Day 9: Topanga Canyon

What may seem to be miles from civilization is merely knocking on your doorstep in Los Angeles.

Topanga Canyon is home to 36 miles of trails, more than 11,000 acres of land and pristine beaches that lead to encompassing views of Southern California.

In order to get here, simply take the famous Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), travel north on Topanga Canyon Boulevard and create your own entrance to a state park that was named by the Tongva - the Native American people that inhabited Los Angeles before the arrival of Mexican and European settlers.

Many of the specified park trails can be accessed via Trippet Ranch - head north on Topanga Canyon Boulevard, pass the post office and turn right on Entrada Road. The park’s main parking lot is about a mile ahead on the left.

Watch out for rattlers, mountain lions and nudist colonies.