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.
