Temescal Gateway Park Los Angeles
A 141-acre preserve with oak canyons and scenic views, though currently facing closures due to damage.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Greenery is vibrant, fewer crowds
Temescal Gateway Park Los Angeles
Best Time
Greenery is vibrant, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 141-acre preserve with oak canyons and scenic views, though currently facing closures due to damage.
"It's my solace, my favorite place on earth."
Check Trail Status First
Park closures are common due to damage. Always verify trail accessibility before you go.
Vehicle Safety Alert
Be aware of smash-and-grab car break-ins in the vicinity. Don't leave valuables visible.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Oak and Sycamore Canyons
Within the park's trail system
Explore lush canyons with mature oak and sycamore trees, offering a serene escape and beautiful natural scenery.

Scenic Views
Various viewpoints along trails
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding hills and potentially the Pacific Ocean from elevated points.

Event Facilities
Designated event areas
A picturesque setting for gatherings, offering a natural backdrop for special occasions.
Planning Your Visit
Trail Status & Safety First
Plan for Trail Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Trail Status First
Park closures are common due to damage. Always verify trail accessibility before you go.
Vehicle Safety Alert
Be aware of smash-and-grab car break-ins in the vicinity. Don't leave valuables visible.
Temescal canyon
Consider Alternatives
If Temescal is closed, Los Leones or Topanga State Park offer great hiking.
Waterfall Potential
After rains, the park can feature beautiful waterfalls.
You cannot get into Will Rogers State Historic Park or Temescal Gateway Park even though Sunset is open. The guards said they turned dozens of people away. Save yourself a trip.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Trail Status First
Park closures are common due to damage. Always verify trail accessibility before you go.
Vehicle Safety Alert
Be aware of smash-and-grab car break-ins in the vicinity. Don't leave valuables visible.
Consider Alternatives
If Temescal is closed, Los Leones or Topanga State Park offer great hiking.
Waterfall Potential
After rains, the park can feature beautiful waterfalls.
Mountain Lion Awareness
Encounters are rare but possible. Be aware of your surroundings on trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Temescal Gateway Park is cherished for its natural beauty, including oak canyons and scenic views, but has recently faced significant closures due to extensive damage. Visitors should be aware of potential safety concerns like car break-ins and wildlife. Checking park status is crucial before visiting.
"Beautiful hike. Some steeps in shade then in the sun. Beautiful views from Skull Rock to the ocean. Bring plenty of water, snacks like raw nuts for energy, hat and safety essentials."
James DeCarli
"We did the Temescal gateway trail. Scenery is beautiful, trail is very challenging, partially due to long and steep climbs, but worse for eroded trail surfaces (big grooves) in the middle, and loose rocks. There were some flatter surfaces which were welcome. Also the trail is very poorly marked and we missed our turn and went much farther than planned. Most people didn’t know where they were due to poor signage. Signage is easy to fix, trail surface not likely to get better."
Dennis Pohle
"Very nice hiking location with great views of LA and the Santa Monica beach. Vegetation was normal SoCal bushes, not particularly exciting vegetation on the hike. There are also lots of conglomerate boulders on the hike, great for geology! We had to wade through a river and walked through a lot of mud in January"
Dennis Gavrilenko
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Temescal Gateway Park is located at 15601 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA. Access can be tricky as the park has experienced closures. It's crucial to check current park status before heading out.
Parking availability can be inconsistent due to park status and past incidents. Some Reddit users have reported the parking lot being inaccessible or containing hazardous waste.
While Sunset Boulevard is open, access to the park itself has been restricted at times. Guards have reportedly turned away visitors.
Information on public transport directly to the park is limited. It's advisable to check local LA Metro routes for buses that may run near the Pacific Palisades area and then consider ride-sharing or walking.
Yes, if Temescal Gateway Park is closed, consider Los Leones Trailhead or Topanga State Park, which offer excellent hiking opportunities in the Santa Monica Mountains.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Typically, state and regional parks like Temescal Gateway Park do not have an entrance fee for general access, though parking fees might apply if available. However, current access is subject to park status.
Official opening hours are usually from dawn to dusk. However, the park has been subject to closures due to damage, so it's essential to verify current operating status before visiting.
For general park entry, advance booking is usually not required. However, if you plan to use event facilities, reservations would likely be necessary. Always check the park's official website for the most up-to-date information.
Recent reports indicate that Temescal Gateway Park has been closed due to extensive damage from rains and fires. It's crucial to check official park advisories for the latest updates on reopening.
If Temescal Gateway Park is closed, consider exploring nearby hiking trails such as Los Leones Trailhead, Rustic Canyon Trail, or trails within Topanga State Park.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Historically, trails like the Temescal Canyon Trail (a 2.6-mile loop) were popular. The park features oak and sycamore canyons. However, trail conditions are subject to change due to damage.
According to past information, dogs are not allowed on the trails at Temescal Canyon Park. Always check current park regulations for the most accurate information.
You can expect to see lush oak and sycamore canyons, rolling hills, and potentially ocean views from higher elevations. The park is known for its natural beauty.
While the park offers natural beauty, its suitability for families may depend on current trail conditions and accessibility. Past information suggests it's a moderate hike.
After significant rainfall, Temescal Gateway Park can feature beautiful waterfalls, making it a particularly scenic spot during certain times of the year.
🎫 🚗 Safety & Security
While the park itself offers natural beauty, there have been reports of smash-and-grab incidents targeting cars parked nearby on Sunset Boulevard. Be vigilant about vehicle security.
To minimize risk, avoid leaving any valuables visible in your car. Some visitors opt for ride-sharing services or carpooling to reduce the number of vehicles.
Yes, mountain lions have been sighted in the Temescal Ridge area. While encounters are rare, it's important to be aware of wildlife and maintain a safe distance.
When hiking, stay aware of your surroundings, make noise to alert animals of your presence, and never approach or feed wildlife. Keep pets leashed.
Recent reports indicate extensive damage, particularly after rains, leading to trail closures. The parking lot has also been described as containing hazardous waste.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
🚗 Day-Trippers and Sightseers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Park Closures and Damage
It's crucial for anyone planning a visit to prioritize checking official park advisories before making the trip. Relying on outdated information can lead to disappointment and wasted travel time. The community often shares updates on Reddit, but official sources should always be your primary reference for the most accurate status.
When the park is inaccessible, exploring alternative hiking destinations becomes essential. Nearby options like Los Leones Trailhead, Rustic Canyon Trail, or trails within Topanga State Park offer excellent opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Safety and Security Considerations
To mitigate the risk of car break-ins, it's recommended to avoid leaving any valuables visible in your vehicle. Some visitors suggest using ride-sharing services or carpooling to reduce the number of cars parked in the vicinity. The presence of such incidents can unfortunately detract from the enjoyment of the natural surroundings, making vigilance a key part of the visit.
Additionally, as with many natural areas in Southern California, there's a possibility of mountain lion encounters. While rare, these encounters can be unsettling. Hikers should stay aware of their surroundings, make noise to alert wildlife, and never approach or feed animals. Keeping pets leashed is also a crucial safety measure.
Exploring the Natural Beauty
Beyond the canyons, the park's elevated points often provide scenic views of the surrounding hills and, on clear days, glimpses of the Pacific Ocean. These viewpoints offer a rewarding perspective after a hike and are popular spots for photos.
Historically, the park has also been known to feature waterfalls after periods of significant rainfall, adding another layer of natural beauty to the experience. This makes visiting after a good rain a potentially special occasion for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit