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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a very popular hiking spot with great views of the ocean on clear days, a seasonal waterfall, and a densely wooded canyon. The loop starts out on Temescal Ridge Trail, climbing almost 1,000 feet in the first mile. At the intersection with Temescal Canyon Trail, you can either take a half mile side trip to Skull Rock (staying on the ridge trail) or head down into the deep Temescal Canyon. At the bottom of the canyon, you will cross a bridge with a lovely waterfall. If you are careful, you can do some rock scrambling upstream to see some additional small waterfalls. After crossing the bridge, the trail drops through the canyon at a mild pace, through a pleasantly dense wooded area. If you skipped the ridge trail, and just walked up the canyon and back, this would be a great easy 2 mile family hike. Note that my rating of this hike was a bit low compared to other guide books. Trailhead: From Santa Monica, drive north on Pacific Coast Highway (1) for 2.6 mile to Temescal Canyon Road and turn right. Drive to the end of Temescal Canyon Road and park at the entrance to the Presbyterian Conference Center. The trial head is at the far end of the parking lot on the left. (Lat:34.05312 Lon:-118.5286) Trail Guides for Temescal Canyon Loop: Day Hikes Around Los Angeles by Robert Stone (Day Hike Books, Inc.) Afoot & Afield In Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) California Hiking by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown (Foghorn Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers Ranger Contact: Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (310) 589-3200 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 14 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Mike on 3/20/2010 A Los Angeles classic hike. Hands down the most convenient and satisfying all-around hike on the west-side. Be sure to do the full loop. And as always - its best after it rains for a week. 
Reviewed by l.l. on 3/17/2010 My sister invited me along. The scenery was beautiful, a little difficult for me but anjoyed it.
Reviewed by Linda on 3/13/2010 Beautiful scenery. Was a real calf burner on the Temescal loop up to the waterfall.
Reviewed by Scott on 2/17/2010 This is a nice trail. Very popular, especially the canyon side leading to the "waterfall," which usually disappoints most people once they get there. The ridge side is a real calf-burner, and you won't see nearly as many hikers on that side. A lot of runners, though. An added bonus is you can easily extend your hike north via Temescal Ridge Trail beyond Skull Rock or east via Rivas Canyon Trail. Note: park staff are very strict about parking enforcement. Too bad they aren't nearly as diligent about restocking the vending machines....
Reviewed by jms on 1/29/2010 Great for a quick scenic hike. Trial can get crowded on weekends.
Reviewed by Ro on 12/12/2009 I go on Temescal Cyn every other week or so...it gives my legs a rest from uphill biking or weightlifting. Although it was raining out today, it was still a nice hike. A few people and doggies out on the trail. Did a short trip to the waterfall and back for a total of 2.0 miles. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by KWS on 12/1/2009 I have been hiking this trail 4 times a week for the past year now and noticed it is getting increasingly popular. I suggest getting at the peak during sunset in the Winter (a lot better than the Summer). On a clear day you can't beat the sunset! Decent workout and a nice escape. 
Reviewed by BW on 11/29/2009 Pleasant hike, but very crowded. It was also annoying to learn half way up that dogs were not allowed on the upper basin. At the bottom it says dogs on leash are ok, but then as you progress up the trail it says no dogs. This trail should be taken off the "dogs allowed" list on this site. I love to support the local parks, but this place had all the wrong energy. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||