is easy and the terrain is very well maintained and easy to move on as it is a well used fire road system.

Large mature oak trees, lots of bushes and low brush, some manzanita, some yucca and cacti, and lots of wildflowers in the whole area in the spring.