Topanga Lookout Trail

Extending across the ridge that separates the Cold Creek and Topanga watersheds, the Topanga Lookout Trail provides some of the most stunning views found in all of the Santa Monica Mountains. A short, flat walk on a dirt road leads to the ruins of an old fire lookout station, now a concrete pad with 360 degree views of Topanga, Red Rock Canyon, the Santa Monica Bay, and on a clear day as far as downtown Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Mountains and Catalina Island.

Parking is available at the Lois Ewen Overlook, at the intersection of Stunt Rd, Schueren Rd and Saddle Peak Rd, which also provides access to the Backbone Trail. This is an extremely popular trail and trailhead, please stay on trail and leave no trace – pack out what you pack in!

Please Note – the nearby Topanga Tower is PRIVATE PROPERTY, there is NO ACCESS to the public. Please stay to your left, avoid private property and follow all posted trail signs.

Please Note – the Topanga Lookout platform is property of Los Angeles County and is not owned or managed by TPLT. Accessing the Topanga Lookout is at your own risk.

Trail Map

Trail Map