Hike #1555
La Rotonda to Forrestal / Portuguese Bend Reserves
December 27, 2023
Hike Leader: Joe Tillotson
Meet at 9:00 am for start at 9:30 am.
Rabbits start is TBD.
Please print your own hike descriptions and maps.
Trailhead Directions: For GPS purposes, the trailhead is 3200 La Rotonda Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes.
Drive south to the end of the 110 freeway, exit on Gaffey Street, right on 1st Street, left on Western Ave, and right on 25th Street (which becomes Palos Verdes Drive South), then left on La Rotonda Drive to the parking lot. There is a restroom at the trailhead.
Hikes:
Short - 3 miles, 200 ft elevation gain. Ocean Trails Reserve trails are through the Trump National Golf Course and are somewhat narrower than the golf cart paths. At point 'C' in front of the club house the trail is one-person wide between hedges. At its end, walk down to a sandy trail beside the driving range, then left on the narrow West Bluff trail at 'D'. The sandy trail and black-top road beside Palos Verdes Dr. both go to the same place - I recommend taking the road to be away from traffic.
Intermediate - 6.1 miles, 500 ft gain. Cross Palos Verdes Dr. at the golf course entrance, walk up Forrestal Drive to the Pirate Trail - 'E' on the map. Although the trails aren't marked, the hike then goes on the Mariposa, Flying Mane 'F', Canyon, and Conqueror trails. Ladera Linda Park is closed, and so is soccer field access, so take Main Sail Road to get back to Forrestal Dr.
Long - 9.6 miles, 1150 ft gain. The Conqueror trail provides entry into the Portuguese Reserve. The Klondike trail 'G' leads to the Burma Road, then up to the Eagle's Nest 'H'. Return via Peppertree and Barn Owl trails back to the Conqueror trail. This option is not available December 2023 as most of the Portuguese Bend trails are closed, https://www.rpvca.gov/1007/Trail-Conditions-Alerts
Please bring bring a few folding chairs so we can gather in the parking area after our hike for BYO refreshments.
Map of La Rotonda to Forrestal and Portuguese Bend Reserves
Forrestal & Portuguese Bend Trails Map
PVNP Forrestal Reserve Brochure
PVNP Portuguese Bend Reserve Brochure
Updated: 2023-12-22
