Great Hikes

Connecting Trails

Scott Regberg
Mirror contributing writer

   The opening of the new Temescal Crossover trail has become an added inspiration for our Monday-Wednesday night hiking group to devise a series of connecting trail hikes.
   There were two moments of discovery on the Temescal to Will Rogers trail. The first was the almost invisible crossing of the Chataqua trail (between Temescal and Will Rogers). Now that the Chataqua trailhead is closed for construction, this Temescal access provides a side door to reach Chautauqua’s panoramic peak. It’s a little tricky to identify, but as you’re heading east, you’ll see the Chautauqua heliport to your right and a choice of small trails zig-zagging up the west-facing hillside. If you go this way, it’s a lot more uphill and a lot more view.
   The second discovery was realizing that when the Temescal trail descends down into the canyon, you are actually on the floor of Rivas, a trail we often take in the reverse direction. In fact, on the way up Rivas, there is a curious sign at the junction of the Temescal up-trail that says “Not Safe For Horses.” We always thought that it was an odd sign, but now realize that while horses are occasionally ridden up Rivas, the new Temescal connection is simply too tight with switchbacks. I regret not taking the unsafe for horses up-trail from Rivas just to see where it went: we would have experienced the new Temescal route under construction.
   In addition to taking the Temescal to Chautauqua peak, a really diverse combination is to take Temescal to Rivas, and then turn left, or northwest, and head further up to the spectacular ridges atop Rivas cnayon
   It’s very exciting to discover the maze of related trails that network throughout the local Santa Monicas. After you’ve done a specific trail a number of times, it’s refreshing to make a simple turn and pick up a different route. The Backbone Trail, of course, is one of the best examples of a “master trail” that will ultimately link the Santa Monicas for days of hiking. However, for shorter local hikes, stay tuned for future updates about neat connecting trails.
   Fearless readers who are interested in free Monday and Wednesday night hikes should contact Scott Regberg at (310) 475-5735.