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Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
4.3 ★★★★☆ 11 Google reviews · Running trail in Topanga, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
This is the mountain range north of Santa Monica forming the south border of the San Fernando Valley. Chaparral on the hillsides, oak forests in the valleys, rock formations and fossils throughout. Many parks throughout with hiking and camping as well.
I hike here all the time. This morning was an especially dramatic sunrise light because of the clouds.
Plan your run at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
Running trails near Topanga
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Trippet Ranch
4.7 ★★★★★ 258 reviews
This ranch in Topanga State Park serves as a starting point for a number of hiking trails.
Calabasas Peak Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 58 reviews
Hiking area with kid-friendly options and plenty of coyote droppings.
