How to Hike Temescal Gateway Park in Los Angeles

Temescal Gateway Park is a rugged, 141-acre canyon cooled by ocean breezes. A former religious retreat, it's located off Sunset Blvd. in the Pacific Palisades section of Los Angeles and has only been open to the public since 1995. This beautiful hike follows a meandering creek up to a waterfall where a trail connects to Topanga State Park at its 36 miles of hiking trails.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Comfortable walking shoes.
• A hat.
• Sunscreen.
• A bottle of water.

How to Hike Temescal Gateway Park in Los Angeles

1. Temescal Gateway Park is located at 15601 Sunset Blvd. in the Pacific Palisades section of Los Angeles, 2.4 miles east of the Pacific Coast Highway. The parking fee is $5.00.
2. The park features 141 acres of oak and sycamore covered canyons, a waterfall, ridge-top views and access to miles of trails in Topanga State Park, Will Rogers State Historic Park and the 20,000-acre "Big Wild."
3. This approximately 3-mile, round-trip hike on the Temescal Canyon Trail leads to the lovely waterfall high in the hills. Begin the hike on the canyon floor, just past the parking area, where a number of historic buildings from the 1920's still remain including camp cabins and a general store. Follow the paved road beside the creek past the buildings until it becomes a trail.
4. The trail then snakes up into the wild canyon, right beside the stream, winding ever higher until you reach the waterfall where a rustic bridge crosses the stream. You can take off your shoes and dip your feet in the cool water before heading back down or continue forward where the trail will connect with 36 miles of additional hiking trails in Topanga State Park.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Wear a hat.
• Apply sunscreen.
• Bring a bottle of water.
• Don't hike in the middle of the day during summer. Temperatures can be scorching.
• Watch out for rattle snakes. They're few and far between but not unheard of.