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Inspiration Loop Trail in Will Rogers State Park

September 13, 2013 By Jeff Hester 2 Comments

Will-Rogers-Home

When the heat is on, the coast beckons. This easy, family-friendly hiking trail begins at the historic Pacific Palisades home of Will Rogers and loops up to Inspiration Point. The Inspiration Loop Trail is not challenging. It’s not long. But with balmy breezes, great views, and a dose of history, Inspiration Loop makes a fun outing.

Trail Details
Distance: 2.6 miles
Time: 60-80 min.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 662 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Year-round
Download GPX
We headed out to Will Rogers State Historic Park on a Sunday morning. Getting there was easy enough. The entrance fee was $12 per car, but I consider that a contribution to support the park system. The parking lot sits between the Will Rogers’ home and the polo field.

Will Rogers was a cowboy, a vaudeville performer, humorist, social commentator and actor. He bought the land back in the 1920s, and built a home, polo field, stable and hiking trails. When Will’s widow died, the land was given to the State of California on the condition that polo be played there every year.  Today, you can still see polo matches and take horse riding lessons.

If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.” – Will Rogers

The house and grounds are being restored to the original state. There are docent led tours of the house, and a visitors center with exhibits on the history of Will Rogers’ life and career.

We walked along the veranda of the house, then followed the path along a stone wall to the trailhead.

IMG_0780

You might notice that the grassy area outside the house has what looks like sand traps — which in fact, they are. Will Rogers built a two-hole golf course for a friend of his who would visit. At the end of the grass area, the sign directs you to the beginning of the Inspiration Loop Trail.

IMG_0781

We headed up the broad dirt trail in the shade of eucalyptus and oak trees.

Up Inspiration Loop

At 0.83 miles, we reached this junction. Here we had the  choice of continuing along the fire road for .2 miles to Inspiration Point, or taking the single track trail to the right and a .4 mile scenic route. Both end up at Inspiration Point. We opted for the longer, more scenic route.

Two trails

This trail at times pass under a canopy of scrub and vines. It was all dry and brown in the summer, but would  be lush and green in the springtime.

Overgrown

The single track trail finally emerges at the back of the the park, and the eastern boundary of Topanga State Park. There is an information board with a map of the area, and the Backbone Trail continues up this ridge.

Backbone Trail continues up this ridge

We followed the signs directing us up the spur to Inspiration Point. The views of the area were beautiful.

View from Inspiration Point

 

From the top, we headed back down the spur to the Inspiration Loop Trail, this time heading east on the fire road. This trail soon turns south and downward along the ridge, meeting back up at the “golf course.”

Inspiration Loop Trail Map

© OpenStreetMap contributors
Download

Photo Gallery

Click on any photo to view a larger version. You can also leave comments on any photo.

Behind the Will Rogers' House
Inspiration Loop Trailhead
Backbone Trail
Backbone Trail
Up Inspiration Loop
Two trails
Short way or long way?
Short way or long way?
The scenic route
The scenic route
Shortcut (we didn't take)
Shortcut (we didn’t take)
Overgrown
Overgrown
Overgrown Trail
Sign for Inspiration Point
Sign for Inspiration Point
Thirteen
Thirteen
View from Inspiration Point
View from Inspiration Point
A glimpse of the Polo Field
SoCal Hikers
Backbone Trail continues up this ridge
Back at the Ranch
Polo Field
Will Rogers' Home

Will Rogers State Historic Park Tips

  • Parking is $12. If that seems steep, just remember that you’re supporting the State Park system.
  • Check the Will Rogers Polo Club schedule. They play regularly at the field near the parking lot. If you haven’t seen a polo match, it’s entertaining.
  • Allow time to stop in the visitor center. It’s worth checking out, and you’ll learn a lot about Will Rogers.

More Will Rogers State Historic Park Resources

  • Driving Directions
  • Will Rogers State Historic Park – Official web site
  • Will Rogers State Historic Park Brochure (PDF)
  • The Backbone Trail

Will Rogers State Historic Park Weather Forecast

The location could not be found.

Related

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 3-6 miles, BBT, coastal, dog-friendly, easy, family-friendly, LA County, Santa Monica Mountains, Will Rogers State Park

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Jeff H

About Jeff Hester

I'm an avid hiker and backpacker. My wife Joan and I are on the trails every weekend. I started SoCal Hiker to share my passion for outdoor adventure.

Comments

  1. Joel Sax says

    August 7, 2014 at 11:18 am

    Do you know if the State Parks pass works?

    Reply
  2. ken double says

    June 4, 2017 at 12:00 pm

    Is senior pass valid to offset parking? Senior pass for national parks that is.

    Reply

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About Jeff Hester

I created SoCal Hiker while preparing to thru-hike the John Muir Trail. My goal? Create guides for the best hiking trails throughout Southern California--and occasionally beyond. I personally hike each trail to create these guides, sharing practical advice on gear and outdoor skills. Read more...

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