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- Los Angeles County
- Marin 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
Saturday February 20 – 8:30am: Tapia Park to Mesa Peak. Moderate 8 mile hike with 1800' elevation gain and loss. Hike up fire roads and trails to peak overlooking Santa Monica Bay. Check out fire-following vegetation growing along hillsides burned in the 2007 Corral and Puerco Canyons fire. Meet at parking lot (fee or permit required) on west side of Las Virgenes/Malibu Cyn Rds, 0.1 mile south of Piuma Road, or about 0.2 mi. south of Tapia Park entrance. Pkg. lot is approx. 4 miles from PCH or 5.5 miles from Ventura Fwy (Hwy 101). Bring lug soles, water, lunch. Rain cancels. Leader/info, Aurelio Albaisa, aalbaisa@sbcglobal.net
Saturday, February 27 1:00 pm: Abalone Cove Shoreline Reserve tide pools - Rancho Palos Verdes. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) will give a 10 minute talk about the gray whales which can be seen migrating along this coast and then lead groups on a 90 minute walk along the California Coastal Trail and 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 12:15pm until 1:30pm if you tell the attendant that you are going on the walk. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.Saturday, March 6, any time, sunrise to sunset. Whale of a Day. Vicente Bluffs Reserve - Rancho Palos Verdes. This is a self-guided stroll along the bluff top California Coastal Trail (wheelchair accessible for a whole mile) to the Whale of a Day festivities. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) will be presenting a celebration (10:00am to 4pm) of the gray whales which can be seen migrating along this coast and the American Cetacean Society will be counting them (the whales). Join the party. Tour the Point Vicente Interpretive Center and the Point Vicente Lighthouse. Games, shopping, food and education for children of all ages. No reservations required. ADMISSION AND PARKING IS FREE - donations appreciated.
Directions: From the San Diego Fwy. (405), exit at Hawthorne Blvd. going south. Approx. 15 miles, pass Palos Verdes Drive West and follow the bend to the right to a parking area on your left. Walk south along the pedestrian corridor of the California Coastal Trail one very "easy" mile (ADA compliant) along the bluff top. Or, read the signs on Hawthorne Blvd. and catch a shuttle bus. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.Saturday, March 27 – 1pm: Escondido Beach to Pt. Dume Low-tide Walk — Malibu. This leisurely 6.5 mile, round-trip walk takes us along some of the most beautiful beaches in the State with a break at the whale-watching lookout atop Pt. Dume. Carry water and a snack, wear a hat, sneakers or sandals, and bring extra socks. We will meet at the signed coastal accessway where Escondido Ck crosses Pacific Coast Highway—about 27200 PCH; 3.7 miles north of Malibu Cyn. Rd. or 2.1 miles south of Kanan-Dune Rd. Park on the highway shoulder. 4 hours. Leader: Ed Lozano, (818) 349-5755
Saturday, March 27, 10:00 am: Visit springtime in the Forrestal Reserve - 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 former basalt quarry. 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. Show them to your walk leader. 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) or the west end of the Vincent Thomas Bridge ( 47/705), turn left onto Gaffey Strreet. Go 25 blocks and bend tight to the 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. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.Saturday, April 17 – 9:30am: Malibu Nature Preserve to Nicholas Flats — “Western Malibu”. Join this opportunity to hike through the private Malibu Nature Preserve with its unspoiled canyons and Chumash history. Lunch by the pond at Nicholas Flats with stunning coastal views. Moderate-plus, 7 miles, 1800' gain. Meet in the Malibu Nature Preserve parking lot ($2.00 parking donation) at 33905 Pacific Coast Hwy., 12+ miles west of Malibu Cyn Rd. Bring 2 qt. water, lunch, lug-soles, hat. Leader: Peter Ireland, naturetrust@earthlink.net
Sunday, April 25, 3:00pm: Ocean Trails Reserve - Rancho Palos Verdes. This is a special spring time walk through the western portion of the reserve. It features the wildflowers in the native habitat restoration project and watching for the gray whales which are migrating at this time of year along with spectacular views of the coastline and Catalina Island. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) will lead groups on a two hour walk to Founders Park and along the California Coastal Trail. After the docent led portion, trails to cobblestone and sand beaches are available. 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) or the west end of the Vincent Thomas Bridge ( 47/705), turn left onto Gaffey Street. Go 25 blocks and bend tight to the right onto 25th Street. About one mile after you enter the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, turn left onto Ocean Trails Drive into the Trump National Golf Club. There is free parking in the lot on your left just before you get to the clubhouse at One Ocean Trails Drive and on Ocean Trails Drive. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.Saturday, May 22 10:00 am: Abalone Cove Shoreline Reserve 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 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 shore. 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 9:15am until 10:30am if you tell the attendant that you are going on the walk. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.Sunday, June 6 – 9:30am: Coastal Slope Trail – Pt. Mugu State Park. The trail provides great views of the ocean and La Jolla Canyon as it follows the western part of the Coastal Slope Trail and loops back through La Jolla Canyon. We will lunch at an overlook with a view to the Channel Islands and Pt Mugu – a clear day permitting. Meet at La Jolla Canyon/Ray Miller Trailhead on Pacific Coast Highway, 2 miles west of Big Sycamore Canyon. Either park on PCH and walk in to the trailhead, or park inside (fee). Bring lunch and 2 qts water. Moderate+; 7 miles – 5 hrs. Leader/info: Dave Edwards, dave.wanda@roadrunner.com
Saturday, June 26 10:00 am: Vicente Bluffs Reserve - Rancho Palos Verdes. Visit one mile of the "suburban ideal" of the California Coastal Trail. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) will lead a tour of the center's museum, native plant garden, coastal public access amenities and all three "strings in the braid" trail corridors. This walk is appropriate for wheelchair users but the equestrian and bicycle corridors are still somewhat isolated. 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. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.Sunday, July 25 , 3:00 pm: Endangered bird watching at Ocean Trails Reserve - Rancho Palos Verdes. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center will lead you on a 2 hour "summer season walk" on the public trails in the golf course to and along the California Coastal Trail through the east 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 at the south end of La Rotunda Drive. At the south end of the Harbor Freeway (110) or the west end of the Vincent Thomas Bridge ( 47/705), turn left onto Gaffey Street. Go 25 blocks and bend tight to the right onto 25th Street. Just after the road narrows and you enter the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, turn left onto La Rotunda Drive. If you get to the Trump National Golf Club, you just missed it. There is free parking in the parking lot at the end. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.Saturday, August 28, 10:00 am: Vicente Bluffs Reserve - Rancho Palos Verdes. Visit one mile of the "urban ideal" of the California Coastal Trail. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) will lead a tour of the center's museum, native plant garden, coastal public access amenities and all three "strings in the braid" trail corridors. This walk is appropriate for wheelchair users but the equestrian and bicycle corridors are still somewhat isolated. 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. The Point Vicente Interpretive Center free parking is at the end of the road. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.
Saturday, September 18, 9:00 am : Abalone Cove, Sacred Cove and Portuguese Bend coastal clean up - Rancho Palos Verdes. This is International Coastal Clean-Up Day. Bring the family to help clean the shoreline. 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 trails are "moderate" to "challenging". 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. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.
Sunday, October 24, 3:00 pm: Fall colors at the Ocean Trails Reserve - 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 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) or the west end of the Vincent Thomas Bridge ( 47/705), turn left onto Gaffey Street. Go 25 blocks and bend tight to the 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. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.Saturday, November 20, 1:00 pm: Abalone Cove Reserve tide pools - Rancho Palos Verdes. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) will give a 10 minute talk about the gray whales which can be seen migrating along this coast and then lead groups on a 90 minute walk along the California Coastal Trail and 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 12:15pm to 1:30pm if you tell the attendant that you are going on the walk. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.Saturday, December 18 12:30 pm: Abalone Cove Reserve tide pools - Rancho Palos Verdes. Docents from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) will give a 10 minute talk about the gray whales which can be seen migrating along this coast and then lead groups on a 90 minute walk along the California Coastal Trail and 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 11:45am until 1:00pm if you tell the attendant that you are going on the walk. Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (1-310-377-5370). For more information, contact: Sunshine at 1-310-377-8761 Subject: Day Hikes. Rain cancels.
Scenes from the June, 2006 Pt. Reyes day hike
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