Topanga Canyon Firebreak Spring

## Overview Topanga Canyon Firebreak Spring is a natural spring located along Topanga Canyon Boulevard in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains, near the unincorporated community of Topanga, California. Situated at an elevation of roughly 600 feet above the canyon floor, this spring appears on USGS topographic maps and sits within one of the most rugged and scenic corridors in Los Angeles County. The Santa Monica Mountains are known for their complex geology — a mix of marine sedimentary rock, volcanic formations, and ancient fault lines — which gives rise to numerous seeps and springs throughout the range. Topanga Canyon itself has a long history of human habitation, from the Tongva (Gabrielino) people who lived in these mountains for thousands of years to the bohemian artists and counterculture communities that settled here in the 20th century. Springs like this one have historically served as vital water sources in this semi-arid landscape. ## Directions 1. From Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1), turn north onto **Topanga Canyon Boulevard (CA-27)** and head into the canyon. 2. Follow Topanga Canyon Blvd as it winds steeply uphill through the Santa Monica Mountains. 3. The spring is located along Topanga Canyon Blvd near the intersection with **Observation Drive**, close to the address 19893 Observation Dr, Topanga, CA 90290. 4. GPS coordinates: **34.06823, -118.58734**. 5. **Parking note:** Topanga Canyon Blvd is a narrow, busy two-lane road with very limited shoulder space. Satellite imagery shows a few small pull-off areas nearby, but options are tight. Scout for a safe spot to pull over before stopping. 6. **Safety warning:** Walking along this stretch of road can be hazardous due to fast-moving traffic, narrow lanes, and steep terrain with limited visibility. Exercise extreme caution if you need to approach on foot. ## What to Expect Topanga Canyon Firebreak Spring is a roadside spring in a dramatic mountain setting. The surrounding terrain is steep and rugged, characteristic of the Santa Monica Mountains' chaparral-covered slopes. The spring's name suggests it is located near or along one of the firebreaks — cleared strips of land used for wildfire management — that crisscross these fire-prone mountains. Because the spring sits directly along a major through-road (Topanga Canyon Blvd connects the San Fernando Valley to the Pacific Coast), the main challenge is safe access. There is very little room to park, and the road carries steady traffic. Visitors should plan accordingly — arriving during off-peak hours (early morning or midweek) may make it easier to find a safe place to pull over. The flow and condition of the spring may vary seasonally. Southern California's Mediterranean climate means most rainfall occurs between November and March, and springs in the Santa Monica Mountains tend to flow more strongly during and after the wet season. During dry summer months, flow may diminish significantly or stop altogether. No water quality data is currently available for this spring. While springs in the Santa Monica Mountains have historically been used as drinking water sources by indigenous peoples and early settlers, water quality can be affected by road runoff, nearby land use, and seasonal conditions. Visitors should not assume the water is safe to drink without independent testing.