Just east of Malibu Canyon you can explore one of the highest points in the Santa Monica Mountain Range, Saddle Peak (2,805')
The hike begins at Stunt High Trailhead. Crossing over Stunt road, head up the fire road leading to Calabasas Peak. Just before the fire road turns to head up CP, a smallish trail appears on the right (it is not found on any map.)
(View looking down towards the fire road and Calabasas Peak)
After climbing over a few knolls, Topanga Ridge comes into view:
This portion of the hike involves class 2.5/3 rock scramble and is not for those who are afraid of heights.
We saw deer, rabbit, mountain lion and snake tracks on our way up the ridge, as well as a horned toad and many whiptails. Even on a hazy day, the views were gorgeous; beautiful wildflowers and jaw-dropping sandstone outcroppings added to the experience:
At the top of the ridge, you come to an unexpected site:
heavily spray painted ruins (with a couch) and an abandoned Fire Lookout station. The vast amount of spray paint (and the couch) indicate there is an *easy* way to get to this spot. Regardless of the paint, the views from here are marvelous; on a clear day you can see the San Fernando Valley, LA Basin, Santa Monica bay and -believe it or not - San Gorgonio Pass.
Descending Saddle Peak, and after a brief jaunt on Stunt Road, you come to a gate with a sign:
Note the words 'Call for a Permit' They really mean it. On this day we decided it was okay to enter without calling beforehand. The Cold Creek Preserve is a gorgeous area that protects the year-round 'Cold Creek' as well as a wide array of Oaks, ferns, wildflowers and the animals who live there. The history of this area is interesting; on the trail you will come across a home made of sandstone. The 'Boulder House' was built by a German immigrant named Herman Hethke. Hethke lived here in 1900; he used to grow and sell vegetables in Calabasas. While the house no longer has the tin roof atop, you can still climb inside for a sit down.
Nearing the end of the loop, we prepare to exit the Cold Creek Preserve and step back onto Stunt Road (about a half mile away from where we parked our car) However...
Oh No! The gate's locked! When they said 'call ahead for a permit' they really meant it. We had to find a spot to shimmy over the barbed-wire-topped fence; interesting way to end a fantastic hike.
Total look is about 9 miles with 2000+/- gain. Trailhead is 1.0 miles up Stunt Road, just off Mulholland Hwy. Most of the ridge is in full sun; bring 2-3 liters of water plus the '10 essentials'
The Preserve is mostly all shade; the switchbacks lined with Live Oaks. Just be sure to call for a permit.
Beautiful land worth preserving.
