Eagle Rock is a large rock located in the Santa Monica Mountains. The route is owned and operated by California State Parks as Topanga State Park. The rock is named for its appearance as the head of an eagle. Someone with a vivid imagination may also be able to pick out its wings in the surrounding hills.

Fire occasionally may burn here every now and then as part of the natural cycle of life. These remove old and dead brush as may be evident a few months after an intensive storm.

Description

Eagle Rock Trail near the top.

Beginning at an elevation of 1200 feet, the route quickly climbs above the lowland forest in the first 0.5 mile. It navigates over a number of hills in steps.

The ocean becomes visible at 1 mile. On clear days, Catalina Island may be seen 30 miles away.

After the third hill, Eagle Rock becomes clearly visible hanging off the side of an unnamed mountain. A trail splits off of the fire road at the mountain's base and climbs up and around its back.

The rock itself whould be explored on foot as its quite dangerous and may be fatal on bike if a sudden gust of wind blows.

Getting There

Eagle Rock is just northwest of Santa Monica, the closest major city (or almost city) to it.

Starting there, take Pacific Coast Highway 1 (PCH) west to Topanga Beach. Turn right on Topanga Canyon Road as it navigates a narrow canyon. Continue on the road through the town of Topanga to Entrada Road and turn right.

Continue through a local neighborhood where Entrada Road terminates and turn left on Colina Drive. Turn left again on the first road you come to (which happens to be another Entrada Road). Turn left yet again onto the first paved road you come to into a parking lot. The route begins on the far side.

When to Bike

The bike can be done year-round. The upper portions may occasionally be dusted with snow in winter but is usually clear and shouldn't be a problem. Haze reduces visibility in summer to block the more distant vistas. Again though, this bike may be done year-round with more or less the same conditions.