Temescal Gateway Park

Temescal Gateway Park begins as a flat, manicured space at the mouth of a canyon, with wide grassy lawns and picnic tables tucked under groves of mature oak and sycamore trees. This developed area, which includes historic buildings from the park’s past as a private retreat and Chautauqua center, serves as the main entry point into the vast wilderness of the Santa Monica Mountains. From here, a network of trails pushes deep into the chaparral-covered ridges. The main path starts out easy, a relatively flat half-mile that follows a year-round stream, making it accessible for families. Further in, the popular route is a loop that combines two very different environments. The Temescal Canyon Trail stays low, following the cool, shaded creek bed through a riparian habitat that leads to a small seasonal waterfall – a common spot for hikers to rest and have lunch. In contrast, the Temescal Ridge Trail is a strenuous, sun-exposed single-track that climbs high above the canyon floor, passing a distinctive formation known as Skull Rock. The climb pays off with expansive, panoramic views that stretch from the Santa Monica coastline all the way to Century City and the downtown skyline. For a comprehensive hike, most people take the ridge trail up for the views and return via the shaded canyon trail. There’s a $12 fee for the main parking lot, which takes credit cards, and you’ll want to bring plenty of water, as the ridges offer almost no shade. Dogs are welcome, but they have to stay on a leash.