Hike Leader:  Jan Gardner

Please print your own hike descriptions and maps.

GPS Data (to Veterans' 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 Veterans' 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.

To celebrate the 1500th hike we will have pot luck refreshments after the hike.

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 Veterans' Park via RAT Beach

2022-08-23