Saturday morning I woke up at 6am and couldn't fall back asleep so I did the laundry and watched a movie which I highly recommend – "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead" directed by Sidney Lumet. I caught up on my episodes of the L Word and fearing getting stuck on the couch all weekend I made a few calls to see if anyone wanted to hike with me. Maybe because of Sundance, the 3 day weekend or laziness, no one came with me. I was intending on doing my usual 5 miles at Paseo Miramar but it was such a beautiful day that I wound up going to the bench by Topanga state park. I think it's about 9 miles. As much as I like hiking with others, I LOVE trekking out on my own. It amazes me how 20 minutes on Sunset Blvd. heading west can make such a difference. For me, hiking is the best therapy, it's the best way to get in touch with your thoughts and if you're feeling down it's the best pick me up (provided you can motivate yourself to get there). Next time you get a dose of the blahs try a hike, I guarantee you'll fell better.
Sunday I went to the gym, I did the treadmill for 1 hour (I got the wrong schedule and the spinning class started later than I thought) after the treadmill (intervals of walking & running) I did the spinning class followed by a pilates class that my friend taught. I felt pretty good and then a friend called and invited me on a hike. I almost said no but it was a 2 miler at Kenter which is a pretty simple hike. Even though this is one of the woosie hikes, for the first 15 minutes my heart rate was higher than it should have been. I guess too much activity for one day. I'm glad I went because I love being outdoors rather than confined to the gym.
Yesterday, I woke up around 8am and before I got stuck doing anything else, I went to Paseo Miramar again. It was nice and chilly (the best hiking weather in my opinion). I did about 8 miles this time but as I was heading home, Temescal looked very inviting so I parked my car and went all the way to skull rock (I'm not sure if this is the actual name but the rock looks like a skull so that's what I call it). As I made my way down, it started raining, which was scary because the trail is narrow and steep on some parts so I was trying my best not to slip. The day before two people had to be lifted off Temescal! There was one point where I almost slipped and the only way not to fall was to run down the hill. I was so scared because I did not know how I was going to stop. There was a wooden plank at the bottom of the hill so that's what stopped me – it was very random but I am grateful to whoever put it there because the plank was not there when I went up.
So today my legs are sore but clothes are loose in all the right places and I feel great. Today I'm going to a kickboxing class – we'll see how that goes!
Take A Hike,
Lucy
Showing posts with label Paseo Miramar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paseo Miramar. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Parker Mesa Overlook from Topanga State Park
Highlights: Great picnic area, beautiful ocean and mountain/canyon views
Distance: 6 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 800 ft
Hike Time: 2 - 3 hours depending on your hiking experience.
Diffuculty: Moderate if you are an experienced hiker – grueling the first few tries. Difficult during hot weather.
Trail Condition: The trail is wide and well kept. Watch out for bikers on the downhill who will sometimes zoom past you with very little warning, and snakes during warm weather.
Trail Head: From Topanga Canyon Boulevard, turn east on Entrada Road; that's to the left if you are coming from the San Fernando Valley. Follow Entrada Road by turning left at every opportunity until you arrive at Topanga State Park. The trailhead is at the end of the parking lot. (Lat:34.0928 Lon:-118.58707)
Summary: This is a great year round hike. You start the hike from Trippet Ranch in Topanga State Park to the Overlook. The first section of the hike takes you through a lush grove of trees. This is your last chance for shade, so wear a hat and plenty of sunscreen. When you reach the first altitude you’ll see the trails between Topanga and Santa Ynez Canyons. The scenery is beautiful, mostly comprised of the green mountains and giant sandstones. You’ll notice the change in color of the sandstones. They range from beige to mossy green to a purplish pink. There’s a bench about 1 mile into the hike. Save sitting on this bench for the end.
The second part of the hike is a steady climb, and may be painful for first timers but by this point you’ll be hiking with a gorgeous ocean view, so don’t give up. Before you reach the Overlook, the incline is higher and can be challenging to a first time hiker.
By the time you get to the intersection of the Overlook, you’ll feel like a true Canyon Nymph and the .5 miles to the overlook are my favorite on this hike. You’ve already done the most difficult climbs. This last bit of trail to the overlook is narrower than the trail you were on but it’s still very well kept and the shrubs do not get in your way.
Finally, you reach the overlook. There are two benches and a flat rock on the ground for you to sit on and enjoy the ocean and city view. On a clear day you can see Catalina Island and past downtown LA.
If you want to make this hike more challenging, when you get to the intersection, instead of going to the Overlook, you can head over to Paseo Miramar – if you skip the overlook and go down to Paseo Miramar and back to Topanga it’s about a 9 mile hike.
Ranger Contact: California State Parks, (818) 880-0350
Disclaimer: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Take A Hike,
Lucy
Distance: 6 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 800 ft
Hike Time: 2 - 3 hours depending on your hiking experience.
Diffuculty: Moderate if you are an experienced hiker – grueling the first few tries. Difficult during hot weather.
Trail Condition: The trail is wide and well kept. Watch out for bikers on the downhill who will sometimes zoom past you with very little warning, and snakes during warm weather.
Trail Head: From Topanga Canyon Boulevard, turn east on Entrada Road; that's to the left if you are coming from the San Fernando Valley. Follow Entrada Road by turning left at every opportunity until you arrive at Topanga State Park. The trailhead is at the end of the parking lot. (Lat:34.0928 Lon:-118.58707)
Summary: This is a great year round hike. You start the hike from Trippet Ranch in Topanga State Park to the Overlook. The first section of the hike takes you through a lush grove of trees. This is your last chance for shade, so wear a hat and plenty of sunscreen. When you reach the first altitude you’ll see the trails between Topanga and Santa Ynez Canyons. The scenery is beautiful, mostly comprised of the green mountains and giant sandstones. You’ll notice the change in color of the sandstones. They range from beige to mossy green to a purplish pink. There’s a bench about 1 mile into the hike. Save sitting on this bench for the end.
The second part of the hike is a steady climb, and may be painful for first timers but by this point you’ll be hiking with a gorgeous ocean view, so don’t give up. Before you reach the Overlook, the incline is higher and can be challenging to a first time hiker.
By the time you get to the intersection of the Overlook, you’ll feel like a true Canyon Nymph and the .5 miles to the overlook are my favorite on this hike. You’ve already done the most difficult climbs. This last bit of trail to the overlook is narrower than the trail you were on but it’s still very well kept and the shrubs do not get in your way.
Finally, you reach the overlook. There are two benches and a flat rock on the ground for you to sit on and enjoy the ocean and city view. On a clear day you can see Catalina Island and past downtown LA.
If you want to make this hike more challenging, when you get to the intersection, instead of going to the Overlook, you can head over to Paseo Miramar – if you skip the overlook and go down to Paseo Miramar and back to Topanga it’s about a 9 mile hike.
Ranger Contact: California State Parks, (818) 880-0350
Disclaimer: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Take A Hike,
Lucy
Parker Mesa Overlook from Paseo Miramar
Highlights: Beautiful ocean and mountain/canyon views
Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
Hike Time: 2 - 3 hours depending on your hiking experience.
Diffuculty: Moderate if you are an experienced hiker – grueling the first few tries. Difficult during hot weather.
Trail Condition: The trail is wide and well kept. Watch out for bikers on the downhill who will sometimes zoom past you with very little warning, and snakes during warm weather.
Trail Head: From Santa Monica – take PCH heading north to Sunset Blvd. Turn right on Sunset and drive about .3 miles to Paseo Miramar. Turn left on Paseo and follow Paseo Miramar for about 1 mile. The road will fork, stay to the right take it all the way until it dead ends at the fire road. There’s street parking but gets crowded on weekends. The earlier you start the better.
Summary: This is a great year round hike, though it can be painful during hot weather. The view however, makes this hike worth it. You are hiking on a dirt road doing intervals of gradual and steep inclines. After about 1.5 miles you’ll go down a small hill and then the trail flattens out for a bit and you’ll find yourself in a small meadow followed by a bit of shade. Enjoy this little piece of heaven because you have one more hill before you get to the Parker Mesa Overlook Junction. There are several garbage cans to discard water bottles etc.
The path from the Junction to the Overlook is a bit narrower than the trail you were on before and is a series of up and down intervals. For your reward you’ll get amazing views of the Ocean and the city.
*At the junction, you can go left for about .5 miles to the The Overlook or keep right and continue on to Trippet Ranch. It's about 3 miles of up/down to Trippet Ranch.
Ranger Contact: California State Parks, (818) 880-0350
DISCLAIMER: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Take A Hike,
Lucy
Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
Hike Time: 2 - 3 hours depending on your hiking experience.
Diffuculty: Moderate if you are an experienced hiker – grueling the first few tries. Difficult during hot weather.
Trail Condition: The trail is wide and well kept. Watch out for bikers on the downhill who will sometimes zoom past you with very little warning, and snakes during warm weather.
Trail Head: From Santa Monica – take PCH heading north to Sunset Blvd. Turn right on Sunset and drive about .3 miles to Paseo Miramar. Turn left on Paseo and follow Paseo Miramar for about 1 mile. The road will fork, stay to the right take it all the way until it dead ends at the fire road. There’s street parking but gets crowded on weekends. The earlier you start the better.
Summary: This is a great year round hike, though it can be painful during hot weather. The view however, makes this hike worth it. You are hiking on a dirt road doing intervals of gradual and steep inclines. After about 1.5 miles you’ll go down a small hill and then the trail flattens out for a bit and you’ll find yourself in a small meadow followed by a bit of shade. Enjoy this little piece of heaven because you have one more hill before you get to the Parker Mesa Overlook Junction. There are several garbage cans to discard water bottles etc.
The path from the Junction to the Overlook is a bit narrower than the trail you were on before and is a series of up and down intervals. For your reward you’ll get amazing views of the Ocean and the city.
*At the junction, you can go left for about .5 miles to the The Overlook or keep right and continue on to Trippet Ranch. It's about 3 miles of up/down to Trippet Ranch.
Ranger Contact: California State Parks, (818) 880-0350
DISCLAIMER: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Take A Hike,
Lucy
The Canyon Nymphs
It's been a long time since the Nymphs have gotten together for a hike – That's the Canyon Nymphs, a name my friends and I gave ourselves because at one time we used to take to the trails on Saturday and Sunday. The core team is Karina Wilson, Kristina Meyers (DJ Haizee), Christine Le and me (Lucy Rodriguez-Watson).
We have hosted guest nymphs, Karen Gutierrez, Laura Somers, Onahoua Rodriguez and any out of town friends willing to take to the mountains with us. We did this religiously every weekend for almost two years, including the summers.
In the summer we started out very early because our treks were a minimum of 5 miles. We would meet at Whole Foods in Brentwood and be ready to go by 7am. We mostly stayed on the Westside, rarely straying from Topanga State Park and Paseo Miramar in the Palisades. We would occasionally do Temescal but at roughly 3 miles, that was barely a hike. Kenter Canyon was visited on one or two occasions and one time, we visited the Betty Ford of hiking trails – Griffith Park. We were amazed at the beer bottles, and various other things we found at that park (crack vials anyone!). It seemed that whenever we tried a new hike, we'd long for the 5 miler of Paseo Miramar, so that's where we mostly hiked.
All good things come to an end and life got in the way so we barely hike together anymore. DJ Haizee moved to Silver Lake, Karina went to London and Christine and I got busy with the film (Love 10 to 1 - check out our blog http://indiefilmlove10to1.blogspot.com/). The original Canyon Nymphs have not hiked together in a long time but I'm hoping to remedy that sometime soon.
I've tried to hike at least once a week since we "broke up" but that was hard during preproduction and production of Love 10 to 1.
I went on a hike after we wrapped and I did a 10 miler (On Thanksgiving Day). I started in Paseo Miramar and went all the way to Topanga State Park and back. It felt so good to hike, and it felt amazing being up there by myself. The ocean breeze was strong but pleasant and even though I had not hiked in about a month, I wasn't tired. I finished the hike in 3.5 hours, which is rare for me. I normally take my time when I hike by myself but I was so excited to be back on the trail after such a long sabbatical that I practically skipped my way to Topanga.
Since Thanksgiving, I've been very good about hiking at least once a week but have mostly been doing it Saturday and Sunday. During Christmas I hiked a bit more and it felt great. This is perfect hiking weather so I strongly urge anyone reading this to take to the mountains and get lost in nature.
xoxo,
Lucy
We have hosted guest nymphs, Karen Gutierrez, Laura Somers, Onahoua Rodriguez and any out of town friends willing to take to the mountains with us. We did this religiously every weekend for almost two years, including the summers.
In the summer we started out very early because our treks were a minimum of 5 miles. We would meet at Whole Foods in Brentwood and be ready to go by 7am. We mostly stayed on the Westside, rarely straying from Topanga State Park and Paseo Miramar in the Palisades. We would occasionally do Temescal but at roughly 3 miles, that was barely a hike. Kenter Canyon was visited on one or two occasions and one time, we visited the Betty Ford of hiking trails – Griffith Park. We were amazed at the beer bottles, and various other things we found at that park (crack vials anyone!). It seemed that whenever we tried a new hike, we'd long for the 5 miler of Paseo Miramar, so that's where we mostly hiked.
All good things come to an end and life got in the way so we barely hike together anymore. DJ Haizee moved to Silver Lake, Karina went to London and Christine and I got busy with the film (Love 10 to 1 - check out our blog http://indiefilmlove10to1.blogspot.com/). The original Canyon Nymphs have not hiked together in a long time but I'm hoping to remedy that sometime soon.
I've tried to hike at least once a week since we "broke up" but that was hard during preproduction and production of Love 10 to 1.
I went on a hike after we wrapped and I did a 10 miler (On Thanksgiving Day). I started in Paseo Miramar and went all the way to Topanga State Park and back. It felt so good to hike, and it felt amazing being up there by myself. The ocean breeze was strong but pleasant and even though I had not hiked in about a month, I wasn't tired. I finished the hike in 3.5 hours, which is rare for me. I normally take my time when I hike by myself but I was so excited to be back on the trail after such a long sabbatical that I practically skipped my way to Topanga.
Since Thanksgiving, I've been very good about hiking at least once a week but have mostly been doing it Saturday and Sunday. During Christmas I hiked a bit more and it felt great. This is perfect hiking weather so I strongly urge anyone reading this to take to the mountains and get lost in nature.
xoxo,
Lucy
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