local outdoor rock climbing - hike
ROCK CLIMBING IN MALIBU STATE PARK - SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS
getting there
Directions from LA: Destination Topanga Lookout Trailhead, park along the side of Stunt Road near the junction with Schueren Rd and the crest of the mountains.
Trail directions: Take the Backbone Trail going west from the junction. Walk up and around the water tower, and continue up through woodland to a trail junction. Take a right and follow the trail down till you double back on yourself and the cliffs surround you on both sides. Corpse Wall is clearly recognizable and over to the left as you descend the trail. There are usually climbers already there.
When to go: All year. Just never when wet, let the rock dry completely after rain.
Time from central LA: 1 hour
Full adventure time: half day
Kit list
Climbing gear:
Climbing shoes
Rope
Harness
Climbing helmet
Belay device
Carabiners
Quickdraws
Chalk bag & chalk
Footwear:
Sneakers or approach shoes for the walk in (and don’t forget climbing shoes!)
Clothing:
Hiking/climbing trousers or shorts
T-shirt
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Other:
Water (1 ltr each minimum)
Sun lotion
Camera
INFO
Corpse Wall (2,600 ft) located on Stunt Road near the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains is a north-facing sandstone outcrop with many climbing routes of various standards for sport and top-rope climbing. Suitable for beginners and fun for intermediate climbers. A popular climbing destination.
SAFETY NOTE
Only ever climb if you have experience or are with someone with experience.
ROUTE DETAILS
RECOMMENDED POST-CLIMB FOOD STOP
Endless Color pizza restaurant in Topanga just down the hill.
Why not drive home via Topanga Beach for a swim or surf?
