![]() To the south is a lovely perspective of Santa Monica Bay and the sprawling civilization of Los Angeles. Temescal Ridge is covered in low grasses and sagebrush that enable sweeping views. Looking down Temescal Ridge Trail above Palisades Highlands Access Trail To the right, the trail descends 275 feet to Skull Rock, a fun outcropping half a mile down the ridge, before continuing down to Temescal Gateway Park off Sunset Boulevard. While this trail is farther south than Trailer Canyon Fire Road, it begins 625 feet higher up the ridge, making for an easier hike.Īfter just a quarter mile, the trail comes to a T-junction with Temescal Ridge Trail. As you leave the affluent development above Palisades Drive, views over the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains expand. The short route begins up a concrete road built into a steep slope composed of drainage ditches and retainer walls. Temescal Peak from Palisades Highlands Access Trail Additionally, hikers can get to Temescal Peak by passing through Hub Junction, extending hikes to Eagle Rock or exploring the north end of Temescal Ridge Trail on a trek to Temescal Peak from Reseda Boulevard. ![]() The truly ambitious could also begin hiking from the very bottom of Temescal Ridge Trail in Temescal Gateway Park for a 10.5 miles round trip hike with 1,750 feet of elevation gain. Both options take Temescal Ridge Trail north to the summit. An easier route starts up Palisades Highlands Access Trail for a 5.8-mile hike with 575 feet of elevation gain. One route, beginning up Trailer Canyon Fire Road, offers a 7.6-mile round trip hike with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. It can get very hot during summer months, so beware of the sun and heat in the middle of the day.Temescal Peak can be reached from a number of trailheads, but this trail report will concentrate on two southern approaches from starting points off Palisades Drive. A lot of the trail is exposed, but winds through some forested areas as well, offering various viewpoints throughout. Once you surpass the first 1.5 mile climb to the bridge lookout, the trail will even out over rolling hills, turning it's way through the Santa Monica mountains. You can take the trail as far as you please, as it extends 62 miles. You'll see signage for Backbone Trail right before the trail jets up and into the hills. Upon a noticeable intersection, you'll head down to the Backbone Trailhead instead of heading to Inspiration Point. There are multiple ways around Inspiration Point Loop but I usually keep left on the fire roads. ![]() With the polo fields and bathroom still to your right, you'll see a dirt path with a sign where the trail starts. Once ready to hike or run, you'll head to the back of the parking lot. Always worth supporting State Parks with the parking fees, but there is also a strip of street parking that has no regulations, just outside the park. Once on the road, head all the way to the top and you'll dead end into the parking lot. You'll make your way up Will Rogers State Park Road, located just minutes from Santa Monica, Brentwood, Westwood, Malibu, Palisades, and much of west Los Angeles. This is an ideal piece of the trail to experience, providing a strenuous climb until just after you reach the bridge lookout at ~1.6 miles. The LA-centered State Park is a great place to explore, offering multiple trails, ocean views, all the amenities, and links up to the famous Backbone Trail which connects 63 miles of the Santa Monica National Recreation Area from Malibu to Santa Monica, CA. ![]()
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