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Best Parks in Pacific Palisades, California

Explore Temescal Canyon Park

Discover Temescal Canyon Park:
A Historical and Natural Oasis in the Heart of Pacific Palisades


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Last Updated on Jan 13, 2025

Temescal Gateway Park

Nestled in the lush Santa Monica Mountains, Temescal Gateway Park is a natural paradise that offers visitors an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.


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Temescal Canyon Hiking

Temescal Gateway Park

Temescal Gateway Park is a scenic, 141-acre park nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, offering a natural escape from the urban environment of Los Angeles. Known for its beautiful hiking trails, the park is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy exploring its diverse landscapes, including oak and sycamore woodlands, grassy meadows, and breathtaking canyon and ocean views. The park’s well-maintained trails, such as the Temescal Canyon Trail and the Temescal Ridge Trail, lead hikers through tranquil canyons and up to panoramic overlooks, with highlights like a seasonal waterfall and stunning wildflower displays in spring. In addition to hiking, Temescal Gateway Park offers picnic areas, a conference and retreat center, and historic buildings, making it a versatile destination for family outings, group retreats, and nature lovers. Located just minutes from Pacific Palisades, the park provides a refreshing and convenient spot for hiking, relaxing, and reconnecting with nature.


Temescal Gateway Park, 15601 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Temescal Canyon Trail

Temescal Canyon Hiking: Temescal Canyon Trail

The Temescal Canyon Trail is a beloved hiking trail in Temescal Gateway Park, located in the scenic Santa Monica Mountains. Known for its lush, shaded pathways, this moderate trail takes hikers through a peaceful canyon filled with native oak and sycamore trees, as well as seasonal wildflowers that add color in the spring. Along the trail, hikers can enjoy the sights and sounds of a small seasonal waterfall, especially after rainfall, which creates a tranquil spot for a rest. With a combination of gentle slopes and a few steeper sections, the Temescal Canyon Trail offers a manageable challenge for beginners and experienced hikers alike. The trail’s natural beauty and accessible location make it a popular escape for anyone looking to enjoy a slice of wilderness close to Los Angeles.

Temescal Canyon Trail

Temescal Ridge Trail

The Temescal Ridge Trail is a scenic hiking trail in the Santa Monica Mountains that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, lush canyons, and the Los Angeles skyline. Starting in Temescal Gateway Park, the trail is popular for its moderately challenging terrain, with steep sections and rocky paths that lead hikers up to impressive overlooks. Along the way, the trail is lined with native chaparral, wildflowers in spring, and shaded areas of oak and sycamore trees, providing moments of both tranquility and spectacular vistas. The Temescal Ridge Trail can be hiked as part of a loop that includes the Temescal Canyon waterfall, adding a refreshing natural highlight to the journey. Ideal for those seeking a rewarding outdoor adventure, this trail is a favorite among locals for its diverse scenery and peaceful escape from the city’s bustle.

Temescal Canyon Falls

Temescal Canyon Waterfall

The Temescal Canyon waterfall is a hidden gem in the Santa Monica Mountains, offering a refreshing natural retreat just minutes from the busy streets of Los Angeles. Located within Temescal Gateway Park, the waterfall is accessible via a popular hiking trail that winds through lush greenery, oak and sycamore trees, and scenic canyon views. The trail to the waterfall is moderately challenging, with a steady incline and rocky terrain, making it a favorite among locals and visitors looking for a rewarding hike. After seasonal rains, the waterfall flows more vigorously, cascading over a rock face into a small pool, creating a tranquil spot to rest and take in the beauty of the surroundings. While the waterfall can be smaller in drier months, the trail’s panoramic ocean views and peaceful ambiance make it a worthwhile year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Pacific Palisades Visitor Guide
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