Hike Leader:  Jan Gardner

Please print your own hike descriptions and maps.  This will avoid the inconvenience and save costs to the hike leader.

GPS Data (to Veteran's Park):
Distance: 8.9 mi. RT; Elevation Gain/Loss = 440 ft.

Directions to Trailhead:  From the 405 Freeway exit onto Hawthorne Blvd. south (right) approx. 5 miles to Palos Verdes Dr. North (stop light); turn northwest (right) for 1/2 mile (past Silver Spur stop sign) and turn east (right) at the start of the center divider to 3 Ponderosa Lane (second house on the left).

From the 110 Freeway exit Pacific Coast Hwy. west (right) approx. 5 miles to Hawthorne Blvd. (stop light); turn south (left) approx. 1 mile to Palos Verdes Dr. North (PVD-N) (stop light) and proceed as above.

The Hike:  From 3 Ponderosa Lane turn right (west) 1/2 block to PVD-N; turn right (north) for about 1/2 mile to Via Valmonte; cross to follow walking trail in center island for approx. 1 mile where it ends.

Cross eastbound PVD-N and walk at edge of pavement past Malaga Cove Plaza to Via Corta; turn right and cross PVD-W toward the ocean; follow sidewalk along Via Almar to Via Arroyo; turn right 1 block to Paseo del Mar; turn right and proceed to end of parking lot where there is a ramp down to RAT Beach.

Walk north as far as you want; a paved path and rest rooms begin at Torrance Beach. Continue north to Veteran's Park or lunch wherever you feel is the halfway point.

To Return:  Retrace the same route or for a slightly shorter route, follow the sidewalk on Esplanade south to PV Blvd. crossing CAREFULLY to the east side and walk 1 block south to Via Anita; follow Via Anita east to Via Alameda; turn right (south) and cross the westbound lane of PVD-N to the center island; proceed as before to 3 Ponderosa Lane.

Enter backyard by west gate (between #1 and #3) to find tables and chairs on back patio.  Restrooms will be available before departure and on return of Jan or Jim.

Shorter Hikes:
a) Walk to Malaga Cove for approx. 4 miles and 100 ft. gain.
b) Walk to RAT Beach for approx. 5 miles and 200 ft. gain.

Please click HERE for a map of the hike.

Google Earth photo - Rolling Hills Estates to Veteran's Park via RAT Beach

2021-08-31