Saddleback Peak

Santa Monica Mountains

Distance: 3.2 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 950 feet
Difficulty: 2 (highest 5)
Season: All Year Round
Recommended rating: 4 (out of 5)

Outline

• Introduction
• Getting There
• The Trailhead
• The Trail
• FAQ
• Links

Hiking Guide: Saddle Peak Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains

Saddle Peak, located in the Santa Monica Mountains, is one of the highest points in the area, standing at 2,800 feet. The views from the trail are truly beautiful, with rolling hills, pastures, and country houses visible along Mulholland Highway. Horse ranches and sprawling grounds are also scattered throughout the area. This hiking trail is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a challenging and scenic hike that’s only an hour north of downtown Los Angeles.

Getting There

From LA, take the 101 Fwy North-Las Virgenes, left – Mulholland Hwy, left – Stunt Road, turn right, and at mile 2.9 the road sign, the small iron gate on the right is the starting point of the trail.

The Trailhead

To get to the trailhead, you need to park on the side of the trail. However, if you continue a bit further, you’ll find a larger parking space at the 3.0 mile mark. Look for the iron gates that indicate 3.2 miles to Piuma Road, which is also part of the Backbone Trail that traverses through the Santa Monica Mountains. Once you enter the hiking trail, you’ll climb steadily along a slight incline. At about 0.2 miles in, the road splits, and you’ll need to turn left.

The Trail

The hiking trail through the low tree forest is well-maintained, and as you climb higher, the views of the mountains and fields become wider. Brightly-colored houses with flowers in between green pastures look like they’ve been painted on canvas. You’ll see huge sandstone boulders lined up as you approach the summit. The coarse and small stones mix together like mixed concrete. The top of Saddle Peak is a flat peak, but the picturesque scenery and cool Pacific Ocean breeze will make your journey worth it.

FAQ

Here are some interesting facts about Saddle Peak and the surrounding area:

1. The Santa Monica Mountains have over 500 miles of hiking trails, and Saddle Peak Trail is one of the most popular.
2. The trail is best hiked during the cooler months, as it can get quite hot during the summer.
3. The view from the top of Saddle Peak is truly spectacular, with views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains.
4. Saddle Peak is located within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.
5. The area around Saddle Peak is home to a variety of wildlife, including bobcats, coyotes, and mountain lions. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions when hiking in this area.

Links

For more information about Saddle Peak and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, check out these official sites:

1. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (https://www.nps.gov/samo/index.htm): The official website of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
2. Backbone Trail (https://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/backbone-trail.htm): Information about the Backbone Trail, a 67-mile trail that runs through the Santa Monica Mountains.
3. California State Parks (https://www.parks.ca.gov/): Information about California State Parks, including those in the Santa Monica Mountains.