Eagle Spring

## Overview Eagle Spring is a historic natural spring located near the iconic Eagle Rock formation within Topanga State Park, part of the Santa Monica Mountains in Los Angeles County, California. Situated along the Eagle Springs Fire Road east of Eagle Rock, this spring has long served as a vital water source in the rugged chaparral landscape of the Santa Monica Mountains. The spring holds deep historical significance as a water source for the indigenous Tongva (Gabrieliño) people who inhabited the Topanga Canyon area for thousands of years. The Tongva relied on natural springs like this one throughout the Santa Monica Mountains to sustain their communities in this semi-arid environment. Visitors may find a marker at or near the site indicating its status as a historic location, a testament to its long-standing importance to the people of this region. Topanga State Park, which encompasses over 11,000 acres of open space, is one of the largest wildland areas within the boundaries of a major city. Eagle Spring sits within this remarkable landscape of sandstone outcroppings, oak woodlands, and coastal sage scrub, making it both a natural and cultural landmark worth seeking out. ## Directions 1. **Start at the Topanga State Park trailhead** — The park entrance is accessible from Entrada Road off Topanga Canyon Boulevard (CA-27) in the community of Topanga, CA 90290. The nearest address for navigation is 1505 Rochemont Drive, Topanga, CA 90290. 2. **Follow the trail toward Eagle Rock** — From the main trailhead area, take the well-marked trail heading toward Eagle Rock, one of the park's most popular hiking destinations. The trail is well-traveled and clearly defined. 3. **Continue east along Eagle Springs Fire Road** — After reaching or passing Eagle Rock, proceed east along the Eagle Springs Fire Road. 4. **Watch for a side path** — Satellite imagery and trail reports indicate a smaller side path branching off the fire road that leads directly to the spring location. Keep an eye out for this turnoff and any historic site markers that may guide you. *Note: The GPS coordinates for the spring are approximately 34.10667, -118.56709. Loading these into a GPS device or smartphone mapping app can help pinpoint the location along the fire road.* ## What to Expect The hike to Eagle Spring follows a well-traveled route that has been used by recreational hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers for decades — and by indigenous peoples for centuries before that. The Eagle Springs Fire Road is a broad, maintained fire road, making the approach relatively straightforward, though the side path to the spring itself may be narrower and less obvious. The surrounding landscape is classic Santa Monica Mountains terrain: rolling hills covered in chaparral and coastal sage scrub, punctuated by dramatic sandstone formations like nearby Eagle Rock. On clear days, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the San Fernando Valley, and the surrounding mountain ridges. The spring's flow may vary significantly with the seasons. In wetter years and during the rainy season (typically November through March), the spring is more likely to have visible water flow. During the dry summer and fall months, flow may diminish considerably or cease altogether. While this spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by indigenous peoples, water quality has not been independently verified in modern times, and visitors should not assume the water is safe to drink without proper treatment. Topanga State Park charges a day-use parking fee (typically $10–$12). The park is generally open from 8:00 AM to sunset. Be prepared for sun exposure, as much of the fire road offers little shade, and carry plenty of water — especially during the warmer months. The round-trip hike from the main trailhead to Eagle Rock and the spring area is approximately 4–5 miles, depending on your exact route.