The Palos Verdes Peninsula Offers Easy Hikes with Breathtaking Views By Writer Jill Biggins Gerbracht
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Offers Easy Hikes with Breathtaking Views By Writer Jill Biggins Gerbracht
Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run or explore other outdoor activities, the South Bay has a lot to choose from.
Torrance Memorial’s Pulse magazine has compiled a list of six easy hiking trails along the Palos Verdes Peninsula, including kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. All hikes are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts of any skill level.
1. George F. Canyon Nature Trail
Location: 27305 Palos Verdes Drive East, Rolling Hills Estates
Stats: Open year-round, pets welcome, private parking lot
Level of Difficulty: Easy, 1.8 miles
Generally considered an easy route, this trail takes an average of 52 minutes to complete and is a very popular area for hiking, horseback riding and walking. Easy incline for an adult but could seem a little steep for young children.
2. Bluff Cove to Lunada Bay Trail
Location: Start at 672–650 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates
Stats: Open year-round, no pets, street parking
Level of Difficulty: Easy, 1.7 miles
This out-and-back trail is generally considered an easy route and takes an average of 41 minutes to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
3. Ranch Trail
Location: Start at 1704 Via Arriba, Palos Verdes Estates
Stats: Open year-round, very little incline, street parking
Level of Difficulty: Easy, 1.2 miles
Popular for hiking, running and walking, this route is considered easy and takes an average of 28 minutes to complete. The trail is beautiful to visit anytime.
4. Linden Chandler Preserve Trail Loop
Location: Start at 95 Buckskin Lane, Rolling Hills Estates
Stats: Open year-round, pets welcome (must be on leash), street parking
Level of Difficulty: Easy, 1.0 mile
This popular 30-minute trail is primarily for birding, hiking and horseback riding. It involves some short, steep elevation gain/loss. A hidden gem if you enjoy spectacular views, Because it is popular for horses, beware of droppings along the trail.
5. Palos Verdes Estates Loop
Location: Parking lot at Palos Verdes Boulevard North at Via Anita, Palos Verdes Estates
Stats: Open year-round, pets welcome (must be on leash), street parking
Level of Difficulty: Easy/Moderate, 4.8 miles
Generally considered an easy route, this is a peaceful trail with some moderate incline and takes just under two hours to complete. A great way to explore Palos Verdes. Hikers recommend watching out for sand patches on the route, which increases the level of difficulty.
6. Point Vicente Trail
Location: 31550 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes
Stats: Open year-round, pets welcome (must be on leash), street parking
Level of Difficulty: Easy, 1.6 miles
This trail is well-marked, has amazing cliffside views and easy walking paths, and takes around 35 minutes to complete. If you’re lucky, you may be able to spot some whales during the right season!
Resources: alltrails.com and townandtourist.com
Article contributed by Torrance Memorial