Temescal Canyon is a very popular hiking spot with great views of the ocean and LA basin on clear days, a seasonal waterfall, and a densely wooded canyon. This looped hike is a nice workout at about 5 miles with a net elevation gain of about 1,200 ft.
But this won’t be your typical Temescal trek!
We’ll begin at the lower end of the first parking lot and walk along Temescal Creek on the Sunset Trail. After 0.4 miles we’ll head up the Ridge Trail under chaparral arches with some nice views of the Palisades and the Pacific Ocean beyond.
After a brief climb we’ll take our first detour and dip into the El Medio neighborhood, walk up the street a bit, then climb the western side of Temescal Ridge and back up to the Ridge Trail.
After a sustained climb we’ll turn west on the Leacock Trail toward wide ocean views. Then we will turn onto the less traveled Bienveneda Trail which will take us back up to Temescal Ridge.
We then descend into Temescal Canyon, dropping through chaparral and heavier vegetation, reaching the canyon floor and cross a foot bridge just downstream of a small waterfall. We’ll can go off-trail to get a closer look.
At the bottom of the canyon we’ll do our 2nd detour: a “shortcut” up to the Rivas Canyon Trail and subsequently down the official trail back down to Temescal Canyon.
We’ll hike along the creek back to our meeting spot as the the trail transforms into an easy stroll through pleasant groves.
Directions
Temescal Gateway Park is located in Pacific Palisades, just one mile north of Pacific Coast Highway at the intersection of Temescal Canyon Road and Sunset Boulevard.
Park for free on Sunset or Temescal, or enter park and use the first pay lot on the left. Meet outside park on NW corner under Park Sign
From Los Angeles, take the Santa Monica Freeway (10) West until it becomes Pacific Coast Highway(PCH). Continue West on PCH. Turn right (North) on Temescal Canyon Road and continue for 1 mile. Park on street
From the Conejo and San Fernando Valley, take Topanga Canyon Boulevard South to Pacific Coast highway(PCH). Turn left (East) on PCH. Go Left (North) on Temescal Canyon Road and continue for 1 mile. Park on street
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