Temescal Canyon Loop — Santa Monica Mountains
Trail Overview
Temescal Canyon is one of the most popular short hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains, located above Pacific Palisades. The loop climbs through a narrow canyon with a seasonal waterfall, rises to an exposed ridgeline with Pacific Ocean views, and descends back to the gateway park. For the distance and effort, the view-to-work ratio is exceptional — this is the classic Westside intro hike and it earns that reputation.
⚡ Trail Reality Check
Tier 1 content.
Dog access is genuinely complicated. Temescal Gateway Park (city of LA, lower section) allows dogs on leash. The upper Topanga State Park section — which includes the ridgeline — does not allow dogs. The loop route passes through both. If you’re hiking with a dog, do the canyon out-and-back to the falls only. Confirm current policy at the park kiosk before you start — policies have shifted.
Parking is metered at Temescal Gateway Park. Arrive early or plan to circle on weekends. Pacific Palisades street parking is limited.
The waterfall is seasonal — significant after winter rains, dry or minimal by summer.
✅ This hike is for you if…
You’re on the Westside and want the best accessible Santa Monica Mountains hike with ocean views. You want a short-but-real trail with genuine elevation. You’re doing the loop without a dog. You’re visiting LA and want authentic Southern California hiking close to the coast.
🚫 Skip this hike if…
You’re bringing a dog and want the full loop. You want waterfall in summer — dry by June. You’re arriving after 9am on a weekend — parking becomes difficult. You want a longer day — 2.5 hours max for most hikers.
🐕 June’s Dog Report
Dogs permitted in Temescal Gateway Park (lower/city portion). The upper loop through Topanga State Park prohibits dogs. If hiking with June, do the canyon section out-and-back to the seasonal falls — approximately 1.5 miles and pleasant. You cannot complete the ridgeline loop.
| Water: | Seasonal creek in lower canyon. None on ridge. |
| Shade: | Good lower canyon; none on ridgeline |
| Dog Access: | City park lower section only — State Park upper section prohibits dogs |
| Leash: | Required throughout permitted sections |
🅿️ Trailhead & Logistics
| Address: | Temescal Gateway Park, 15601 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 |
| Parking: | Metered lot. Street parking on Temescal Canyon Rd (limited). Fills weekends by 9am. |
| Bathroom: | Flush toilets at the park entrance. |
Coffee before: Café Vida, Pacific Palisades — 5 minutes from trailhead.
Post-hike: Head to PCH for Malibu Seafood (20 min) or Neptune’s Net for the full post-hike experience.
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Trail conditions and dog access policies change. Verify current policy with park staff before hiking.
Trail Photos
📋 This is a Tier 1 trail — sourced from published guides, not yet personally hiked. Photos will be added when Andrew verifies this trail firsthand.