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Hiking Club
Sunday, July 31, 2022, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT
Category: Clubs

Our next Hiking Club hike will be on Sunday, July 31, at 9:00 AM at Temescal Canyon Topanga State Park (off of PCH/Highway 1 or Sunset Blvd. and Temescal Canyon Road).  We will meet in front of the store/visitor center/restrooms and walk together to the trailhead a short distance further into the park.

 

Hike DescriptionThis is a 4.2 mile loop with a 1000 foot elevation gain.  It will take about 2 1/2 hours.  The trail begins and ends at Temescal Gateway Park in Pacific Palisades.This canyon-to-ridgetop loop hike climbs the hillside cliffs on the west side of the canyon and follows the ridge, offering far-reaching views of Los Angeles and the Pacific coastline, including Santa Ynez Canyon, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Bay.  The return route drops into the tree-shaded canyon to a footbridge at the Temescal Canyon Falls, framed by huge volcanic rocks, and continues back down into the park.  Dogs are not allowed in any part of Topanga State Park.

 

Difficulty: This hike is rated moderate due to the initial zigzag climb and the moderately sloped descent.  The trail itself is slightly rocky but has no steep drop-offs.  Most of the trail allows for side-by-side walking/hiking, but some of the trail is single track (one person behind the other).  There is limited shade on the ascent and more shade on the descent.

 

What to Wear/BringPlease bring water, a hat, sunscreen and a snack.  We like to take short breaks to drink, snack and chat.  It may be warm, so be sure to dress accordingly, though you never know what the coast may bring.  So consider bringing a hiking shirt or sweatshirt in case it is overcast and cool.  Hiking boots are always recommended, but trail shoes with tread meant for hiking, walking or running will work on this trail.  Smooth flat tennis shoes are discouraged.  I always hike with poles, but they are not necessary for this trail.  Long pants are encouraged for hiking to avoid ticks, mosquitoes, poison oak…

 

Directions and Parking: From Santa Monica, drive 2 miles northbound on Pacific Coast Highway/Highway 1 (PCH) to Temescal Canyon Road.  Turn right, and drive 1.3 miles to the end of Temescal Canyon Road, crossing Sunset Boulevard as you enter Temescal Gateway Park.  You can then park in the Temescal Gateway parking lots located inside the park. THERE IS A FEE FOR PARKING INSIDE THE PARK so be prepared with cash as well  as a credit card.  (I don’t know the amount or if credit cards can be used, but probably.)  Another option is to park (for free) along Temescal Canyon Road anywhere between PCH and Sunset Blvd., and then you can walk into the park.  Just be sure to leave yourself enough time for the walk as it is uphill from the ocean to the park.  

 

If you are coming from the north on PCH, travel south to Temescal Canyon Road, turn left on Temescal Canyon Road, and continue across Sunset into Temescal Gateway Park.  Or, if you prefer to park on Temescal Canyon Road, turn left, park, and then walk into the park as described above.

 

If you are coming north or south on the 405, you can exit at Sunset Blvd. and head west on Sunset toward the beach.  As you travel through and just past the shopping area in Pacific Palisades, you will come to Temescal Canyon Road and can turn right into Temescal Gateway Park or left onto Temescal Canyon Road to park as described above.  

 

A final tip: If you love the beach, consider heading to the beach at Temescal Canyon just off of PCH and Temescal Canyon Road after our hike.  If you’re energetic, park close to the beach, walk into the park for the hike, and then walk downhill back to the beach after the hike.  Just remember that it is 1.3 miles from PCH to the entrance to Temescal Gateway Park.

 

RSVP Please: Please RSVP to [email protected] and let me know if you are planning to join the hike.  We do our best to wait for those who have RSVP’ed (for about 10 minutes past our start time).  Please also give me your cell phone number so I can call with any last minute changes.  If you RSVP and then change your mind, please try to let me know by 8:00 AM on hike day as some of the trail areas have poor cell, text and email reception.  


Contact: Andrea Ackerman, Ph.D. [email protected]