Chaparral and Chardonnay

Forget Teleflora—if Mom loves flowers, hike Temescal Canyon’s Loop Trail together. It features more spring flowers than Weekend 2 at Coachella, and you can follow up your 4-mile hike with some savvy sipping nearby.

As you proceed down the singletrack trail, an archway of tree branches swoops over your heads, guiding you down a path lined by spring blooms. Picnic benches invite you to relax, but you decide to continue onward. As you pass by the second parking lot and wave goodbye to civilization, head left toward the signed Temescal Trails. Bouncing up the steps, take the path farthest right. You prance down the chaparral-lined trail and spy a meadow off to your right. Magnificent oaks stare down at you as you encounter an uneven paved road. Continue straight along the path. You breeze past luscious lupine and cacti, and spy a creek off to your left. The incline increases as the trail meanders into Topanga State Park. At mile 1.4, a gorgeous waterfall flows off to your left. You and Mom get on all fours to get closer to the water and farther from the crowds that tend to hover in this area. Here’s the spot to unpack your sandwiches and enjoy the scenery. 

After your quick break you continue across the bridge where the incline is much more noticeable. Upon reaching the ridgeline, about 2 miles in, you are greeted with aerial views east to LA and west all the way to the ocean. You flip a U-turn, heading back down your original path until you reach a sign marked “Temescal Trail to the Waterfall” directing you back in the direction you came from. To continue the loop, take the path heading upward to your right, then bear left to stay on the Temescal Ridge Trail, with jaw-dropping views of the ocean. The smell of wildflowers permeates the air. You give Mom a high-five when you reach the end of the loop and race each other back to the car.

BONUS TREAT: Why stop adventuring? This 75-and-sunny weather calls for a quick trip to Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio to enjoy live music, food trucks, and, of course, wine, only a quick 15-minute drive away.Mom-tried, tested, and approved, this chaparral-and-chardonnay day is sure to be the perfect Mother’s Day staycaton.

Temescal Canyon Park is at 15900 Pacific Coast Hwy. in Pacific Palisades. The entrance to the trail is just off to the left of the bathrooms by the first parking lot. No pups are allowed, as this trail crosses over into Topanga State Park.Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio is at 18741 Pacific Coast Hwy. in Malibu.