Calabasas Peak Motorway

Getting There

You can, from Los Angeles, go one of three ways: take I-405 to US-101 and head west, or from downtown, take US-101 the whole way, OR, get on I-10 from the Westside or east of there and take that until it becomes PCH, then take that to Topanga Canyon (turn left onto Old Topanga Canyon after a bit) or, for the more adventurous types, take Las Flores Canyon to Rambla Pacifica, Scheuer and Stunt Rds, and then take the Mulholland Hwy to Old Topanga Canyon and turn right. You can also start it on Stunt Rd, but that's a long way up.

What's So Great About It?

Not a lot of people are on it, so you get some alone time, and you won't hear much beyond nature. The occasional and friendly horseback rider will wander by. Maybe you'll see a fellow hiker or two.

But that's not all. It's beautiful. Views of the Santa Monica Bay, Pacific Palisades, ranches and vineyards throughout the valleys, and the West Valley. You can see across to the mountains beyond Simi Valley and Chatsworth on a clear day.

There are fairly strenuous uphills, the path is wide and easy to walk on in running shoes (but wear hiking shoes/boots anyway, better safe than sorry). The trail has no water, nor does it have any bathrooms. Go beforehand, or hold it.

Depending on what season you go, you'll see wildflowers, and maybe a few wild animals. Definitely some geckos, if you're going later in the day. The vast majority of the trail is on the ridgeline, or just near it, except for the ascent from the roads, which conveniently mark the starting and turnaround points.

Now, the best parts:

• Fewer people means lower likelihood of people playing their annoying music loudly.
• Spotty phone reception, which reinforces the above.
• Fresh breezes
• Sweet grass smell (coupled with wildflowers)

What's not so great? No shade, so be prepared. If you're looking for a shorter hike, you can hike to Calabasas Summit via Red Rock Canyon in about 4.5 miles roundtrip.

Done? What Next?

Go eat somewhere in Topanga, or head out along Mulholland Highway to the Old Place Restaurant or to the Rock Store.

Happy trails! Oh, and keep your dogs on their leashes!