This is definitely the toughest way up, so wear long pants and prepare to bushwhack through brush if you decide to trek this way. The trail is rarely used and extremely overgrown, probably receiving more traffic from animals than humans. No time or energy is saved by taking this route. After 2/3 of a mile, this steep track reaches a landing on Temescal Ridge just north of the top of Trailer Canyon Fire Road. To the left, a small footpath ascends a clay gully and crosses a lush ridge up to Temescal Ridge Trail. Three-quarters of a mile from the start, the trail passes through a metal gate and enters Topanga State Park. Trailer Canyon Fire RoadĪfter half a mile, the road swings east, providing broad views over Santa Ynez Canyon and the surrounding mountains. The palm stands alongside a small creek that carries rainwater off the ridge. About 0.3 miles up, the road passes a single out-of-place palm tree, juxtaposed against the indigenous chaparral. Begin hiking up the dirt service road, which is well graded except for a few rocky sections, making it a popular mountain biking trail. The more challenging route provides excellent views over Santa Ynez Canyon. Temescal Peak from Trailer Canyon Fire Road From here it is another mile and a half to Temescal Peak. Less than a mile up the ridge, the road crosses the radio-towered summit of Green Peak at 1,966 feet, and drops down to a junction with Trailer Canyon Fire Road, 1.15 miles from the Palisades Highlands Access Trail. To the east, over the ridges of the Santa Monica Mountains, rise the loftier San Gabriel Mountains.Ī third of a mile north of the junction, the road passes through a section of trees and brush that provide some of the only shade on the hike. 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. 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.
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