Temescal Canyon – Skull Rock Loop [was Breakfast at Tivoli’s] Lunch at Matthew’s

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/9/f/8/600_442307608.jpeg 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 is a nice workout at about 5 miles with a net elevation gain of about 1,200 ft.

But this won't be your typical Temescal trek!

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.

Post hike lunch will be at Matthew’s Garden Cafe http://www.matthewsgardencafe.com/ 859 1/2 Swarthmore Ave Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Its only a couple blocks away: Map https://goo.gl/maps/NFxjTuufZ552

The Reverend Dr. Charles Holmes Scott developed what is now Temescal Gateway Park for the Methodist Church in 1922 as a West Coast center for the Chautauqua movement. Originated in 1874 on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in Southwestern New York State, Chautauqua assemblies were aimed at challenging the minds and spirits of its participants by offering families seasonal programs of lectures, music, elocution, and open discussion of public issues, literature, and science. Some of the canyon's earliest structures are still in use. Built in 1922, the building known as the Temescal Camp Store was two buildings-- a grocery store complete with a butcher shop, and the local post office. The Presbyterian Synod purchased the property in 1943 and used it as a private retreat center until the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy purchased the property in 1994

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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, or enter park and use the first pay lot on the left. Meet outside park on NW 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

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