4 Family Hikes for Thanksgiving Break

This week, Americans across the country are likely to fall victim to the infamous post-Thanksgiving snooze in which, after having consumed an entire cornucopia of starchy potatoes, fattening gravy and carb-filled rolls, not to mention the sleep-inducing Tryptophan-laden turkey, they’ve effectively stuffed themselves into a food coma.

Burn off those calories this Thanksgiving and spend some quality time with the family with an invigorating hike that will help offset the onslaught of slothfulness that accompanies this nation’s favorite feast.

Enjoy the natural side of Pacific Palisades with a stroll along woodsy rolling hills, cactus-studded chaparral landscapes and meadows frequented by deer and other fauna. With a National Weather Forecast of 70 degrees on Friday and a peak 79 during the weekend, it should be the perfect time to get up, get out and give thanks that the city we call home has so much beauty to offer.

Temescal Canyon Loop, Pacific Palisades

A 10 to 15 foot waterfall, ocean views and a shady canyon makes this a popular spot, especially on the weekends. Check it out before the sun's heat reduces the falls to a trickle.

The hike is moderate and short--only two to four miles, depending on which way you opt for-- but the first mile can be challenging, with a 1000 mile gain in elevation. After crossing a foot bridge, it descends to the cool, wet canyon floor. Also after that first mile, the Temescal Ridge Trail intersects with the Temescal Canyon Trail.

To shave two miles off the trip and make it more family-friendly, I recommend taking the Temescal Canyon Trail to go straight to the waterfall where children will enjoy ambling over rocks and everyone can appreciate the zen of the falling water. 

To get to there, take Temescal Canyon Road for about a mile and pass Sunset Boulevard to enter the Temescal Gateway Park. Follow the road to the end to park, or park on Sunset to avoid the $7 day fee.  

Eagle Spring Loop, Topanga State Park

Located less than five miles from Palisades, this six mile hike with 1000 feet in elevation gain is moderate in difficulty, mostly on pavement and fire roads, and traverses through open meadows and lush foliage before a dusty ascent to the stunning Eagle Rock, a behemoth  formation that does seem to attract birds gliding over its peak. 

Allow three hours for the hike, plus more time if you take advantage of the oak-canopied picnic tables. Keep a lookout for the groups of deer that roam this park. Also, watch out for poison oak especially on the Musch Trail, and snakes.

I recommend it for all ages but use your own judgement because all children have their own thresholds, not to mention parents.

To get to Topanga State Park, go north on Topanga Canyon and take a right on Entrada Road. Park on the side of the road before the entrance to avoid paying the $10 parking fee. The trail is at the end of the parking lot near a picnic area past bathroom facilities, drinking fountains and a ranger station.  

Solstice Canyon Loop, Malibu

A statue of the Virgin Mary overlooks over the rambling ruins of a structure that was once poised upon a gorgeous creek, all nestled within this picteresque canyon. 

An easy 3 mile loop provides a lackadaisical, one and a half hour trek to this once-inhabited home that burned down almost three decades ago and is still in the process of being reclaimed by the canyon.

Acsending above the Pacific Ocean in a gentle 500 foot climb before winding into the canopy, the hike is short, allowing time for an entire family to explore and is only five miles from the Palisades.Oh yeah, there is a 30 foot waterfall, too.

To see it, drive north on Pacific Coast Highway and turn right on Corral Canyon Road. The gated entrance to Solstice Canyon is about a quarter mile up; park nearby and enter on foot through the gate. Follow this service road as it runs alongside the creek. A dirt road on the right leads to two buildings home to the Santa Monica Mountain Conservancy, and to the right of them, the Rising Sun Trail. Take this trail to access the ruins. 

Point Dume, Malibu

Many have surfed or swam this rocky point on the Pacific but if you have never sojourned its sandy cliffs, you are missing out on one of the most pleasant and beautiful hikes around. 

Four miles long with only 300 feet gain in elevation, the moderate hike starts out at Westward beach where a paved path ascends to the pinnacle for a Pacific panorama,  with the possibility of whale watching and Channel Island views. Onward it descends to Dume Cove and follows the shoreline for about a mile before touring the tide pools near Paradise Cove.

It is not a loop so you must venture back from whence you came but ever-shifting waves lapping on contoured sand makes for a beautiful return perspective. And if you're tired of packing picnics, make it leisurely and dine at the Paradise Cove.    

About 16 miles away, to get there head north on the Pacific Coast Highway and before hitting Zuma Beach, turn toward the ocean on Westward Beach Road to park for a fee. 

Hiking Tips:

Click on the links above to check out park web sites for guided tour and special events information. Also, I point out free parking areas for financially strapped times but paying for parking isn't just convenient, it also provides funds for upkeeping these natural getaways.

On all outdoor adventures, it's a good idea to bring extra water, a jacket, a headlamp or flashlight, food bars, a map and a compass. Keep an eye out for snakes, poison oak and know your limits. Don't go alone and inform family and friends of your plans.  

There are dangers outdoors but there is also a plethora of beauty to witness. Vegging out in front of the TV can also be hazardous to the health. So put down the remote, take a chance and experience the world lying right outside the door. Share precious time with loved ones and as always, be safe.