Hiking Trail Guide: Upper Rustic - Garapito Loop

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Upper Rustic - Garapito Loop

Distance
10 miles

Elevation
2400 feet gain

Difficulty
7/10

City
Tarzana ,CA (91356) 21.81 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
From the San Fernando Valley, take Reseda Blvd south to where it dead ends into Mulholland Drive. Walk a short distance up Reseda Blvd, then turn left on Mulholland. About a half mile up Mulholland, go a few hundred feet past the trail head to Timescale Ridge Trail, and bear right on a trail paralleling Mulholland. A short distance along this trail, you will see an unmarked, but distinct trail on your right dropping down into Rustic Canyon. This is the start of the adventure!

Description

An adventurous loop hike on poorly marked trails through one of the most rugged areas of the Santa Monica Mountains. The hike starts out south along a densely wooded creek running into Rustic Canyon, that is quite lovely after recent rains. A side trip will take you to the blue gorge, a 6 foot wide, 20 foot high slot cut into the granite by the stream. Our loop then heads west along Bay Tree trail, named after a Bay tree with a small spring bubbling out of its roots.

As the trail begins to move northwest, stop and have lunch at Cathedral Rock, near the junction of the Backbone and Temescal trails. A fun spot to climb on the rocks. The trail then double backs northeast along the Garaptio trail back to the car, with lovely mountain views along the way.

Take a compass, a good map, and the directions from the guide book referenced for this hike. It's a full day outing, so bring water and food. Thanks to Eric Altizer for showing me this great hike!

Map / Directions: