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Temescal Canyon Loop

Los Angeles, California

3.9/5
based on 7 reviews

Details

Distance

3.76 miles

Elevation Gain

810 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Lucas Pols

The Temescal Canyon Loop is a great leg-burning cardio hike with incredible views and scenery of the Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, and the ocean!

There are a couple of different ways that you can hike in Temescal Canyon. For this one, the loop begins from Temescal Canyon Trail at Sunset Boulevard and is approximately 3.76 miles. This loop is not dog friendly. 

    Additional Options for Hiking Temescal Canyon:

    • The basic loop – 2.6 miles
    • The loop with the Bienveneda Trail extension – 3.25 miles
    • The loop beginning from Temescal Canyon Trail at Sunset Boulevard with the Bienveneda Trail extension – 4.05 miles
    • The loop with the Skull Rock Extension – 3.8 miles
    • The loop beginning from Temescal Canyon Trail at Sunset Boulevard with the Skull Rock extension – 4.6 miles
    • The loop beginning from Temescal Canyon Trail at Sunset Boulevard with the Bienveneda Trail extension and the Skull Rock extension – 5.25 miles

    The hike is not an easy one but can be made more difficult depending on which part of the loop you start on.

    If you take a left at the Temescal Canyon Trailhead, which starts on Sunset Boulevard, you will gain the 1,100 feet of elevation much more quickly and will be in for an intense workout.

    If you go right the incline will be much more gradual for the majority of the climb with a steep downhill once you have reached the top.

    Tips:

    • There is parking located inside the park but it can fill up quickly so get there early! It costs $7 to park and you will need cash or a check to deposit it into the "Iron Ranger"
    • If you cannot find parking in the lots try looking down Temescal Canyon Road!
    • The waterfall that used to exist here no longer does because of the drought.
    • If you do not want to hike there are a lot of places to have picnics and enjoy the scenery!

    The hike is a favorite of most of the locals in the Palisades and is worth a try!

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    Features

    Fitness
    Photography
    Hiking
    Bathrooms
    Easy Parking
    Food Nearby
    Forest
    Groups
    Picnic Area
    Scenic

    Temescal Canyon Loop Reviews

    Lots of parking at the beginning of the trail, but can be really busy during the weekends. If you go during the summer times, it can get really hot, so bring lots of water, wear a hat, and wear sunscreen. If it’s not overcast, you can see some of the most amazing views from the top.

    Glad I brought water

    I enjoyed this hike. It had an easy to follow trail and nice views of LA and the greater area. Went on a weekend and ran into a lot of people, which is to be expected, but it wasn't horrible in terms of LA crowds.

    This hike is a good standard in the Santa Monica Mountains. If you do it clockwise, the beginning is far more exposed then the 2nd half. When the sun is out and it's warm be prepared to be blasted in the first half, the shade is infrequent. It does get better towards the end, trees start to surround the trail and shade becomes constant. You'll see a lot of people doing this trail in running shoes, not hiking boots. The trail is patted down and finding good grip is not an issue, nor is there any scrambling. I'd prefer a hike with lush forest but this hike is predominately bushes and small trees.

    Nice casual hike for beginners but not especially scenic or challenging . Considering places like Yosemite are 5 stars this has to be rated lower.

    It is beautiful, amazing views and an amazing walk! Love it

    Leave No Trace

    Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

    Nearby

    Inspiration Point Loop Trail

    Backbone Trail via Will Rogers State Park

    Parker Mesa Overlook via Paseo Miramar

    Murphy's Ranch

    Run the Santa Monica Wooden Stairs

    Los Liones Trail