○ TIER 1 — SOURCED & RESEARCHED
3.4 miRound Trip
900 ftElev. Gain
ModerateDifficulty
2-3 hoursEst. Time
1,200 ftHighest Point
LoopRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit

Temescal Canyon Loop

๐ŸŒค Trail Weather โ€” Plan Your Hike Updated every 6 hrs ยท Trailhead coords
โœ…
Good Conditions โ€” Solid Day to Hike
71ยฐF, Clear Sky. Wind 10 mph. Standard 10 Essentials apply.
๐ŸŒ™
71ยฐ
Clear Sky
Feels 72ยฐF
๐Ÿ’จ Wind
10 mph WSW
No significant gusts
๐Ÿ’ง Humidity
81%
High humidity โ€” pace yourself
๐Ÿ‘ Visibility
4.6 mi
Reduced โ€” marine layer possible
โ˜๏ธ Cloud Cover
0%
Clear โ€” full sun exposure
๐ŸŒ… Sunrise
6:44 am
Ideal start time
๐ŸŒ‡ Sunset
6:47 pm
Off trail by this
Today โ€” 3-Hour Intervals
11 pm
๐ŸŒฅ๏ธ
71ยฐ
Feels 71ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ 1/2
5-Day Forecast
๐ŸŒฅ๏ธ
Today
Few Clouds
71ยฐF
feels 71ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ Wind/Gust
1/2 E
๐Ÿ’ง Humidity
82% High humidity โ€” pace yourself
๐Ÿ‘ Visibility
6.2 mi โ€” Good visibility
โ˜๏ธ Clouds
24% Partly cloudy
๐ŸŸก Warm & Humid โ€” Extra Water
๐ŸŒ™
Sat, Sep 26
Clear Sky
67ยฐF
feels 68ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ Wind/Gust
1/3 NNE
๐Ÿ’ง Humidity
92% High humidity โ€” pace yourself
๐Ÿ‘ Visibility
2.7 mi โ€” Reduced โ€” marine layer possible
โ˜๏ธ Clouds
1% Clear โ€” full sun exposure
๐ŸŸก Warm & Humid โ€” Extra Water
โ˜๏ธ
Sun, Sep 27
Overcast Clouds
67ยฐF
feels 67ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ Wind/Gust
3/6 NNE
๐Ÿ’ง Humidity
83% High humidity โ€” pace yourself
๐Ÿ‘ Visibility
6.2 mi โ€” Good visibility
โ˜๏ธ Clouds
98% Overcast
๐ŸŸก Warm & Humid โ€” Extra Water
๐ŸŒฅ๏ธ
Mon, Sep 28
Few Clouds
64ยฐF
feels 64ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ Wind/Gust
1/2 NW
๐Ÿ’ง Humidity
69% Humid โ€” heat feels stronger
๐Ÿ‘ Visibility
6.2 mi โ€” Good visibility
โ˜๏ธ Clouds
14% Clear โ€” full sun exposure
โœ… Good Conditions โ€” Go Hike
๐ŸŒ™
Tue, Sep 29
Clear Sky
64ยฐF
feels 62ยฐ
๐Ÿ’จ Wind/Gust
2/7 NNW
๐Ÿ’ง Humidity
36% Comfortable
๐Ÿ‘ Visibility
6.2 mi โ€” Good visibility
โ˜๏ธ Clouds
0% Clear โ€” full sun exposure
โœ… Good Conditions โ€” Go Hike
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out. Sep 25, 8:11 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” Temescal Creek lower section seasonal.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Very Busy โ€” 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.