Skull Rock Loop is a 4 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Pacific Palisades, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
This hike is a great extension to the Temescal Canyon Trail which adds minimal elevation gain and distance, but greatly improves the experience. Take some time to explore Skull Rock and do some scrambling to get the best ocean views! Make sure to bring the app or downloaded map as it can be difficult to follow the route. There is a $10 fee to park.
Avoid paying the $10 parking fee by parking on Temescal Canyon Rd before the park entrance.
Temescal Canyon Rd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
April 20, 2021Great after work or quick weekend hike. Also great for sunset picnic. You can enter off Sunset onto Bienvienda and follow the road to the end (gated community). There is a trailhead on the right side of the road as you approach the residential gates. Parking is free along the road with likely no restrictions.
April 15, 2021I loved this trail the views and surrounding nature was worth the workout! For some reason my Navi took me to the split rock trailhead so I parked up there and stated from there, later I realized that this trailhead was 1.5 miles away from the skull rock trail. At the end my app accounted that I hiked for 7.4 miles rather than the expected 4miles, great workout!
April 9, 2021Trail was a good work out but skull rock wasn’t what I was expecting. Lots of graffiti and dirty and not great views.
April 9, 2021Liked the trail but skull rock wasn’t much to look at
April 5, 2021Great trail. Clearly marked, great views
April 4, 2021Always a solid hike. It’s popular, so don’t expect everyone to mask up.
April 4, 2021Awesome view at the top. Go counter clockwise for great views on the way down and bring water!
April 3, 2021Nice hike. Good little workout.
March 27, 2021Awesome- just the right amount of up and downs with stunning views
March 27, 20214.4 mile hike, not too many people in the afternoon, 2 miles of no shade, beware of snakes. Overall would do it again
March 26, 2021Good, semi hard. Wouldn’t go back to skull rock (just do normal look) Really pretty view of canyon and coast
March 26, 2021Great hike! Did it on a Sunday afternoon and it was busy but not packed. Didn’t actually mean to go all the way up to skull rock but missed a turn and was pleasantly surprised. Pretty minimal coverage on one half so probably best for cooler days. Will definitely come back!
March 25, 2021March 21, 2021Awesome incline, nice extra climbing to skull rock and then down to the waterfall. A lot if traffic but everyone masked and courteous. Really fun little hike.
March 21, 2021Gorgeous at sunset !
March 20, 2021Fun hike with good conditions, and well marked trails! Skull Rock was very cool to check out, and there is a waterfall on the trail, though it was just a trickle today. $12 parking near the trailhead
March 20, 2021March 13, 2021March 12, 2021March 9, 2021Great hiking trail!
March 7, 2021Definitely in my top 5 of local hikes. Great scenery and well maintained. Took the suggestion of going counterclockwise and was glad for it. Waterfall was not running today. Cloudy day but could still see the ocean. We extended the hike a bit after coming back down from skull rock. We decided to take Bienveneda trail to Leacock Memorial and catch back up with the Temescal Ridge Trail. Added about another mile. That section seemed kind of steep to be going up so glad we were heading down. Easy street parking at 8am around the school. Crowds were packing in when we left by 10:30. Clean bathrooms at the park. Parking fee is $12 in the park itself. Cash only.
March 7, 2021Great hike!
March 7, 2021Beautiful greenery and excellent elevation gain
March 6, 2021March 6, 2021March 6, 2021Love Temescal and adding the Skull Rock extension is a great way to get more mileage, elevation, and a great view. Highly recommend.
March 6, 2021Nice trail, great incline going up! The view from the top where the rock is amazing!
March 4, 2021
