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Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Temescal Canyon Park.
Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.
Temescal Canyon Park: A Palisades Paradise
Discover scenic trails, ocean views, and natural beauty in the heart of Pacific Palisades at Temescal Canyon Park.
Nestled in Pacific Palisades, Temescal Canyon Park offers a refreshing escape with its diverse trails, scenic canyon, and ocean views. From gentle strolls to challenging hikes, this natural haven provides a perfect blend of recreation and tranquility for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Temescal Canyon Park
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
15900 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, Pacific Palisades, California, 90272, US
Monday
6 am-8:30 pm
Tuesday
6 am-8:30 pm
Wednesday
6:30 am-9 pm
Thursday
6 am-8:30 pm
Friday
6 am-8:30 pm
Saturday
6 am-8:30 pm
Sunday
6 am-10:30 pm
Discover more about Temescal Canyon Park
Temescal Canyon Park, a 141-acre oasis in Pacific Palisades, offers a diverse landscape of oak and sycamore canyons, ridgetop vistas, and access to extensive trails in the Santa Monica Mountains. The park's history stretches back to ancient times, serving as a gathering place for Native Americans. In 1922, Reverend Charles Holmes Scott developed the area as a West Coast center for the Chautauqua movement, aimed at providing cultural and intellectual enrichment.
Today, visitors can explore a variety of trails, from the easygoing Temescal Canyon Trail to the more challenging Temescal Ridge Trail. The popular Temescal Canyon Loop offers a moderate 2.6-mile hike with an 860-foot elevation gain, rewarding hikers with panoramic ocean and canyon views. For a longer adventure, extend your hike to Skull Rock, a unique sandstone formation. The park also features a seasonal waterfall, best viewed after rainfall.
Temescal Gateway Park, which serves as the gateway to Temescal Canyon, provides amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and a camp store. The Temescal Canyon Conference and Retreat Center offers overnight accommodations and event spaces. Whether you're seeking a peaceful nature walk or an invigorating workout, Temescal Canyon Park promises a memorable outdoor experience.
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Getting There
Driving
From Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), turn inland onto Temescal Canyon Road. Continue north for one mile, crossing Sunset Boulevard to enter Temescal Gateway Park. Parking is available inside the park for a flat fee of $12. Free street parking can be found along Temescal Canyon Road and Sunset Boulevard, though it may require a longer walk.
Public Transport
From Downtown Santa Monica, take the Big Blue Bus Line 9 towards Sunset Wb & Temescal Cyn Ns. The bus ride takes approximately 23 minutes and costs $1. From other locations in Los Angeles, take the Metro E Line (tram) to Downtown Santa Monica Station, then transfer to the Big Blue Bus Line 9. Alternatively, Metro bus line 20 can be taken to Santa Monica, where you can transfer to Line 9. The bus stop 'Sunset / Temescal Canyon' is a short walk to the park entrance.
Walking
From the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Temescal Canyon Road, walk north into Temescal Gateway Park. Follow the park road, keeping left at the fork. Temescal Ridge Trail is on the left after 100 feet. The MRCA trail is further along on the left after the building. Walk all the way through the park, past the recreation center and bathrooms. The trailhead is across from the Rec Center, near the Bathrooms and before the camp cabins.
A brief summary to Temescal Canyon Park
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