Temescal Canyon Loop

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

This 3.8 mile loop allows you to experience a quintessential Santa Monica Mountains' landscape while having great views of the coastline and L.A.

Start out this loop at the Temescal Gateway Park. Either park here (for a fee) or park along Sunset Blvd. and make your way to the park by foot.

From Temescal Gateway Park, head into the canyon by taking the designated trail that goes by the provided restrooms. Soon enough, you'll come across a trail junction with the Temescal Ridge Trail, avoid turning left here and continue on the Temescal Canyon Trail before reaching the Topanga State Park boundary.

The trail continues to rise up into the canyon as it eventually crosses a bridge over Temescal Creek that features a waterfall. The trail then becomes a fair bit steeper as it departs the canyon and heads west, making its way to Temescal Ridge. At this point, the Temescal Canyon Trail ends as it intersects the Temescal Ridge Trail. Follow the Temescal Ridge Trail to the left down the hill and toward Santa Monica. At this point on the loop you'll have amazing views of the nearby coastline, islands, and downtown L.A. The descent from here is decently steep. You'll then pass by the opportunity to turn off onto Bienveneda and Leacock trails, make sure you stay on the Temescal Ridge Trail as you run over the thin ridge line before reaching the intersection with the Temescal Canyon Trail. From here follow the Temescal Canyon Trail back down to Temescal Gateway Park, where the loop originated.

Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.

Oak, maple, and sycamore trees.

Temescal canyon has a long history associated with it. In the 20's and 30's the canyon was host to Chautauqua assemblies. Then in 1943 the land was bought by the Presbyterian Synod to be used as a retreat. Then, in 1995 the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy became the owner of the canyon's land.