CURRENTLY CLOSED · REOPENING 2025 · WATERFALL · OCEAN VIEWS · 10 MIN FROM SANTA MONICA
A waterfall hike ten minutes from the beach. A ridgeline with panoramic Pacific views. Currently closed after the Palisades Fire — but reopening soon.
⚠ Currently Closed — Palisades Fire Damage
Temescal Gateway Park sustained significant damage in the January 2025 Palisades Fire and remains closed as of February 2025. The park is expected to reopen in 2025, but no firm date has been announced.
Check mrca.ca.gov for current status before planning a visit. In the meantime, the nearby Los Liones trail is open and offers similar canyon-to-ridge hiking with ocean views.
What Temescal Gateway Is
Temescal Gateway Park was one of the best urban hikes on the Westside — a 3.8-mile loop through a coastal canyon that delivered a seasonal waterfall, canyon shade, ridge views of the Pacific Ocean, and Santa Monica Bay all in under two hours. It sits at the end of Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades, about 10 minutes from Santa Monica Beach.
The trailhead is managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) and is adjacent to a YMCA conference center that dates back to the 1920s. The combination of canyon shade, ocean views, and the waterfall made this one of the most popular moderate hikes on the Westside before the fire.
The Trail (Pre-Fire)
Temescal Canyon Loop
3.8 miles · Moderate · ~850 ft elevation gain · 1.5‒2 hours
The classic loop. Climbs from the trailhead through a shaded canyon, breaks out onto a chaparral ridgeline with panoramic ocean views, and descends back through the canyon with a detour to the waterfall. The ridge section is exposed — bring sun protection. The canyon sections are shaded and cool even in summer.
Ridgeline to Temescal Peak
Extended option · Connects to the Backbone Trail
More ambitious hikers could continue along the ridgeline to connect with the Backbone Trail and extend the hike significantly. This section remains closed due to fire damage.
What Made It Special
The Waterfall
A seasonal waterfall in the lower canyon, accessible via a short detour on the descent. Best after winter rains (January‒March). In summer, the creek may be dry or a trickle. The grotto around the waterfall was one of the most photographed spots on the Westside.
The Ridgeline Views
The ridge section breaks out of the canyon and delivers broad views of the Santa Monica Bay, Malibu coast, and on clear days, Catalina Island. This is what made Temescal worth the climb — ocean views that reward the effort.
The Proximity to Santa Monica
Ten minutes from Santa Monica Beach. You could hike Temescal in the morning and be at the Third Street Promenade by noon, or do a post-beach hike in the late afternoon and catch sunset from the ridge.
Pre-Fire Practical Details
Address: 15601 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Parking: $8‒12/day in the lot. Limited free street parking on Sunset Boulevard (fills fast). The parking lot at the YMCA is shared with trail users.
Hours: Typically 8am to sunset, daily. Subject to change on reopening.
Dogs: Allowed on leash on the lower canyon trail. Not allowed above the conference center.
Managed by: Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA)
While You Wait: Open Alternatives
Los Liones Trail Open post-fire. Similar canyon-to-ridge with Pacific Ocean views. The best Westside alternative right now.
Will Rogers State Historic Park Adjacent park. Inspiration Point loop is open with ocean views.
Solstice Canyon Waterfall, ruins, and year-round creek in Malibu. Open and excellent.
Runyon Canyon Hollywood Hills hike. Always open, always a scene.
Make It a WashedUp Plan
Post a Temescal hike plan now for when it reopens — or find people for one of the open alternatives nearby. Westside hikers are ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Temescal Canyon a hard hike? The Temescal Canyon loop is a moderate hike, about 3 miles round trip with some steep sections. It's manageable for most fitness levels but offers enough of a challenge to feel rewarding.
Is there a waterfall at Temescal Canyon? There is a small seasonal waterfall along the Temescal Canyon trail. It flows best during and after the rainy season (typically January through March).
Last verified: February 2025. Temescal Gateway Park is currently closed. Check mrca.ca.gov for reopening updates.
