Hike and Rock Climb at Saddle Peak

This is one of my favorite hikes in the Los Angeles area. Super easy, yet beautiful and a perfect place to get away from the city.

Parking for the trailhead is where the three roads intersect. The parking area is a long strip of dirt, there will most likely be cars there when you arrive already there. The trailhead can be a bit hard to find, if you are looking at the ocean step out into the street and head to your right. The trailhead is at the intersection of Stunt Road and Schueren Road, the roads come to a V. In the the middle you will see a dirt trail that heads upwards. Follow this trail up, soon after you start it will become paved for a very short time and turn back into a single track dirt path again. About half way to the summit the trail will turn to concrete again, there will be a water tower on your right. Follow along the left side of the water tower until it continues back into a dirt path again. Keep on hiking past this and you will come to a fork in the trail. If you keep going straight I think it goes to the actual summit (I've never gone that way). To get to the climbing area and the photos you see above go to the right. The path will wind around a bit more and a huge rock formation will begin to appear on your left. There will be another split in the trail, you can go straight to get on top of the rocks or down to get to the bottom of the crag.

The beautiful views are best viewed from on top of the rocks, you can also set up top ropes very easily up there if you want to climb. If you want to sport climb head down the path to the bottom of the crag and pick your route there are good handful. Everything ranging from 5.5 to 5.10d. The routes are all mainly on a slant so it's a great place to bring a beginner to top rope. All the routes range from 50-60' high. If you are going to hang out on top remember to bring sunscreen or a hat there isn't much shade unless you are at the bottom of the crag. Also keep an eye out for rattlesnakes in this general area.

Wether going to hike or rock climb, this is a really easy and awesome gem in the Los Angeles area. It's always worth it to stay a little longer here to catch an amazing sunset.