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- Los Angeles County
- Marin County
- Mendocino County
- Sonoma County
- Learn about self-guided hikes you can take by yourself on the CCT statewide, on the official California Coastal Trail website
Scenes from Coastwalk's day hikes program in Los Angeles
To be added to the LA Dayhikes mailing list, contact: Don Nierlich: 310-394-2799. Rain cancels all hikes. All of the hikes are free, although as noted, there may be a parking fee; no reservations are required.
Saturday, May 17 10:30am: Zuma Canyon flower hike — Zuma Canyon/S.M. Mtns NRA. Leisurely-paced 3-mile hike through an area noted for its wildflowers. We will identify the plants in bloom and talk about coastal plant communities. Meet at Zuma Canyon trailhead at end of Bonsall Drive, about 1 mile north (inland) of PCH. Suggestion: from PCH, 0.8 miles west of Kanan-Dune Rd, turn north at light onto Busch Drive, and then go right at Rainsford and then left on Bonsall. 2.5 hours; bring lunch and water. Leaders: Bob Burns; others TBA. Info: Don, 310-394-2799.
Saturday, May 24, 10:00 am: Visit springtime in the old quarry - Rancho Palos Verdes. This is an "alta vista" of the Palos Verdes coastline and the California Coastal Trail. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) will lead you on a 2 hour tour of the Forrestal Nature Preserve. The restored coastal sage scrub habitat is in bloom. The quarry cut has exposed the geologic history of the area. Crystals and fossils may be found. The trail steepness is "moderate". Wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars for birding and whale watching. No reservations required. FREE - donations appreciated.
Directions: The walk starts by the driveway to the Ladera Linda Community Center, 32201 Forrestal Drive. At the south end of the Harbor Freeway (110), turn left onto Gaffey Strreet. Go 25 blocks and turn right onto 25th Street. About one mile after you enter the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, turn right onto Forrestal Drive where the Trump National Golf Club is to your left. There is free parking on Forrestal Drive. Co-sponsored with Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more info, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 or SunshineRPV@aol.com, Subject: Day Hikes.
Sunday June 8, 8:30am: Parker Mesa Overlook – Topanga State Park. Parker Mesa Overlook (1,525') offers sweeping views of the coast, while the trail from Los Liones – bowered for the first 1+ miles – offers a mix of riparian habitat and broad views of coastal sage scrub chaparral and the extent of the L.A. basin. 8 miles, Moderate. Follow Sunset Blvd from Pacific Coast Highway about 0.2, and turn left onto Los Liones Drive. Continue to trailhead and pull-out parking about 0.5 mi at the street’s end. Bring snack and 2 qts water; wear hat and sunscreen. Info/leader, Marshall Ratinoff, lataxman@att.net
Saturday, June 28, 10:00 am: Visit the "perfect" one mile of the California Coastal Trail - Rancho Palos Verdes. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) will lead a tour of the coastal public access amenities, the coastal oriented exhibits and all three "strings in the braid" trail corridors. This walk is appropriate for off-road wheelchairs. No reservations required. FREE - donations appreciated.
Directions: From the 405, San Diego Fwy., exit at Hawthorne Blvd. going south approx. 15 miles. Turn left onto Palos Verdes Drive West. Turn right at the first opportunity and right again when you are facing the lighthouse. PVIC is at the end of the road. Co-sponsored with Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more info, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 or SunshineRPV@aol.com, Subject: Day Hikes.
Sunday, July 27, 3:00 pm: Endangered bird watching at Ocean Trails - Rancho Palos Verdes. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center will lead you on a 2 hour "summer season walk" through the west side restored coastal sage scrub habitat to see the fledgling California Gnatcatchers taking hunting and flying lessons from their parents. The walk includes spectacular views of the Palos Verdes coast and Catalina Island. The trail steepness is "easy". Wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars. No reservations required. FREE - donations appreciated.
Directions: The walk starts in the public parking lot, One Ocean Trails Drive. At the south end of the Harbor Freeway (110), turn left onto Gaffey Street. Go 25 blocks and turn right onto 25th Street. About one mile after you enter the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, turn left onto Ocean Trails Drive. There is free parking in the lot on your left just before you get to the clubhouse and on Ocean Trails Drive. Co-sponsored with Los Serenos de Point Vicente. For more info, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 or SunshineRPV@aol.com, Subject: Day Hikes.
Saturday, August 23, 10:00 am: On a clear day, you can see forever from up here - Rancho Palos Verdes. This is an "alta vista" of the Palos Verdes coastline and the California Coastal Trail. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) will lead you on a 2 hour tour of the Forrestal Nature Preserve. The quarry cut has exposed the geologic history of the area. Crystals and fossils may be found. The trail steepness is "moderate". Wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars for birding and whale watching. No reservations required. FREE - donations appreciated.
Directions: The walk starts by the driveway to the Ladera Linda Community Center, 32201 Forrestal Drive. At the south end of the Harbor Freeway (110), turn left onto Gaffey Strreet. Go 25 blocks and turn right onto 25th Street. About one mile after you enter the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, turn right onto Forrestal Drive where the Trump National Golf Club is to your left. There is free parking on Forrestal Drive. Co-sponsored with Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more info, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 or SunshineRPV@aol.com, Subject: Day Hikes.
Saturday, September 20, 9:00 am to Noon: Abalone Cove coastal clean up - Rancho Palos Verdes. This is International Coastal Clean up Day. Bring the family to help clean the beach. Gloves, trash bags, continental breakfast and educational literature provided. Wear sturdy shoes as a portion of the walk is along the cobblestone beach. The beach access trail is "moderate". There will be a truck to haul the trash out. High School community service credit available if prearranged with your school. No reservations required. FREE - donations appreciated.
Directions: Check in at the Abalone Cove parking lot. From the San Diego Fwy. (405), exit at Hawthorne Blvd. going south approx. 15 miles. Turn left onto Palos Verdes Drive West and continue to the park entrance on your right. 5907 Palos Verdes Drive South. If you get to the Wayfarer's Chapel, you just missed it. The parking fee will be waived if you tell the attendant that you are there for the clean up. Co-sponsored with Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more info, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 or SunshineRPV@aol.com, Subject: Day Hikes.
Sunday, October 26, 3:00 pm: Fall colors at Ocean Trails - Rancho Palos Verdes. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center will lead you on a 2 hour "autumn season walk" along the California Coastal Trail and down the Switchback Trail to the beach. Learn about local geology and fall blooming habitat. Stay to watch the sunset from the new Founders Park on the Halfway Point bluff top. The walk includes spectacular views of the Palos Verdes coast and Catalina Island. The trail steepness is "moderate". Wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars. No reservations required. FREE - donations appreciated.
Directions: The walk starts in the public parking lot, One Ocean Trails Drive. At the south end of the Harbor Freeway (110), turn left onto Gaffey Street. Go 25 blocks and turn right onto 25th Street. About one mile after you enter the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, turn left onto Ocean Trails Drive (Trump National Golf Course). There is free parking in the lot on your left just before you get to the golf clubhouse and on Ocean Trails Drive. Co-sponsored with Los Serenos de Point Vicente. For more info, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 or SunshineRPV@aol.com, Subject: Day Hikes.
Saturday, November 15 2:00 pm: Abalone Cove Shoreline Park tide pools - Rancho Palos Verdes. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) will lead groups on a two hour walk along the California Coastal Trail and a visit into the tide pools at the extreme of the low tide discussing geology, plant and animal life, as well as marine mammals, and the Native Americans who lived here. This is a "no take Reserve" so the tide pools are teeming with fascinating marine life. Wear sturdy shoes as a portion of the walk is along the cobblestone beach. The beach access trail is "moderate". No reservations required. FREE - donations appreciated.
Directions: The walk starts in the Abalone Cove parking lot. From the San Diego Fwy.,405, exit at Hawthorne Blvd. going south approx. 15 miles. Turn left onto Palos Verdes Drive West and continue to the park entrance on your right. 5907 Palos Verdes Drive South. If you get to the Wayfarer's Chapel, you just missed it. The parking fee will be waived from Noon until 12:30 if you tell the attendant that you are going on the walk. Co-sponsored with Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more info, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 or SunshineRPV@aol.com, Subject: Day Hikes.
Saturday, December 27, 2:00 pm: Abalone Cove Shoreline Park tide pools - Rancho Palos Verdes. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) will lead groups on a two hour walk along the California Coastal Trail and a visit into the tide pools at the extreme of the low tide discussing geology, plant and animal life, as well as marine mammals, and the Native Americans who lived here. This is a "no take Reserve" so the tide pools are teeming with fascinating marine life. Wear sturdy shoes as a portion of the walk is along the cobblestone beach. The beach access trail is "moderate". No reservations required. FREE - donations appreciated.
Directions: The walk starts in the Abalone Cove parking lot. From the San Diego Fwy.,405, exit at Hawthorne Blvd. going south approx. 15 miles. Turn left onto Palos Verdes Drive West and continue to the park entrance on your right. 5907 Palos Verdes Drive South. If you get to the Wayfarer's Chapel, you just missed it. The parking fee will be waived from Noon until 12:30 if you tell the attendant that you are going on the walk. Co-sponsored with Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more info, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 or SunshineRPV@aol.com, Subject: Day Hikes.
Saturday, May 10, 2008 – Tennessee Valley/Coastal Loop – 5.5 mile loop, 1600 foot elevation gain and loss. 10am-1:30pm
No fool’n-this is a spectacular hike, with fabulous ocean and coastal views (weather permitting). When I go to run this route on Sunday, I often tell my wife that I am going to church! I really feel like I’m in a holy place when I’m here. My old copy of Bay Area Runner’s Guide titles a shorter version of this hike, Glutton Run. I assume it implies that anyone who would run on it is a glutton for punishment! It rates the degree of difficulty as 9 out of a high score of 10. It also gives it a 9 out of 10 on esthetics, which makes it all worthwhile.
On weekends this trailhead is probably one of the most popular in the county, but once we turn up the Fox trail the crowds will disappear, and we should have the next 4.5 miles almost to ourselves. Bobcat fox and coyote are occasionally seen, and mountain lion are known to frequent the area, though they are rarely seen.
Bring a lunch or trail snacks and water. Weather, especially in winter is always unpredictable, so be prepared for cold, fog, and wind. I go rain or shine!
Meet at Tennessee Valley Trailhead @ 10 am, Saturday, May 10.
DIRECTIONS: From Highway 101, take the Mill Valley/Stinson Beach exit west. Turn left onto Tennessee Valley Road and continue to the end (about 2 mi) where there is a large parking lot. Meet me by the gate.
RSVP or more info: Gerry Freedman, Kelbyjones@aol.comSaturday, June 14, 2008, Pt. Reyes National Seashore, Pierce Ranch to Tomales Bluff 9:30am. Moderate, 9.4 miles, 200 ft. elev. chg.
This moderately paced route leads us to Tomales Bluff at the northern tip of the Pt’ Reyes Peninsula. Expansive views of the Pt. Reyes western seashore, Tomales Bay, and Bodega Head. We should see Tule Elk herds grazing near the trail. Bring lunch, liquids and appropriate clothing. It can be cold if windy or foggy. Rain cancels.Meet in the Pierce Ranch Parking area at 9:30AM, 9 miles north on Pierce Point Road from its junction with Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Allow 1 ½ hours driving time from the Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Exit on Hwy. 101 in San Rafael. A good Marin County map is essential if you are not familiar with this area. Group size is limited. Reserve space for this hike with Leader Paul McKown at paulmckown@gmail.com
Saturday, July 12, 2008 -Dipsea Trail, part II –10am - 2:30ish pm. 11 miles, strenuous - for conditioned hikers only. Those who can't keep up with a reasonable pace in the first few miles will be asked to return to their cars.
Join veteran of 27 Dipsea races, Jerry Freedman, MD, on last 5 mi of Dipsea trail. We’ll start at Muir Woods and warm up climbing Dynamite hill and then Cardiac hill to Farren’s Rest (1200 feet rise).Then it’s down Steep Ravine, up little Insult, and down to Stinson Beach-great spot for a lunch stop. Then back up and down along some alternate options back to our cars. Bring: food, water. Don’t forget there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices!
Directions to trail head: From Highway 101 heading south turn right at Mill Valley/E. Blithdale exit. Continue about ¾ mi to left on Camino Alto, then after ½ mile left to Miller Ave and follow signs to right on Highway 1. Follow 1 till signs direct you right to Panoramic Highway and then left to Muir Woods. At bottom of hill look for annex parking lot where we’ll meet. From Highway 101 heading north take Mill Valley/Stinson Beach exit which will put you on Highway 1, then follow instructions as noted above.
RSVP or more info: Gerry Freedman, Kelbyjones@aol.comSaturday, August 16 - Frank’s Valley Loop 8 mile loop,1,140 ft. elev. chg.
This scenic hike offers open ocean views, an old growth Redwood forest, and a pleasant stroll up a salmon spawning stream. Our route travels through parts of Muir Woods, Mt. Tamalpais State Park and Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Among the trails we follow are the Dipsea and a newly rebuilt section of the Coastal Trail. We will be on good trails, but expect mud in places. Bring lunch, liquids and appropriate clothing. Rain cancels.
Meet at the Deer Park Fire Road parking area on Frank’s Valley Road at 9:30 AM. To reach this trail head from Hwy. 101 in Marin: take the Hwy. 1 North/Stinson Beach Exit in Mill Valley. Follow signs for Hwy. 1, (also signed Shoreline Hwy.) making left turns at both stop lights. Continue on this windy road over the ridge to Muir Beach. Shortly after the junction with the Muir Beach entrance and the Pelican Inn, on your left, Hwy. 1 makes a sharp left turn. Leave Hwy. 1 at this turn, straight ahead, on Muir Woods Road. Continue, approximately a mile to a dirt pull off on the right and park. This is not signed. The Deer Park Fire Road entrance is a little further east on the left. If you reach the Muir Woods parking area and entrance you have gone about a mile too far.Group size is limited. Reserve space for this hike with Paul McKown at paulmckown@gmail.com.
Scenes from the June, 2006 Pt. Reyes day hike
May 18, 2008 Endangered State Park Day Hike in Manchester SP, 10 am - 1 pm. Easy, 3 miles.
Coastwalk is hosting a day hike to highlight the proposed closure of state parks state-wide, including our own beloved Manchester SP. Please join us for a hike led by Peter Warner, local botanist, as we enjoy this unique Park, home to Point Arena mountain beaver burrowing areas, western snowy plover habitat, wetlands, dunes, coastal scrub, riparian, and coastal grassland.
Meet at Kinney Road Day Use area at 10am. We will shuttle to Alder Creek Road to hike from Highway 1 to the outlet of Alder Creek and along the beach and dune environment ending at Kinney Road. Easy hiking with an estimated distance of 3 miles and approximately 3 hours of walking, so please bring a sack lunch and water.RSVP: Coastwalk.
May 24, 2008 Walk with a Poet From Russian Gulch to Poets' Pinnacle
2pm (Meet at the Coastwalk office in Sebastopol, 825 Gravenstein Highway North at 1:00 pm or at the Russian Gulch parking lot area at 2:00 pm). This leisurely three-hour coastal walk starts at Russian Gulch and, after following the beach, hugs the grassy bluff towards Poets' Pinnacle, a rocky promontory so named at a similar walk in 2002. Bring a snack, water, binoculars and good walking shoes. Dress in layers. Contact hike leader Zeno Swijtink at swijtink@sonoma.edu to RSVP or if you have any questions.The walk will be interspersed with readings from her work by poet Elizabeth Herron and practices on sensing and subtle body movements led by Jack Petranker, of the Center for Creative Inquiry. Acclaimed poet Elizabeth Herron's essays have appeared in Parabola, Orion, ReVision and EarthSpirit. She is the author of five books of poetry, and a collection of short fiction. Her collaboration with sculptor Bruce Johnson led to the writing of The Poet's House, a book length poem. Jack Petranker founded the Center for Creative Inquiry (CCI) to explore alternate forms of knowledge and inquiry and their potential to bring about essential change. The walk is integrated into Mind in Nature, a CCI weekend retreat held at the spectacular Ratna Ling Retreat Center, about a 20 minute drive northeast of Russian Gulch. Coastwalkers who would like to participate in Mind in Nature are eligible for a 10% discount. For inquiries about the retreat contact Kathleen Daly (707) 935-8268
Directions: To reach the Russian Gulch parking follow Highway 1 north from Jenner for less then two miles. The Parking area is on the ocean side of the road in the dip of the gulch.
June 7, 2008 Fort Ross State Historic Park (Meet at the Coastwalk office in Sebastopol, 825 Gravenstein Highway North at 9:00 am or at the Fort Ross parking lot at 10:30. Leaderless carpooling is encouraged. We’ll return to Sebastopol between 4 to 5.) Join Coastwalk for an easy 6 mile exploration of Fort Ross. We’ll visit the visitor center and the Russian fort constructed in 1812, explore the cove and then take a loop hike starting along the rugged shoreline, then ascend into the forested hills for a look at the San Andreas Fault line, a small virgin redwood forest, and the historic Russian apple orchard. We expect wet grass on the cross country part of the walk. Bring lunch, water and good hiking boots, dress in layers. Questions? Contact Richard Nichols at 823-4071.
October 4, 2008 Red Hill Summit (Meet at the Coastwalk office in Sebastopol, 825 Gravenstein Highway North at 9:15 am or at the Shell Beach parking lot at 10:00 am. Leaderless carpooling is encouraged.) A moderate hike (for elevation change) approximately 5 miles in length. By lunchtime we will have hiked from Shell Beach to the summit of Red Hill, situated in one of the newest acquisitions to the California State Park system. Weather permitting, we will enjoy coastal views stretching from Point Reyes to Fort Ross. We’ll be back at the Shell Beach area by mid afternoon and for those who want to we’ll take a stroll up the Kortum Trail section of the California Coastal Trail to the Sunset Rocks rising from the coastal terrace. Bring lunch, water and good hiking boots, dress in layers.If you have any questions contact Jon Breyfogle at 795-7713.
For generael information on hikes, contact Jon Breyfogle (707) 795-7713 or surveyor@sonic.net
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