Stoney Point Park has a tricky path to rocky views

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Stoney Point Park attracts all sorts of climbers, from beginners to advanced students. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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The entrance to the park is off Topanga Canyon Boulevard, starting at this steel gate uphill from horse stables. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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Near the start of the walk, you’ll often see climbers on the lower-elevation rocks. Matt Batdorf, left, Danny Varola and Brett Batdorf attempt to scale a rock face. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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Brett Batdorf tackles a shear face at Stoney Point Park in Chatsworth. There are several spots where hikers can walk to so they can view the rock climbers in action. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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Multiple trails lead to the peak of the mountain and wind in different directions toward the top. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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A rail and tunnel for Metrolink and Amtrak is near the trail for Stoney Point, with the Pacific Surfliner passing through periodically. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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Stoney Point Park is part of the Stoney Mountains. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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Stepping stones are seen along the pathways. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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Footing can be tricky in places. A rock formation on a trail opens onto patches of blue sky and foliage. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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Along the trail, you may run into more rock climbers as they find their starting point for bouldering. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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Hikers and climbers start the walk downhill toward the trail head. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

By Charles Fleming

March 21, 2014 3:35 PM PT

This rocky landmark in Chatsworth is a worldwide draw for climbing enthusiasts. But it’s also a great place to take a walk while watching the climbers practice their art on small rocks at the base and sheer cliffs near the peak.

Begin a counterclockwise tour of Stoney Point Park by entering the recreation area from Topanga Canyon Boulevard, near the steel gate just uphill from the horse stables. To your immediate left, you’ll see climbers and climbing teachers working out on some of the lower-elevation rocks.

Circling around the back side of the massive rock escarpment, you’ll see multiple trails headed toward the peak. Take any one of them, being mindful of the tricky terrain as you climb.

PHOTOS: Stoney Point Park shows climbers in action

Near the trail, a rail line leads into a tunnel that carries Metrolink trains and Amtrak’s famed Pacific Surfliner through Simi Valley toward Oxnard, Ventura and Santa Barbara.

Follow the contour of the mountain as the trail climbs toward Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

Walk downhill toward the starting point, stopping along here to watch the most adventurous of the climbers attempt the sheer face of Stoney Point.

Fleming is the author of “Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles” and “Secret Stairs East Bay: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Berkeley and Oakland.”

charles.fleming@latimes.com

Stoney Point Park hike details

Distance: 1 mile

Duration: 40 minutes

Difficulty: 2 on a scale of 1 to 5

Details: Ample street parking. Dogs on a leash are OK.

View larger map on latimes.com

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Charles Fleming

Charles Fleming writes about automobiles and motorcycles for the Los Angeles Times’ Business section. He also writes the urban hiking column LA Walks. A former staff writer for Newsweek, Variety and the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, he is the author of the Los Angeles Times bestseller “High Concept: Don Simpson and the Hollywood Culture of Excess,” the New York Times bestseller “My Lobotomy,” and “Secret Stairs, A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles” and its sequel, “Secret Walks: A Walking Guide to the Hidden Trails of Los Angeles.”

Stoney Point Park has a tricky path to rocky views

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