You move to Pacific Palisades for the daily rhythm of trail time and beach time. If you are planning a weekend hike to ocean views or a quick paddle after school pickup, you want to know what is open and how to get there without stress. Below you will find a clear, current guide to Palisades trails and beaches, plus the right links to check before you go. Let’s dive in.
How access works in the Palisades
Pacific Palisades sits where the Santa Monica Mountains meet the coast, and different agencies manage nearby parks and beaches. Rules, hours, dog policies, and closures vary across California State Parks, the National Park Service, MRCA, and LA County Beaches. The regional Backbone Trail connects many of these lands, and its status can change by segment. You can review the multi-agency overview on the National Park Service’s page for the Backbone Trail.
Status as of October 12, 2025: Several popular trailheads and some beach lots remained closed or restricted following the January 2025 Palisades Fire. Always confirm day-of conditions on the LA County Trails closure page for the Eaton and Palisades fires at trails.lacounty.gov.
Signature trails near Pacific Palisades
Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa
- Route snapshot: A canyon-to-ridge climb with lush lower sections and far-reaching ocean views. Typical outings range from 2.5 to 7.8 miles depending on turnaround. See baseline details on the County’s Los Leones Trail page.
- Trailhead and parking: Los Liones Drive with small staging areas and neighborhood street parking that fills early.
- Dog rules: Topanga State Park generally does not allow dogs on most backcountry trails. The nearby day-use loop has different rules; check the County’s Los Leones Day-Use page and posted signs.
- Status to check: Sections connected to Topanga State Park were affected by fire-related closures. Confirm on LA County’s closures page before you go.
Paseo Miramar to Parker Mesa Overlook
- Route snapshot: A steady ridge climb to Parker Mesa Overlook with broad views across the bay and, on clear days, to Catalina. Standard outings run about 5 to 6 miles round-trip.
- Trailhead and parking: Street parking on Paseo Miramar; expect tight conditions on weekends. For route basics and rules, see the County’s Parker Mesa Overlook Trail page.
- Dog rules: Dogs are not allowed on key Topanga State Park trails leading to Parker Mesa. Obey posted signs.
- Status to check: Some approach routes were listed in post-fire closure notices. Verify current status before planning your hike.
Temescal Gateway Park and Temescal Ridge
- Why locals love it: Close-in access to canyon loops, Skull Rock, and ridge connections toward Topanga.
- Trailhead and parking: Park at Temescal Canyon Road near Sunset Boulevard. Facilities are limited when demand is high.
- Status to check: MRCA has noted that Temescal Gateway Park has been closed during phases of fire recovery. Review the current note on the Temescal Gateway Park page.
Backbone Trail access points
- Why it matters: The 67-mile Backbone Trail links the range from Will Rogers eastward across the Santa Monica Mountains. It is a defining regional asset for long hikes and connections.
- Status to check: After the 2025 fire, closures varied by segment and land manager. Confirm your section on the NPS Backbone Trail page and the relevant agency’s alerts.
Beach access made simple
Will Rogers State Beach
- What you get: A long, sandy stretch with volleyball courts, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, restrooms, and showers. It is the everyday “Palisades beach” for many locals.
- Parking and hours: Multiple County-operated lots along PCH with varying hours and fees. Lot availability can fluctuate during recovery work. Check the LA County Beaches & Harbors Will Rogers page for lot status and beach advisories.
- Transit: LA Metro Bus 534 serves PCH stops that access Will Rogers, and Big Blue Bus has restored service to the Palisades. Confirm current schedules with the agencies.
- Pets: Most state beaches restrict pets on the sand. Review the state’s Visiting State Parks With Your Dog guidance and follow posted beach rules.
Topanga State Beach and nearby parklands
- Overview: A popular cove west of the Palisades with quick PCH access. Nearby trails in Topanga State Park experienced significant fire impacts in 2025.
- Status to check: California State Parks provided ongoing updates during recovery. Review current notices via the State Parks news and alerts before planning.
Santa Monica bluff and beach connections
- Palisades Park: The bluff-top promenade in Santa Monica offers sunrise walks, ocean views, and stair access to the sand. See hours and features on the City’s Palisades Park page.
- Getting down to the beach: Use the California Incline or designated stairs where open. Follow city signage and be mindful of cyclists and pedestrians along the path.
Smart planning, safety, and etiquette
- Check closures first: Conditions change. Use LA County’s fire closures page at trails.lacounty.gov, the MRCA’s Temescal page, NPS for Backbone Trail segments, and LA County Beaches & Harbors for Will Rogers.
- Understand dog policies: Rules differ by agency. Topanga State Park prohibits dogs on most backcountry trails, and most state beaches do not allow pets on the sand. Confirm on California State Parks’ dog policy and observe posted signs.
- Respect recovery zones: Burn scars can mean unstable slopes, cleanup equipment, and reroutes. If an area is taped or signed closed, avoid it for your safety and to help the land heal.
- Beat the crowds thoughtfully: Street parking near trailheads is limited and enforced. Arrive early, rideshare when possible, and keep noise low near homes.
- Consider transit: Big Blue Bus restored service improvements to Pacific Palisades in 2025; review updates on the City’s service change announcement. Metro Bus 534 serves PCH stops near Will Rogers; confirm times before you go on the LA County Beaches page.
Why this matters when you buy or sell
Trailheads and beaches shape daily life in the Palisades. In a post-fire recovery year, access can shift by week and by lot, so knowing the most reliable routes is a real advantage. If you are weighing neighborhoods, consider how you will reach the sand and the ridge on a typical day, and which agencies manage the closest access points. Local guidance helps you match your routine to the right pocket of the coast.
If you want a nuanced read on Palisades and Malibu homes that center your outdoor lifestyle, reach out for a private consultation. For discreet, high-touch representation and local insight, connect with Irene Dazzan-Palmer.
FAQs
Which Pacific Palisades trails are currently open after the 2025 fire?
- Access has been mixed; check LA County’s fire closures page and the managing agency’s alerts before you go, including MRCA for Temescal and NPS for Backbone Trail segments.
Where can you park at Will Rogers State Beach today?
- Parking availability and hours vary by lot along PCH, and some lots have changed during recovery; confirm on LA County Beaches & Harbors’ Will Rogers page for the latest details.
Are dogs allowed on Palisades trails or beaches?
- Many Topanga State Park trails do not allow dogs, and most state beaches prohibit pets on the sand; review California State Parks’ dog policy and follow posted rules for each location.
How can you reach the beach without driving from the Palisades?
- Big Blue Bus restored service to the Palisades in 2025 and Metro Bus 534 serves PCH stops near Will Rogers; check the latest schedules on agency sites before you go.
Is the Backbone Trail accessible from Will Rogers right now?
- Status varies by segment and land manager; verify your route on the NPS Backbone Trail page and the relevant agency alerts on the day of your hike.
