Temescal Canyon Hike

3.2 miles - Moderate Effort
1:30-2 Hours (Total)
920 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 1,190 feet
No Dogs Allowed

The Temescal Canyon hike, tucked into the hills of LA's west side in the Pacific Palisades, is one of the great Los Angeles city hikes. The hike starts in serene Temescal Gateway Park, climbs up a shaded oak and sycamore canyon, and then returns along a ridge high above the Pacific Ocean. On a clear day you can see from the San Gabriel Mountains to Catalina. The trail is easy to follow, the route isn't long, and I highly recommend it.

In this Guide:

Temescal Canyon Hike Turn-by-Turn Directions & Video
How to Get to the Temescal Canyon Hike
Parking, Gear, and Planning Your Hike

Quick Links: Parks Pass - Temescal Gateway Park - NOAA Weather Report - Top Gear Picks (Sep 2023)

When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

Where is the Temescal Canyon Hike?

The hike starts in Temescal Gateway Park located in Pacific Palisades. Use this trailhead address:
Temescal Gateway Park, 15601 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

There is a parking fee for the parking lots at the trailhead. You can also park on Sunset and just walk in the park for free.

Temecal Canyon Parking Map — The GPS address will bring you to the park entrance. Keep driving straight in until the road is lined with parking spaces. This is the closest lot to the trailhead. From here you can start your hike.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 6 — Pay at the kiosk and leave the parking ticket on your windshield.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 2 — The lot closest to the trailhead has a decent amount of spaces.

You'll also see some of the buildings of the Temescal Canyon Conference and Retreat Center, which is available for events and retreats. The buildings are from the 1920s and were originally home to Chautauqua retreats, a Methodist version of TED Talks, popular from the 1880s to 1930s. The local PBS website has an interesting article on this organization designed “to prepare and protect Christian believers in a modern and changing world.” Who knew?

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 4 — There is a small store here that serves the retreat center when it's open. The bathrooms are hidden back to the right of this building.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 1 — Here are the cute bathrooms located to the right of the general store.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 3 — At the end of the parking lot you'll find an interpretive display with trail maps you can take along with you.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 5 — There's a water fountain at the end of the parking lot next to the trail sign.

Gear For the Hike

Most people on the trail wear fitness gear, and you can certainly get away with that as well. I use light hiking gear and bring 1L of water. Trekking poles come in handy on the steep sections. Bugs can be intense at times, so bring repellent.

My Latest Gear Picks

Garmin inReach Mini 2 ( Amazon | REI )
HOKA Speedgoat 5 ( Men | Women )
Zpacks Sub-Nero Ultra ( Zpacks | Review )
Alpine Carbon Cork Poles ( REI | Amazon )

As a hiking guide, I test lots of hiking gear. On my picks page, I'll show you all of the gear that I actually use. I don't accept paid promotions or talk about the stuff that doesn't make the cut. It's just the gear that works best, so you don't have to waste your money.

All My September 2023 Top Gear Picks

Temescal Canyon Hike Trail Maps

Explore Map on CalTopo View a Printable PDF Hike Map Download the Hike GPX File

Best Smartphone Apps to Navigate: AllTrails | GaiaGPS | OnX

Elevation Profile

Temescak Canyon Hike Elevation — The climb up the canyon is gradual with a little steep section before the ridge and then offers a nice downhill with non-stop views.

3d Map

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions

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Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 9 — You'll see this sign at the end of the parking lot. We're heading to the Temescal Canyon Trail (and then coming back down on the Temescal Ridge Trail).

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 10 — Just past that last trail sign, bear left to find the trailheads which are up these steps.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 11 — Hike up the steps.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 12 — At the top of the steps you come to a big junction. Turn right.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 13 — And then take the trail to your right, Temescal Canyon Trail.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 14 — The trail starts off shady and scenic as it travels above the buildings, which will be down the ridge to your right.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 16 — When you come out at the building, there are multiple trail crossings. Head straight through to the right.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 17 — And then bear left to join the trail.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 18 — After the confusion of the last intersection, the trail becomes a trail again and is easy to follow. Soon you'll see the "no dogs" sign which is where you enter Topanga State Park.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 19 — There are nice views up Temescal Canyon.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 20 — The Temescal Canyon Trail climbs gently and is easy to follow.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 21 — After about 1.2 miles you'll reach the bridge over Temescal Canyon Falls, which are about 100 feet downstream. The falls are usually just a trickle. Once over the bridge, head left (and up).

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 22 — From the bridge to the ridge the trail gets steeper, but it's not too crazy.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 23 — When you get to the trail junction, make the left to continue on the last little stretch to the ridge.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 24 — You made it to Temescal Ridge Trail! Make the left at the junction.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 25 — From that last junction on, the views will be pretty spectacular. That's Catalina in the distance.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 26 — Temescal Ridge Trail is easy to follow. You'll often see signs pointing the way to Sunset Blvd at Temescal Gateway Park.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 27 — In addition to the Pacific Views, you'll also be able to see most of LA and the mountains that surround it.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 28 — At around 2 miles in, you'll hit this big open area that's a popular sunset viewpoint offering unobstructed sweeping views from west to east. Keep left on the trail and head downhill.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 29 — The trail is well-defined and easy to follow and you descend.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 30 — At the intersection make the left to continue on the Temescal Ridge Trail toward Sunset Blvd.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 31 — At the next intersection continue left.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 32 — And soon you'll be able to see the buildings where you started in Temescal Gateway Park.

Temescal Canyon Hike Directions 33 — And then you'll reach the trail start at the top of the stairs. From here just head down the stairs back to the parking lot. That's the hike!

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!).

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