If you’re looking for a good daily workout with a little bit of incline and a nice cool jog under 30 minutes near the beach in the sunny South Bay, this route is for you. It is the longer version of the Alta Vincente Trail hike in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. I like to do this one when I have a bit more time to spare early in the morning before work or at the end of the day.
But if you’re looking for a quicker path that is about a 26 minute walk, check out this route instead. You will begin at the Alta Vincente Trail, then briefly onto the Nike Trail, and then back to the Alta Vincente Trail to round up your journey. Enjoy the beautiful skies as well as the ocean views. This is definitely a breathtaking adventure you don’t want to miss out on.
Good For:
| Running | Hiking | Biking |
| Restrooms | Adjacent Picnic Area | Dog-Friendly |
| Nearby Tennis Courts | Civic Center | Photography |
Time: 1 hour and 10 minute hike
Distance: 2.65 miles (Loop Route)
Elevation: 305 ft
Hours Open: 1 Hour Before Sunrise to 1 Hour After Sunset
Parking Address:
Rancho Caninos Dog Park
30940 Hawthorne Blvd, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Once you get to the dog park on the left, you can park adjacent to the fence or on the left of the tennis courts. Usually there is plenty of space to park, but if for whatever reason you can’t find a spot, you can park in guest parking at the city hall. It is all free.
Starting Point:
From the parking lot, walk towards the ocean. You will see a closed gate, but feel free to walk under it or around it as you make your way to the left. You will see a wooden table and bench. That is the start of your hike. You will go through a short forest-like narrow pathway that takes you down to two directions. It is a little steep, so make sure you have the right hiking shoes with good resistance. Go left.
This route will take you down past the farmland on the left as you make your way towards the ocean. Then turn right and you will see an old bicycle on display.
Keep going until you see a trail sign and veer left making your way onto the street, Palos Verdes Dr. South. Pass the bus stop, and turn right crossing the street onto Terranea Way and then another right onto Palos Verdes Dr South.
Walk along the path and enjoy the view of the Terranea golf course. You will also pass the lighthouse and Pelican Cove Park. Keep going until you see the gas station across the street, cross at that intersection making a quick right on Hawthorne Blvd and then another right onto Palos Verdes Dr. West. Pass the delicious Yellow Vase restaurant (highly recommended for breakfast or lunch), and make a left at the church and you will find the Alta Vicente Trail entrance again. Turn at the first left, and go up the wooden stairs where you will see the palm trees that lead you back up to the RPV Civic Center parking lot and to the dog park.
This route will give you a longer workout with slight incline to work out those glutes and little tour around the hotspots of Rancho Palos Verdes.
What do you think about this custom route? Also, check out the Seven Trees hiking trail in Glendale for beautiful mountain views!
Thanks for your blog, nice to read. Do not stop.