Hump Day: Temescal Canyon and Skull Rock - Almost

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Temescal Canyon is a very popular hiking spot with great views of the ocean and LA basin on clear days, a seasonal waterfall, and a densely wooded canyon. This looped hike makes a nice evening workout at about 5 miles with a net elevation gain of about 1000 ft. Check out the trail map (http://files.meetup.com/454296/Temescal%20Canyon.pdf)

We'll begin at the lower end of the first parking lot and walk along Temescal Creek on the Sunset Trail. After 0.4 miles we'll head up the Ridge Trail under chaparral arches with some nice views of the Palisades and the Pacific Ocean beyond.

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We'll continue along the ridge until we get to the Skull Rock shortcut, leave the ridge and climb the steep shortcut until it takes us back to Temescal Ridge. From there we will begin the return toward the waterfall bridge

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We then descend into Temescal Canyon, dropping through chaparral and heavier vegetation, reaching the canyon floor and cross a foot bridge just downstream of a small waterfall. We'll can go off-trail to get a closer look.

We'll hike along the creek back to the main park as the the trail transforms into an easy stroll through pleasant groves.

Post Hike Dinner will be at The Tivoli Cafe

Its just a couple blocks from park at

15306 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Directions

Temescal Gateway Park is located in Pacific Palisades, just one mile north of Pacific Coast Highway at the intersection of Temescal Canyon Road and Sunset Boulevard.

Park for free on Sunset or Temescal - Meet outside park on corner under Park Sign

Click for Picture of Corner (http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/c/2/2/highres_140607682.jpeg)

From Los Angeles, take the Santa Monica Freeway (10) West until it becomes Pacific Coast Highway(PCH). Continue West on PCH. Turn right (North) on Temescal Canyon Road and continue for 1 mile. Park on street

From the Conejo and San Fernando Valley, take Topanga Canyon Boulevard South to Pacific Coast highway(PCH). Turn left (East) on PCH. Go Left (North) on Temescal Canyon Road and continue for 1 mile. Park on street

To restaurant: Walk down Sunset Blvd a couple blocks

The Organizers and members of Hiking With Dean are not professional leaders, guides, or mountaineers. The function of the member or organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who shows up for a trip/meetup (and their guest or guests) is responsible for his or her own safety. By attending a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you and any guests that you bring are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizers, Members of the Hiking With Dean Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities per our ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER and Section 6.2 of the Meetup.com Terms of Service.