🌤 Trail Weather — Plan Your Hike
Updated every 6 hrs · Trailhead coords
🟡
High Heat — Plan Around It
Start by 7am. Carry 3+ liters. Avoid exposed ridgelines after 10am. Watch for heat exhaustion.
💨 Wind
18 mph NNE
Gusts to 26 mph
💧 Humidity
20%
Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
0%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
6:59 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
6:19 pm
Off trail by this
Today — 3-Hour Intervals
8 pm
🌙
90°
Feels 87°
💨 10/23
11 pm
🌙
85°
Feels 82°
💨 8/16
5-Day Forecast
💧 Humidity
21% Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🟡
Warm & Humid — Extra Water
💧 Humidity
26% Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
💧 Humidity
29% Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
15% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
💧 Humidity
50% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
💧 Humidity
94% High humidity — pace yourself
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
23% Partly cloudy
🟡
Warm & Humid — Extra Water
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out.
Oct 16, 5:19 pm
One of the most heavily trafficked coastal conditioning loops in Southern California. A steep shaded canyon wall transitions to exposed ocean-facing ridges with clear views of Santa Monica Bay.
Trail Overview
Temescal is the Pacific Palisades workout trail. It is popular because it delivers — good views, genuine elevation gain, and easy access from the west side of LA. The canyon section is shaded and beautiful. The ridge is fully exposed and the ocean views are outstanding. This trail is genuinely crowded on weekend mornings. If you want solitude go elsewhere. If you want a solid workout with great views this is the right call.
This Hike Is For You If…
Intermediate hikers who want a satisfying workout close to the west side of LA. Dog-friendly.
Skip This Hike If…
Skip if you cannot handle crowds. This is one of the most congested trails in the range on weekend mornings.
What to Expect on Trail
Terrain: Singletrack canyon lower section. Exposed fire road ridge return. Good footing throughout.
Shade: Partial
Water: Seasonal. Temescal Creek lower section seasonal.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Among most crowded trails in Santa Monica Mountains. Weekdays and early mornings significantly better.
Dogs: Yes, dogs are welcome on this trail.
Best Arrival: Before 8am on weekends. One of the busiest trailheads in the Santa Monicas.
This is a Tier 1 sourced review. Trail information is based on published sources and research. Andrew has not personally hiked this trail yet. Photos and firsthand sensory detail will be added when upgraded to Tier 2.
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3.4 miRound Trip
900 ftElev. Gain
ModerateDifficulty
2-3 hoursEst. Time
1200 ftHighest Point
LoopRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit
Trailhead & Logistics
Address: Temescal Gateway Park, Temescal Canyon Road, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Parking: $5 parking fee at Temescal Gateway Park. Street parking on Temescal Canyon Road fills fast.
Bathroom: Flush Toilets
Cell Service: Good
Best Arrival: Before 8am on weekends. One of the busiest trailheads in the Santa Monicas.
Trail Reality Check
Temescal is the Pacific Palisades workout trail. It is popular because it delivers — good views, genuine elevation gain, and easy access from the west side of LA. The canyon section is shaded and beautiful. The ridge is fully exposed and the ocean views are outstanding. This trail is genuinely crowded on weekend mornings. If you want solitude go elsewhere. If you want a solid workout with great views this is the right call.
Terrain: Singletrack canyon lower section. Exposed fire road ridge return. Good footing throughout.
Shade: Partial
Water: Seasonal — Temescal Creek lower section seasonal.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Very Busy — Among most crowded trails in Santa Monica Mountains. Weekdays and early mornings significantly better.
Who should do this: Intermediate hikers who want a satisfying workout close to the west side of LA. Dog-friendly.
Who should skip this: Skip if you cannot handle crowds. This is one of the most congested trails in the range on weekend mornings.
