Goat Peak Loop

Topanga State Park, CA
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Info

Distance
5.4 mi
Elevation gain
2,100 ft
Route type
Loop
Duration
1.5 hr
Crux
Class 2
Quality
4/10
Ecoregion

Peaks bagged

1
Goat Peak1,728 ft

Trip report

Goat Peak is an unofficial peak in Topanga State Park that is most easily accessed from Temescal Gateway Park, the trailhead for the popular Temescal Canyon hike. Parking here costs $12, but there's plenty of free curb parking along Sunset Boulevard and Temescal Canyon Road.

The bulk of my route follows two singletrack ridgeline trails: the High Point Trail and the Rivas Ridge Trail. Some trail erosion and brushy overgrowth caused by recent rainfall served as a slight hindrance, which was offset by the beauty of hiking through a lush landscape.

Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
From the parking lot, I followed Temescal Canyon Road.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
After crossing a small field, I found the start of Rivas Canyon Trail (right).
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
The trail overlooks Temescal Canyon.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
View toward Pacific Palisades.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
A sign indicates to stay right to continue along the Rivas Canyon Trail. Instead, I turned left onto the High Point Trail toward Goat Peak.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
The High Point Trail snakes through tall brush.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
View along the ridge.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Looking back.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Goat Peak ahead.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Some trail erosion. Class 2.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Final stretch.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Goat Peak summit. View north.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
View south toward Westside Los Angeles.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Continuing along the ridge.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Turnoff for the Rivas Ridge Trail on the right.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Steep descent.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
One of several bumps along the Rivas Ridge Trail.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Short knife's edge section.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Looking back at the connector. Goat Peak is on the far left.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Looking back.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
The trail has some brushy sections with low hanging branches.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Dropping into Rivas Canyon.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
The trail goes up and over this small prominence at the confluence of two streams that feed into Rivas Canyon.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Looking back.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
On top of the small prominence, continuing my descent into Rivas Canyon.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Arriving at the canyon floor.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Small creek crossing.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Turning right at this sign to reconnect with the Rivas Canyon Trail.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Climbing out of the canyon via several switchbacks.
Trip report photo for Goat Peak Loop
Back at the junction with the High Point Trail.

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