XEROX Mountaineering & Backpacking Club

Peak 2049 from Tapia Park Moonlight hike 20 August 1994

When: Saturday 20 August 1994, 7:00 pm

Statistics: Rating Moderate. elevation gain 1500 ft; summit 2049 ft; 6 miles round trip.

Route and highlights: The trailhead is the parking lot in Tapia Park on the west side of Las Virgenes-Malibu Canyon Road. There are rest rooms and picnic tables near by.

We hike on a steep road that leads up the slope to the west. A large boulder blocks the road to vehicles. About a half mile farther along the trail, a road branches right and dead-ends at a gate, so we DON'T take it. Instead, we follow the switchbacks up the hill for about two miles.

Before reaching the peak, we come to a fork in the road. The left fork drops down to PCH. We take the RIGHT fork. After another 1/3 mile, we turn right at a saddle and walk to the top of the peak. We return the way we came.

We should get a spectacular view of the shore line, the sunset, and the city lights below. Miles away, you can hear coyotes howl and dogs bark.

Topo Map: Malibu Beach

Reference: McAuley, "Hiking Trails of the Santa Monica Mountains", hike #28

Bring: "ten essentials", jackets, insect repellent, etc. Leader will have first-aid kit

Driving Details:

From the South Bay: Take the 405 north to the 10 west to the end where it turns into highway 1. Continue up the coast, 7.0 miles past Topanga Canyon. Just before Pepperdine University, turn right up Malibu Canyon Road. Continue for several miles. Just before you cross Malibu Creek, park on the left in the unmarked but paved parking lot just off Malibu Canyon Road, 100 yards south of the sign that says "Tapia Water Reclamation Facility". If you cross a bridge and see a "Tapia Park" sign, you've gone too far.

From the San Fernando Valley: take 101 to Las Virgines Rd. and go south. (On my map, this looks like two exits west of Topanga Canyon). Cross Mulholland Highway and go a couple of hundred feet past Tapia Park, across the bridge and just past the "Tapia Water Reclamation Facility"sign. Park in the unmarked but paved parking lot on your right.

Allow 1 hour driving time from the South Bay. Be at the trail head by 7:00 pm.

Leader: Bruce Hamilton work: (310)333-3538. home: (310)327-4862. E-Mail: BHamilton:LAX1B

Miscellany: Let me know if you'd like to meet someplace around 5:30 for a PRE-HIKE DINNER. Suggestions welcome. Details will be sent to those who sign up.

Write or call the leader if you plan to come. Let me if you need a ride or can offer a ride. Bad weather will cancel.