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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 11 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Mimi on 8/19/2008 I happen to like this hike for the views. Granted it can be crowded but so is the Sunday farmers market a few blocks down from this park on Sunset Blvd...
Reviewed by OB1 on 6/13/2008 I enjoy this hike, it's my go-to for afternoon exercise if I get off work early. Great variety with the tough uphill in the beginning, nice views of the Pacific, a fine "thinking spot" in Skull Rock, and the nice walk back down the canyon along the stream. A great hike to take a visitor on, if they're game to sweat a little. 
Reviewed by MVE on 6/1/2008 Too many people who don't know trail etiquette and have no respect to the wilderness.
Reviewed by Robin on 5/25/2008 I just recently hiked a few trails in Kings Canyon National Park, so of course this doesn't compare for serious hikers, however I'm going to rate it for what it is - a fantastic in town hike for exercise and beautiful views. There is a mix of covered/wooded and open trails, ocean vistas, and canyon views. This was the perfect 2 hour day hike to take a visiting friend that was not an avid hiker. At some points we could see all of the coast down to long beach and downtown LA. There are a lot of people on the trail so expect traffic and loud voices. The trail loses a star because it is not well marked, but you can get a copy of the trail map from the small camp store. Parking is $5 paid to a box, so bring correct change or a check. 
Reviewed by David on 5/15/2008 This is a decent hike, but is tarnished with graffiti and trash, and is often crowded. There are some nice views from Skull Rock (a reccomended side-trip; the views from there are better than anywhere else on the trail), and there is a nice waterfall. I saw a coyote during my hike there, and when I tried to inform another hiker who was passing by she made fun of me. I guess she dug me.
Reviewed by Erika on 4/28/2008 Hiked 4/27 was a beautiful day with just enough people not to feel lonely... trail was a little harder right after the waterfall however beautiful view once you get to the top where you can see the ocean, open sky, and all of the palisades! 
Reviewed by Bob on 4/6/2008 I'm afraid I have to agree with one other poster on this hike: It's ok, but I wouldn't do it again, and wouldn't really recommend it to others. The hike up to Skull Rock is challenging enough, but much of it is in dense chaparral with not much to see, Skull Rock affords an opportunity for a 30 second scramble, the waterfall is really kind of pitiful, and there are so many people you will think you are at the mall holiday shopping... Point it, for anyone who really likes hiking, there are many far better hikes.
Reviewed by SW on 3/28/2008 This is a nice hike but can be made more interesting, and challenging, buy continuing past the falls up Temescal Ridge Trail to Hub Junction (2000 ft) and returning via Rogers Road Trail to Will Rogers Park and then back to start via Rivas Connector trail. Total distance about 14 miles and takes about 5.5 hours. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||