We have done this hike before, and it is always enjoyable. 

  

  

  

  

RSVP to Andi Ackerman  [email protected].  We wait for those who have RSVP'ed.   Please call 818.426.0674 day of the hike if you need help getting there or have changed your mind. Please provide me with your cell phone number when you RSVP.

  

Rating: This hike is rated easy to moderate, but the ascent does climb pretty steadily to the top.  We will stop to breathe, drink, rest and enjoy the panoramic views of the ocean, Santa Monica and Century City.  Be sure to bring water, a hat, and perhaps a little snack for the trail.  The trail itself is very clear and easy to navigate.  The descent has considerably more shade than the ascent, so be prepared for full sun on the way up (unless we have beach fog that morning).  Hiking boots are always recommended but probably not essential for this hike.  This trail is considered part of Topanga State Park, so NO DOGS are allowed on the trail.

  

Directions: The trail begins in Temescal Gateway Park, which is at the intersection of Temescal Canyon Road and Sunset Blvd. (north of PCH) in Pacific Palisades.  From the 405 Freeway in either direction, exit at Sunset Blvd. and head west through the Palisades business district and then look for the park on your right.  It is very well marked at a big intersection with Palisades High School and Temescal Canyon Blvd.  From PCH, head North on Temescal Canyon Blvd.  If you go straight across Sunset, you will be in the park.  Again, we will meet at the Temescal Camp Store inside the park.  There are full bathrooms right here. 

  

Parking: There are a few options for parking.  There is parking inside the park for $7.00 (last time I checked; it could be more now).  This is one of those venues where you put your money in an envelope that goes into a dropbox, tear off the parking permit portion of the envelope and place it inside your car window so it can be checked by the enforcement people against the funds placed in the dropbox. So you must be sure you have the correct change on hand. (Again, it has been a while since I have been in the park, so there may be an easier machine payment option available now.)  There is also free street parking on Sunset Blvd. or on Temescal Canyon Blvd.  This will require a short walk on the road or on the adjacent path into the park to our meeting spot.  

  

More Info.: My husband and I enjoy parking at the bottom of Temescal Canyon Blvd., just a few cars north of PCH.  We walk up to the park, which adds about 1/2 mile to our trip.  (You can park at the top of Temescal at Sunset and add only the walk up the road into the park.)  After our hike, we walk back DOWN to our car, grab our beach gear and cross the street for a beautiful afternoon at the beach (without having to pay for parking).  Feel free to copy our plan.   

  

  

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