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A loop into the mountains above Santa Monica.


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Map Key

3.8

Miles

6.1

KM

79%

Runnable

1,186' 361 m

High

277' 85 m

Low

930' 284 m

Up

926' 282 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

32%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Dogs aren't allowed on the loop within the Topanga State Park boundary.

Overview

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.

Description

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.

Flora & Fauna

Oak, maple, and sycamore trees.

History & Background

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.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Topanga State Park

Shared By:

John McKinney

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 20 votes

#958

Overall
  4.3 from 20 votes
5 Star
30%
4 Star
65%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#155

in California

#958

Overall
30 Views Last Month
6,492 Since Jul 17, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Santa Monica from Temescal Ridge Trail.
Mar 16, 2024 near Santa M…, CA
The Temescal Canyon Trail heads through a foliage tunnel.
Mar 17, 2017 near Santa M…, CA
While there's plenty of urban sprawl below, up here, you feel like you're on a different world.
Mar 17, 2017 near Santa M…, CA
Century City and Los Angeles Downtown
Mar 16, 2024 near Santa M…, CA
Canyon shaded view
Jan 2, 2018 near Santa M…, CA
The Temescal Ridge Trail quickly gains altitude, offering you gorgeous views of Santa Monica and the Pacific Ocean.
Mar 17, 2017 near Santa M…, CA

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 2, 2022
Carmen Manjarrez
Nov 2, 2020
Minji Wang
Cool view at the top. Singletrack on the way down (tricky during Covid with people) 4.5mi — 0h 50m
May 31, 2020
Jeremy Monton
0h 45m
May 29, 2019
Spencer R
Ran most downhill, walked half or more uphill. — 1h 10m
Oct 28, 2018
Matt California
5.2mi
Jul 22, 2018
Matt Uramoto
6.1mi

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