Stunt High Trail to Saddle Peak

Date: July 25, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Near: Calabasas, CA
Distance: 8 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1677’
Hike time: 4 1/2 hours with lunch
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike Type: Out and Back

Summary:  Stunt High Trail begins with a pleasant shaded walk along Cold Creek Canyon and is one of the secret treasures of the Santa Monica Mountains. A year-round stream and a protected north-facing canyon provide a rich variety of ferns and flowering plants in the 600-acre preserve.

This hike has a terrific payoff at the end of a long steady climb in the way of panoramic views and dramatic sandstone formations at the top of Saddle Peak.  Saddle Peak is the sixth tallest summit in the Santa Monica Mountain range at 2805 feet. We will follow along the creek and make a left at the trail junction and pass an oak grove. We continue our steady ascent on Stunt High Trail until we access a trail that meets up with the Backbone Trail. Along the way we will hike through chaparral and Manzanita. Turn left onto the Backbone Trail going to Saddle Peak.  This hike provides a steady aerobic workout on the ascent portion of the hike.