Topanga State Park
State Park · Topanga, California
Topanga State Park lies in the Santa Monica Mountains between Pacific Palisades and the community of Topanga, with the Pacific on one side and the San Fernando Valley on the other. It is often described as one of the largest wildland parks inside a city's limits anywhere, which is why a short drive from the Westside puts you among chaparral, live oak, sycamore and open grass. The trails climb to ridges with ocean views, and the old Trippet Ranch area is the usual starting point - confirm trailheads and parking. It is a hiking and trail-running park, with no camping that I am sure of, so confirm. Summers are hot, wildfire and storm damage close trails, ticks and rattlesnakes are present, and mountain lions are rare but live in the range. Come early, bring water, and expect a parking fee. It is a hikers park, not a sightseeing drive, so wear proper shoes, tell someone your route, and check closures before you leave home.
20828 Entrada Rd, Topanga, California, 90290, United States
The park has generally been open from early morning until sunset every day, and the old posting for this row reads 8 AM to sunset - confirm the current times and the lot closing time with California State Parks. Gates and parking lots close on a schedule, and cars left past closing can be locked in or ticketed, so know the time. Winter storms can close roads and trails for slides, and the dry season can bring fire-weather closures on red-flag days. Trails burned in past fires have reopened in stages, so confirm which are open before you drive. Topanga Village and nearby shops keep their own hours, usually shorter on weekdays and in winter.
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