Urban Nature Walk in Pacific Palisades CA
This fall I went to visit friends in Pacific Palisades CA, a wealthy suburb just north of Los Angeles and Santa Monica. One can walk or bicycle from a beautiful ocean view to a deep shaded park within a couple of miles. Although a city park, Temescal Gateway Park actually has cabins for rent within the park. The entrance to Temescal Gateway Park is about a mile from Pacific Palisades High School on Temescal Canyon Road. From the beginning to the end of the partially paved walking trail round trip is less than two miles as measured by my cell phone.
I am from Denver, so the oak and sycamore trees seem exotic to me, and I was surprised at the amount of shade with so little water available. The only stream was a tiny trickle. The walk was country and only partially paved. The 1.4 miles took me over an hour at a leisurely pace.
This is an urban environment and close to a public beach so I would suggest caution or walking with a partner. There was no charge to enter, but a $10 parking charge. Within the city park itself, bicycles and leashed dogs are welcome. The park borders Topanga state park where dogs are not permitted. It also borders the Will Rogers Historic State Park where dogs are allowed on a leash. There are restrictions on taking bicycles off pavement in all of these parks. Over all a very enjoyable walk.
All photos by Denise White
