This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The end of the trail at Parker Overlook | All Photos by Zach Behrens/LAist
For most of the 5.5-mile Pacific Palisades hike at the popular Paseo Miramar trail towards Parker Overlook, you can see the ocean. Located two blocks east of Pacific Coast Highway on Sunset (map found below), the hike is a popular one, often leaving the dense hillside neighborhood at the top of the street strapped for parking, which means hikers must prepare to walk an extra quarter to half mile uphill through winding streets before it hitting the packed dirt path.
No dogs are allowed on this trail, but you will see plenty of mountain bikes whiz by. Paseo Miramar is officially part of Topanga Canyon State Park, connecting to Trippet Ranch, which can be accessed off of Topanga Canyon Blvd. Hiking through to Trippet will add about 4-miles to your roundtrip, but most people keep to the out-and-back 5.5 mile hike to the scenic Parker Overlook where a couple benches sit to reward your arse after the mostly up-hill first half of the trip. Take in the views of the coast as well as West LA, Santa Monica and Southbay cities. The trip should take about 2 hours to complete and is considered moderate on a difficulty scale according to 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles via Trails.com.
