If you’ve arrived early enough in the morning, you’ll be able to catch the marine layer rolling through the city. 75 miles after entering the High Point Trail, you will arrive at Goat Peak! Marked by a flattened off high point after another short but steep climb, you will be greeted with 360 degree views that are truly hard to beat. If you find yourself needing to take a couple seconds to catch your breath on a hot day after the climb, have solace that there is a grouping of small trees ahead that make for a nice shaded place to catch your breath if needed. Shortly you will arrive at Inspiration Point for your first major overlook of the route.Īs you take the High Point Trail south towards Goat Peak, you are instantly met with a fairly steep climb up a narrow singletrack that at times can consist of loose dirt and rocks and makes for the most difficult section of trail you’ll encounter today. The Betty Rogers Trail appears less maintained and involves more unkempt terrain than what you will have experienced up to this point, but is our preferred route. Either route will take you to the same destination in roughly the same amount of time. Continue on until you come across a small trail marker and a junction allowing you to either continue straight or take a right and join the Betty Rogers Trail. 25 miles you will approach two benches overlooking the city below, each adorned with an inspirational quote. This is one of the several dwellings preserved and used today from the original Will Rogers Ranch.Īs you make the turn and begin your gradual ascent, you will begin to see your first of many beautiful views. You will have also noticed the large ranch building and horse riding ring just in front of you. You will soon come upon a staircase where you will want to take a sharp left and continue to the Inspiration Loop Trail. Keep to the right and follow the long wooden fence line as you pass by a large grassy area and under a string of shady trees. Once you’re ready to begin, head for the chain link fence and sign marking the trail entrance and park rules. A parking fee of $12 will allow you to park until 7 PM and is paid for by using the kiosk near the entrance of the lot. ![]() The parking lot is rather large compared to most hiking destinations, but due to the popularity of some shorter hikes in this area, the lot tends to fill up quickly and it is best to arrive early. We will begin at Will Rogers State Park located just off Sunset Blvd. With varied vegetation throughout, several overlooks along the way and a mix of exposed and shaded terrain, we think this route offers a great combination of features that are sure to please a wide range of hikers. ![]() ![]() With some of the most expansive views we’ve seen of Los Angeles and it’s coastline, there are few hikes that offer this type of experience while also being extremely accessible.Īfter scouting a couple different routes leading to Goat Peak, we chose to begin inside the popular Will Rogers State Park and follow the Backbone Trail as it ascends through Topanga Canyon State Park, where the majority of this hike will take place. While legendary status may be held for more well known peaks, we consider Goat Peak legendary in it’s own right and a gem amongst the many offerings of the Santa Monica Mountain Range. ![]() Long before the modern connotation of the word “ Goat ,” there was Goat Peak.
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