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 Reporter |
Summary: Eagle Rock is the primary attraction of this hike. It juts impressively out from the hillside, with dramatic shear cliffs on three sides. There is easy access to the top of Eagle Rock from the trail for anyone with a good pair of hiking boots. Another interesting spot is Cathedral Rock, a short quarter mile diversion from the main loop. You can stop for lunch here, sitting on the grass, with walls all about you. Some guide books refer to this hike as "Eagle Rock" rather than Eagle Springs. Note that when I took this hike, I did not travel on the Musch trail as suggested by several guide books, but took the more direct fire road to Eagle Rock. Trailhead: From Topanga Canyon Boulevard, turn east on Entrada Road; that's to the left if you are coming from the San Fernando Valley. Follow Entrada Road by turning left at every opportunity until you arrive at Topanga State Park. The trailhead is at the end of the parking lot. (Lat:34.09378 Lon:-118.585252) Trail Guides for Eagle Spring Loop: Hiking in Topanga State Park by Milt McAuley (Canyon Publishing) Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) California Hiking by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown (Foghorn Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring User Groups: Hikers, Horses Ranger Contact: California State Parks, (818) 880-0350 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by macktheknife on 8/13/2008 My advice is to start off late in the day. Take the Musch trail up since its shady in spots, watch the sunset from Eagle Rock, and then take the fire road back down in the dying light . Last time I went up Musch trail there were 2 rattlesnakes on it, so keep your eyes open.
Reviewed by Viewer on 6/13/2008 This is a nice hike, especially along the Musch trail. My personal variation is to start from the Santa Ynez trailhead in Pacific Palisades and to hike up the canyon, then up the fire road to Eagle Rock, down the Musch trail, up a little connector trail through the wildflowers back to the Santa Ynez trail, and back down, sometimes adding a side trip to the waterfall if I'm feeling up for it. Eagle Rock is very impressive, and exploring the various caves on it brings out the 5-year-old in me. 
Reviewed by Keane G on 7/7/2007 For a beginner, taking the Musch trail wasn't easy (especially at noon in Summer), but it's so worth it when you reach Eagle Rock. I have only taken the trail (haven't tried the fire road yet) to Eagle Rock and back. I am looking forward to see where the other trails lead to. The Musch trail can be a hard hike in the mid-day sun for new hikers. The early part winds through some shady areas, but for at least 3/5 of the hike, it's open trail and a bit steep at times.
Reviewed by Bob on 3/21/2006 great hike
Reviewed by S & friends on 1/17/2006 another great option is to take the trail towards eagle rock however you would bear right at the second fork following signs to the parker mesa overlook. city, mountain and ocean views as far as the eye can see! this out and back is approx. 4 miles. 
Reviewed by DS on 12/12/2005 In spite of a few bothersome flies and an obnoxious loudtalker during our lunch on Eagle Rock, ditto below. Hard to break a sweat up the fire road but some pretty vistas to the summit. The return trip along the Musch Trail was completely different and refreshing - lots of shady forested creekbeds and sprawling fields. A nice place for a family stroll but not much of a workout.
Reviewed by XL on 12/12/2005 Easy as pie. I used a hiking book which quoted this same hike at 4 miles, however. It was fun to frolic/take pics/read the graffiti among the crevices of Eagle Rock. The self-described pond along Musch Trail was little more than a puddle at this time of year.
Reviewed by jdfromla on 8/31/2004 The Musch Ranch Trail is a far more interesting way to climb the ridge up to Eagle Rock. The trail winds through grassland and riparian streambed habitat. Once at the ranch, the trail continues past the camping area with a moderate climb to Eagle junction, just under Eagle Rock. The spring is rarely more than a wet spot and the old wooden "water tanks" mentioned in some guidebooks have almost decayed into nothing. The highlight of the hike is eating a sandwich on Eagle Rock and looking down into Santa Ynez Canyon. The Musch Ranch Trail adds a mile or so to the total distance. However, one can shorten the hike if necessary but heading back down the fireroad towards Eagle Junction and back down to Trippet Ranch. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||