11 Best Hiking Trails in Palos Verdes

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Introduction: Best Hikes In Palos Verdes

When you hike the best hiking trails in Palos Verdes, you will find plenty of opportunities to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Early History – Hiking Trails In Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes, California, located in Los Angeles County, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by the native Tongva people.

In the late 1700s, Spanish explorers arrived. The land became part of the Rancho de los Palos Verdes.

Modern Times

The first modern development of the area began in the early 20th century when developers built a luxury home community. Today, Palos Verdes is a thriving city known for its affluent neighborhoods, stunning coastal views, and preserved natural landscapes.

Early industries in the area included agriculture, with citrus orchards and eucalyptus groves. The orchards and groves dominated the landscape.

In modern times, the city has a diverse economy. The economy includes sectors such as education, healthcare, finance, and professional services.

Palos Verdes derives its name from the Spanish words for “green sticks”. Green sticks refers to the abundant native vegetation.

Palos Verdes offers visitors many great restaurants and places to stay.

Some of the best restaurants in the area include Terranea Resort’s Mar’sel. Mar’sel is known for its upscale dining. They offer locally sourced ingredients and breathtaking ocean views.

Another popular choice is Nelson’s, a casual eatery also located at the Terranea Resort. Nelson’s has delicious coastal food in a relaxed setting.

Other great choices for food include:

For a place to stay, Terranea Resort stands out as one of the top places to stay in Palos Verdes. It boasts:

  • Luxurious rooms
  • A world class spa
  • Multiple dining options
  • Easy access to stunning coastal trails.

The resort’s impeccable service and stunning ocean front location make it a favored choice for visitors seeking a memorable stay.

Palos Verdes has many nice places to stay. See Tripadvisor for more choices:

Best Hikes In Palos Verdes

The Palos Verdes Peninsula is home to outstanding nature preserves and parks that offer fantastic hiking experiences on the best hiking trails in Palos Verdes.

The Palos Verdes Nature Preserve has an extensive network of trails. The trails showcase breathtaking coastal views, wildflower meadows, and wildlife sightings. Portuguese Bend Reserve is another nature preserve that features rugged cliffs, canyons, and panoramic vistas.

hiking trails in palos verdes
(Credit: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Popular hiking trails in these preserves include the:

These trails offer a mix of:

  • Coastal hikes
  • Canyon exploration
  • Stunning vistas

These trail features make them among the best hiking trails in Palos Verdes for hikers looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Palos Verdes.

For more information about the best hikes in Palos Verdes, look at AllTrails. The free app has helpful information. The premium app has lots of useful hiking information including offline maps.

Also, consider an America The Beautiful Pass. The pass includes entry to all U.S. parks, monuments, forests, and more.

Palos Verdes Peninsula: Best Hiking Trails In Palos Verdes

  1. Bluff Cove To Lunada Bay Trail
  2. George F. Canyon Nature Trail
  3. Malaga Lunada Vista Loop
  4. Palos Verdes Coastline Trail
  5. Shipwreck Trail

Bluff Cove To Lunada Bay Trail: Description

More of a walk on the beach, and you need to plan to go during low tide. Also, wear boots or shoes that protect your feet from rocks. Bring your bug spray!

GREAT ocean views!!!

(Credit: pxfuel)

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail type: Out & back
  • Distance: 1.7 miles
  • Elevation gain: 177 feet
  • Dogs: No

George F. Canyon Nature Trail: Description

This is a short, easy hike. Watch out for poison oak!

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail type: Out & back
  • Distance: 1.8 miles
  • Elevation gain: 331 feet
  • Dogs: On leash

Malaga Lunada Vista Loop: Description: Hiking Trails In Palos Verdes

A nice trail, quiet with few other hikers, and great views, but you have some street walking. Parts of the trail need some work.

hiking trails in palos verdes
(Credit: Cedward Brice, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail type: Loop
  • Distance: 6.1 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 790 feet
  • Dogs: On leash

Palos Verdes Coastline Trail: Description

Be sure to wear good hiking boots or hiking shoes. Hiking poles would also be helpful. You will hike on loose rocks along the entire trail.

A quiet hike with few other hikers, and you will be treated to beautiful views.

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail type: Out & back
  • Distance: 7.0 miles
  • Elevation gain: 462 feet
  • Dogs: No

Shipwreck Trail: Description

Be ready for terrific views AND a LOT of rocks. You might want to wear boots to protect your ankles and feet from the loose rocks. Hiking poles will help you keep your balance.

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Moderate to hard (very rocky)
  • Trail type: Out & back
  • Distance: 4.6 miles
  • Elevation gain: 419 feet
  • Dogs: On Leash

Portuguese Bend Preserve: Best Hiking Trails In Palos Verdes

  1. Burma Road, Ishibash, Barn Owl, Peppertree, Water Tanks, and Kubota Loop
  2. Crenshaw Boulevard And Peacock Flats
  3. Eagle’s Nest Loop Trail
  4. Palos Verdes Bluffs Trail
  5. Panorama Trail Loop
  6. Portuguese Bend Landslide Loop

Burma Road, Ishibash, Barn Owl, Peppertree, Water Tanks, and Kubota Loop: Description

This trail has gorgeous views! Wear boots and long pants. Many hikers see ratlesnakes. Bring water too. Hike, and enjoy the great views, just be careful.

(Credit: Mike Quach, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail type: Loop
  • Distance: 4.9 miles
  • Elevation gain: 1,115 feet
  • Dogs: On leash

Crenshaw Boulevard And Peacock Flats: Description: Hiking Trails In Palos Verdes

Enjoy the stunning coastal views, the woods, and the wild flowers. Beware of the snakes!

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail type: Out & back
  • Distance: 4.1 miles
  • Elevation gain: 862 feet
  • Dogs: On leash

Eagle’s Nest Loop Trail: Description

Watch your step since the trail is overgrown! You will see pretty wildflowers and amazing, scenic views.

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail type: Loop
  • Distance: 3.1 miles
  • Elevation gain: 721 feet
  • Dogs: On leash

Palos Verdes Bluffs Trail: Description

Enjoy more pretty wildflowers and stunning, scenic views. Watch for snakes on this trail too!

hiking trails in palos verdes
(Credit: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail type: Loop
  • Distance: 2.7 miles
  • Elevation gain: 557 feet
  • Dogs: On leash

Panorama Trail Loop: Description

The trail’s slight height gain slopes steeply upwards. The trail charms you with birds, colorful wildflowers, and amazing ocean views.

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail type: Loop
  • Distance: 1.5 miles
  • Elevation gain: 442 feet
  • Dogs: On leash

Portuguese Bend Landslide Loop: Description

Check the trail for closures. When open, this hike rewards you with wonderful views and charming wildflowers. Watch out for rattlesnakes on this trail too!

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail type: Loop
  • Distance: 2.8 miles
  • Elevation gain: 636 feet
  • Dogs: On leash

Summary: Best Hiking Trails In Palos Verdes

Get outside, and enjoy the best hikes Palos Verdes. The area has great nature preserves with trails that offer magnificent coastal views, bird watching, and colorful flowers.

For more information about the best hiking trails in Palos Verdes, look at AllTrails. The free app has helpful information. The premium app has lots of useful hiking information including offline maps.

Also, consider an America The Beautiful Pass. The pass includes entry to all U.S. parks, monuments, forests, and more.

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(Featured Image Credit:
Jim Helvey, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
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