Temescal Canyon Trail | Los Angeles

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Temescal Canyon Loop
in the Santa Monica Mountains

Los Angeles | Trails Add Comments | Trail Rating: Forgetable

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Despite only being 2.6 miles long, Temescal Canyon Lop offers a variety of scenery and decent exercise. Aided by its convenient urban location, just off Sunset Blvd in the Pacific Palisades, Temescal Canyon Loop is very popular trail.

To reach the trail, start by crossing the string of parking lots at the base of Temescal Gateway Park. Just past the bathrooms and general store, take the mulch road to the left following signs for the Ridge Trail. After a few hundred feet, take the stairs breaking off to the left. A mileage sign here marks the beginning of the Ridge Trail, and with that comes a 1,000-foot climb to the top of the ridge.

Temescal Canyon
Temescal Ridge Trail

This mile of sustained effort provides a better workout than one would expect from this park at first glance. Chaparral arches over much of the trail, but there are also nice views of Palisade’s neighborhoods and the Pacific Ocean.

Follow the ridgeback heading northwest past two connection trails to Bienveneda Ave. before coming to a junction with the Skull Rock Trail. This ½ side-trek dead-ends at rock formation with facial resemblance.

Temescal Canyon
Temescal Ridge Trail

From the junction, the Ridge Trail turns down the canyon passing through more chaparral and heavier vegetation. Upon reaching the canyon floor, cross over a wooden bridge that lies just downstream of a small season waterfall.

From here, take the Canyon Trail to return to the parking lot. After a gradual descent over somewhat slippery gravel, the last half-mile of the Canyon Trail is quite flat. The bottom of the canyon offers an easy stroll through pleasant groves. Keep the creek to your right, staying on the trail as it passes and cabins on the way to the parking lot.

Those not interested in the climb up the Ridge Trail, can enjoy a relaxing out-and-back along the Canyon Trail instead.

Beyond the loop, Temescal Gateway Park offers access to the far-reaching network of trails in Topanga State Park.

To get to the trailhead: Temescal Gateway Park is located at the end of Temescal Canyon Road at the intersection with Sunset Blvd, one mile from the PCH. Free parking can be found along Temescal Canyon Road and Sunset Blvd. Parking inside the park is $7. Those who park in the lot should exercise caution passing through the intersection with the camera that issues tickets to those who do not come to a full stop.

If no parking can be found, or if you are looking for another good outing in the area, consider hiking to Parker Mesa Overlook from Los Liones Drive, two miles west on Sunset Blvd.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

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Photos

These photos were taken in October of 2009. Click to enlarge.

Trail Map

Nearby Trails

	Santa Ynez Falls This 2.5-mile follows a shaded creek to a gorge containing a short waterfall.
	Parker Mesa Overlook This steep 7-mile out-and-back rewards the effort with excellent views of the Pacific Ocean.
	Los Liones Trail This 3-mile loop visits a lust canyon with ocean views and overlaps the first half of the hike to Parker Mesa Overlook.
	Westridge Trail to San Vicente Peak This 7.4-mile hike travels a scenic ridge between a Brentwood neighborhood and a summit that was once used as a Nike Missile site.
	More trails in the Santa Monica Mountains Explore other destinations in the range.