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Temescal Canyon Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.3 (20)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Southern California
  4. …Santa Monica Mountains NRA
  5. Temescal Gateway Park
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“A loop into the mountains above Santa Monica. ”

John McKinney
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Map Key

3.8

Miles

6.1

KM

Loop

1,186' 361 m

High

277' 85 m

Low

930' 284 m

Up

926' 282 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

32%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Dogs aren't allowed on the loop within the Topanga State Park boundary.

Overview

This 3.8 mile loop allows you to experience a quintessential Santa Monica Mountains' landscape while having great views of the coastline and L.A.

Description

Start out this loop at the Temescal Gateway Park. Either park here (for a fee) or park along Sunset Blvd. and make your way to the park by foot.

From Temescal Gateway Park, head into the canyon by taking the designated trail that goes by the provided restrooms. Soon enough, you'll come across a trail junction with the Temescal Ridge Trail, avoid turning left here and continue on the Temescal Canyon Trail before reaching the Topanga State Park boundary.

The trail continues to rise up into the canyon as it eventually crosses a bridge over Temescal Creek that features a waterfall. The trail then becomes a fair bit steeper as it departs the canyon and heads west, making its way to Temescal Ridge. At this point, the Temescal Canyon Trail ends as it intersects the Temescal Ridge Trail. Follow the Temescal Ridge Trail to the left down the hill and toward Santa Monica. At this point on the loop you'll have amazing views of the nearby coastline, islands, and downtown L.A. The descent from here is decently steep. You'll then pass by the opportunity to turn off onto Bienveneda and Leacock trails, make sure you stay on the Temescal Ridge Trail as you hike over the thin ridge line before reaching the intersection with the Temescal Canyon Trail. From here follow the Temescal Canyon Trail back down to Temescal Gateway Park, where the loop originated.

Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.

Flora & Fauna

Oak, maple, and sycamore trees.

History & Background

Temescal canyon has a long history associated with it. In the 20's and 30's the canyon was host to Chautauqua assemblies. Then in 1943 the land was bought by the Presbyterian Synod to be used as a retreat. Then, in 1995 the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy became the owner of the canyon's land.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Topanga State Park

Shared By:

John McKinney
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 20 votes

#1

in Temescal Gateway Park

#956

Overall
  4.3 from 20 votes
5 Star
30%
4 Star
65%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Temescal Gateway Park

#155

in California

#956

Overall
30 Views Last Month
6,492 Since Jul 17, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

Santa Monica from Temescal Ridge Trail.
Mar 16, 2024 near Santa M…, CA
The Temescal Canyon Trail heads through a foliage tunnel.
Mar 17, 2017 near Santa M…, CA
While there's plenty of urban sprawl below, up here, you feel like you're on a different world.
Mar 17, 2017 near Santa M…, CA
The Temescal Ridge Trail quickly gains altitude, offering you gorgeous views of Santa Monica and the Pacific Ocean.
Mar 17, 2017 near Santa M…, CA
Century City and Los Angeles Downtown
Mar 16, 2024 near Santa M…, CA
Canyon shaded view
Jan 2, 2018 near Santa M…, CA

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Aug 3, 2024
Alvin Wong
great hike! Great panoramic view of LA to Santa Monica. pay parking and street parking available. arrived around 9:30 a.m. and able to find street… 4.2mi — 1h 37m
Apr 27, 2024
Marc Corona
Sep 12, 2021
Marc Corona
Jul 10, 2021
Private User
Mar 9, 2021
Gabby Plata
Jan 10, 2021
JAIME R LEHMAN
Narrow trail - gets crowded on weekends around 9a, way too many people (more than one) without a mask, huffing and puffing. Fun hike otherwise! 3.8mi — 1h 23m
Nov 15, 2020
Ma Na
3.6mi — 2h 00m
Oct 2, 2020
Jimmy Gorokhoff
Very hot today — 2h 30m

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