Temescal Waterfall & Football Helmet Rock

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/1/5/0/event_90285392.jpegTemescal 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. Typically this looped hike is a nice workout at about 4.8 miles with an elevation gain of about 1,100 ft. We will have the opportunity to increase its length to about 6 miles by exploring some of the side trails.

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.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/c/f/e/event_90288382.jpeg

After a sustained climb we'll turn west on the Leacock Trail toward wide ocean views. Then we will turn onto the less traveled Bienveneda Trail which will take us back up to Temescal Ridge.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/a/3/e/event_90283582.jpegWe'll bypass the Temescal Canyon fork and head up to Football Helmet Rock (aka Skull Rock). Perched on the shoulders of Temescal Ridge at an elevation of 1,500 feet, the rock delivers broad views over Santa Monica Bay

On our return from Football Helmet Rock we will descend into Temescal Canyon. We drop through chaparral and heavier vegetation, reaching the canyon floor and cross a foot bridge just downstream of a small waterfall. We'll 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 Lunch will be at Beech Street Cafe (http://www.beechstreetcafe.com/index2.php#/home/)

Its just a couple blocks from park at

863 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272-3606

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 and walk into first parking lot in Park. See map.

Bring cash if you want to park in Park. Last time I checked it was $7.00. Park in lower end closest to Sunset.

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. You enter the park immediately after crossing Sunset Boulevard.

From the 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.

To restaurant: Make a left on Sunset then a right on Swarthmore. Park in rear on street (meter). You can take your chances and park at cvs across the street