Temescal Canyon loop and Skull Rock
Details
When I first became a hike leader with LA hiking, Temescal Canyon and Ridge a regular hiking destination for me, when I was living on the west side. Since I've been living closer to the San Gabriel foothills I don't get back to the trails of Topanga SP area that often.
The basics:
4.5-5 miles
1140 feet elevation gain
2.5 to 3 hours.
We leave NO LATER THAN 11:30!!!
We will start hiking up the shady canyon side, take the side trail up to skull rock, a cool Topanga sandstone rock formation that looks like a skull where you can sit in the "eye sockets" and take in the amazing view, the we descend down down the ridge side of the Temescal Canyon loop.
There is plenty of free streetside parking up and down Temescal Canyon as well as Sunset Blvd. Just watch out for signs.
If you are a fast hiker, I have no problem with you going ahead, PROVIDED YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING. In other words, if you are familiar with the trail and feel comfortable to hike faster than the group, then please go ahead, if you do not know where you are going, and still want to trail run, it might be best to sit this one out.
If you have not hiked a 4 mile trail with a 1000 foot elevation gain with the last several months, or if you have any health coniditions like a heart condition and asthma, please ask yourself if you are truly in shape or a five mile hike that is over 100 feet in elevation gain.
What to bring:
You know the drill:
Enough water (2 liters is best), snacks, sunscreen, hiking poles if you need them, clothing appropriate for weather (it can be chilly this time of year), basic first aid (bandaids, alcohol pads, etc.)
LEGAL STUFF: by going on this hike, you agree to assume all risks of this hike, and that no one at Meetup including the organizer is responsible for your safety. See the Meetup terms of service especially paragraph 6.2:
Some pics:
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/1/4/c/event_279920812.jpeg
https://nobodyhikesinla.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/temescal-canyon-greenery.jpg
Temescal Canyon loop and Skull Rock