Monday, February 22, 2010

#112: Temescal Canyon Hike



I guess I've never really gone "hiking" in L.A. before. All of those other things I called hikes were really just leisurely jaunts... brisk walks at best. So when we set off last weekend with some friends to hike Temescal Canyon in the Pacific Palisades, I had my doubts about being able to finish the three hour trek to Skull Rock and the waterfall. Thankfully, it wasn't too difficult, even for a rookie like me. And while the tiny waterfall was a little... underwhelming..., climbing Skull rock was an exhilarating experience.

Skull Rock, Photo by Shimage

The Waterfall, Photo by Shimage

The majority of the hike is off limits to dogs, and much of it is shaded. There's also a good amount of people hiking on the trail (so you feel safer from mountain lions!). As for wildlife, we saw some medium sized paw tracks in the mud (not sure what animal made them), a hawk, and a couple of very adorable little bunnies munching on grass.


Now here's the biggest tip if you're hiking the canyon: Watch out for hidden cameras at the stop signs! There is one camera positioned at the sign leaving the lower parking lot, and there's another camera at the sign entering the upper parking lot. If they catch you rolling through a stop, you will get a ticket in the mail a week later for $125 and a video link of you rolling through the stop. It's sneaky business that they're doing, and Brad and I got a ticket the first time we visited the park a year ago. Please be careful!

Parking is $7, cash or check. You put your payment in an envelope and place it a locked box at the lot. Part of the envelope is detachable, so you display that portion on your dashboard.

Be safe and have fun!

Have you done the Temescal Canyon hike? What did you think of it? Leave me a comment below!

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2 comments:

  1. great site - love it. I've done the Temescal Canyon hike MANY times. Enjoyable, but can get really really crowded on weekends. Meanwhile, the "upper" Temescal Ridge hike starts just past Skull Rock - and is never crowded. The trailhead is technically in Palisades Highlands, 10 minute drive from Sunset & the PCH. Here's a link from a recent hike: http://www.experiencingla.com/2012/05/whats-best-hike-in-los-angeles-depends.html

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  2. Thanks David! I love your site too--I've been a subscriber for a while now :)

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