Summary
- Topanga State Park is the best California state park for hiking adventures with 56 scenic trails to choose from in the greater LA area.
- Most trails in Topanga State Park do not permit dogs, but there are canine-friendly trails available.
- Fall is the best time to visit the park due to cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, but it is beautiful year-round.
Hiking is always an adventure in California, where the landscape features everything from craggy coastal routes to desert landscapes to rugged mountain vistas. There are so many amazing places to visit—but finding the best hiking routes amid California's hidden gems is a challenge. With countless amazing hikes throughout the state, narrowing down the options means hikers need an expert source to turn to.
In this case, AllTrails is a reliable source for hiking trail maps, reviews, and inspiration. According to AllTrails, Topanga State Park is the best California state park for hiking adventures, with an impressive 56 trails to choose from that wind all over the greater LA area's hills. Most trails end with a scenic view of Los Angeles and the sea, a sight well worth the hike.
Visit The Top-Rated Park For Scenic Hikes In California
Topanga State Park is located in the city of Topanga, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, just outside of Los Angeles. AllTrails relies on hiker reviews to create its best-of lists, and Topanga State Park doesn't disappoint.
Hikers give the park five stars for being peaceful, scenic, and dynamic; so many trails mean there's always something new to try.
- Location: 20828 Entrada Rd, Topanga, CA 90290
- Cost: Like other state parks, Topanga has a $10 day use fee per vehicle; it's reduced to $5 after 4 PM
- Parking: Parking is $10 at Trippet Ranch, the main parking area/entrance, but free parking is also available in public areas
- Size: Over 17 square miles/11,000 acres; 36 miles of hiking trails
- Access: daily from 8 AM to sunset
- Facilities: Restrooms available in the park
- Topanga SP also has an on-site nature center that's open seasonally from January through June.
Most trails in Topanga State Park do not permit dogs. However, the State Park provides a list of canine-friendly trails. And not to worry: Los Angeles is also home to countless pup-friendly places, including restaurants.
What Are The Best Trails To Hike In Topanga State Park?
According to AllTrails, Topanga State Park has tons of highly-rated trails. Most of the top-rated are moderate trails, varying in length from three to seven miles. These are the best hikes in Topanga State Park and what to know about each one.
Temescal Canyon Trail
Temescal Canyon Trail begins on Sunset Blvd and passes through the State Park. Highlights here include a seasonal waterfall, rock formations to explore, and potential views (on very clear days) of the San Gabriel Mountains all the way to Catalina.
- Length: 3.4 miles/1 hour 53 minutes
- What to Know: Fee parking is available; park for free a bit farther away but be prepared for a warmup.
Skull Rock Loop
Skull Rock Loop can be hiked both ways, either clockwise or counterclockwise, and overlaps with the Temescal Canyon Trail. Hikers rate this as a more peaceful hike because it goes off the beaten path more than Temescal Canyon does, but it still passes the waterfall and rock formations.
- Length: 4 miles/2 hours 20 minutes
- What to Know: Paid parking is convenient, but park along Temescal Canyon Road for free. Much of this trail is overgrown depending on the season.
Los Leones Trail
Los Leones Trail is a popular hike, so might be busier than other paths, but does tend to get overgrown in the summer months. However, this also means ample shade when other trails are open to the scorching sun.
- Length: 4.4 miles/2 hours 30 minutes
- What to Know: Watch out for snakes sunning on the trail and coyotes trotting through. Also, plan to leave valuables at home; hikers report that the parking area does not always seem secure.
Parker Mesa Overlook via Los Leones Canyon Trail
Parker Mesa Overlook is an out-and-back trail that partly follows Los Leones Canyon Trail. Parts of this hike are super-popular, so be aware of crowds. Note that many hikers see a lot of wildlife here, from coyotes and rabbits to snakes, tarantulas, and geckos, so watch your step.
- Length: 7.1 miles
- What to Know: The first 1.5 miles are rigorous, but stick it out to get to the easier and more scenic part. Parking is free; avoid stowing valuables in your vehicle.
Paseo Miramar Trail
Paseo Miramar Trail has a main path, but also offshoots to explore. The highlight, however, is the view from the trail's peak.
- Length: 4.9 miles/2 hours 42 minutes
- What to Know: Parking can be tricky, as there are limits to where visitors can park in the surrounding area, which may add a mile to the trip total. This trail also lacks shade; come prepared.
Most of the hiking trails in Topanga State Park are long, unshaded, and teeming with wildlife. Be sure to tread carefully, bring plenty of water, and treat the area as the wilderness it is—including learning how to stay safe if you get lost.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Topanga State Park In California?
While Topanga State Park is gorgeous in any season, fall might be the best time of year to hike there. Crowds have lessened somewhat, as summer is over, but the scenery is as fabulous as ever.
Cooler temperatures also make autumn an excellent time to explore the park, especially because shade is limited throughout most of the hiking trails.
Spring can also have cooler temperatures (not to mention the foliage is in spring bloom), but also hot days and more crowds. Winter is navigable as well, though it does tend to rain, creating messy and sometimes slippery trails.
- Can you camp at Topanga State Park? Yes, but the campsites are primitive and hike-in only.
It's clear why Topanga is the top-rated park in California for hikers, as you'll never run out of options for exploring this scenic area. And, it's not far from all types of adventures in the greater Los Angeles area and Southern California.