Palos Verdes Estates, California
Palos Verdes Estates, California, is a must-visit for outdoor adventures. Among the top attractions is the scenic Palos Verdes Shoreline Park hiking trail. This trail offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and unique rock formations. It's a moderate difficulty trail, perfect for those who want a bit of a challenge without being too strenuous. Another highlight is the Malaga Cove Trail, a relatively easy trail that winds past a historic library and offers beautiful views of the ocean. For those interested in water activities, the nearby Bluff Cove offers excellent opportunities for surfing. These are just a few of the best trails and outdoor activities you can find in and near Palos Verdes Estates.
Top Spots in and near Palos Verdes Estates
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Orange, CaliforniaCrystal Cove Beach Loop
5.05.13 mi / 151 ft gainThis is a favorite morning or evening hike, run or stroll. Park in the lot with a state pass, head down the cliff and back, and you'll get an amazing workout. Tip: Time your outings for low tide as there will be more beach to walk on.Read more -
Azusa, California
Fish Canyon Falls
2.04.08 mi / 801 ft gainThis trail is currently closed! Learn more on the U.S. Forest Service website. Follow Encanto Parkway towards the hills until you come to a junction with a sign labeled "trail" that points towards a parking lot to your right. Parking is free, though on weekends it may be difficult to find a spot...Read more -
Newport Beach, California
Bommer Ridge from the Pacific Ridge Trailhead
7.54 mi / 394 ft gainThe Bommer Ridge West Trailhead aka The Pacific Ridge Trailhead begins at the edge of Ridge Park Road, overlooking CA State Highway 73, and marks the northwest entrance to the Laguna Coast Wilderness and its neighbor, Crystal Cove State Park. From the well-marked trailhead follow the trail south...Read more -
Newport Beach, California
Deer Canyon Loop
5.07.76 mi / 1119 ft gainThe Deer Canyon Loop Trail is an easy drive from Orange County and Newport Beach. In the spring, wildflowers are abundant along the trial. This is a favorite spot for trail runners, hikers, and mountain bikers. The trail is kept in great condition year-round and is very wide. There is very little...Read more -
Anaheim, California
Oak Canyon Bluebird and Wren Trail
1.42 mi / 187 ft gainThe Oak Canyon Bluebird and Wren Trail features beautiful wildflowers and is accessible year-round. The trail is well kept and offers lots of shady spots. The first portion of this hike will take you up a hill, and then to a fork. One direction will take you around a reservoir and another will ta...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
El Moro Canyon Trail to Lower Moro Campground
4.06.37 mi / 997 ft gainLocated off of Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach is Crystal Cove State Park. There are three primitive sites located in Crystal Cove: Deer Canyon, Upper Moro, and Lower Moro. The site I stayed at was Lower Moro campground. All three of these sites require the backpacker to hike everything in...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
El Moro Canyon Trail
5.04.94 mi / 814 ft gainThe trail features a waterfall and is open year-round, but is best used in the spring. Remember to bring $15 cash for the parking fee. The Laguna Beach trail is shared by trail runners, mountain bikers, hikers, and the occasional horseback rider. Dogs are not allowed in Crystal Cove State Park.Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
B.F.I. Trail in Crystal Cove State Park
5.00.78 mi / 125 ft gainTo get to the trailhead, enter Crystal Cove State Park through the Crystal Cove El Moro Campground entrance immediately next to El Moro Elementary School. Follow the road behind the school which leads to the main gate where you will need to pay a day-use parking fee of $15. Drive past the Campgr...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Crystal Cove Loop Trail
4.04.05 mi / 676 ft gainThe trail begins and ends at the El Moro Visitor Center. Parking requires either a $15 day use parking pass, which is available in the visitor center. This hike we are focusing on is called the Difficult Loop Trail and it is the third most difficult trail the canyon offers. You take Moro Canyon,...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Photograph the Pacific Coast Highway over Crystal Cove Beach
4.4To get to the bluffs overlooking Crystal Cove State Park Beach to the south, you'll need to pull off onto the side of the Pacific Coast Highway *before* Morro Ridge Road.The easiest and most obvious turnoff is on the right side of the highway southbound, just past the "Adopt a Highway" sign and w...Read more -
Westlake Village, California
Climb at Echo Cliffs
1.3 miThe hike to the crag is about 1.3 miles one way and takes roughly 45 minutes. The approach starts at the Backbone / Mishe Mokwa trail head off Yerba Buena Rd. After walking a couple minutes you'll see a sign pointing left for the backbone trail or straight for Mishe Mokwa. Continue straight and ...Read more -
Malibu, California
Sandstone Peak
4.83.03 mi / 971 ft gainIf you live in Los Angeles, Sandstone Peak is a must! The hike to the summit can be done on a 2 mile hike up and back on Sandstone Peak Trail, or a 6.5 mile hike up and back on Backbone Trail. The shorter trail is more popular, yet both are equally rewarding. You won't believe the views from the...Read more -
Malibu, California
Balanced Rock via Sandstone Trailhead
5.04.36 mi / 1125 ft gain...From the PCH, make a left turn on Yerba Buena road (turn right if you're coming South) for about 6 miles until you get to the dirt parking area. If the lot is full, there's extra parking on the side of the road. FYI, Balanced Rock can also be accessed by starting at the Mishe Mokwa trailhead,...Read more -
12869 Yerba Buena Road, California
Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak
5.07.06 mi / 1755 ft gainTake Yerba Buena road to the trailhead. It is less zigzagged and shorter distance from PCH. Parking is easy provided that you start early in the morning. If the lot is full, you can always park on the side of the road. Bathroom is available at Sandstone Peak Trailhead parking lot, just 0.8 miles ...Read more -
Malibu, California
Grotto Trail
2.64 mi / 492 ft gainWho doesn't enjoy a hike that offers water, scenic views, boulder hopping and a subterranean cave? I know I do! The Grotto Trail begins at Circle X Ranch, which looks a bit like a small cowboy western store, and is approximately 6 miles from the Highway 1 (PCH). The parking is a tad tight, fittin...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Emerald Canyon & Bommer Ridge Loop
5 mi / 873 ft gainThere a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and are quite popular for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. A great mountain biking loop begins in Emerald Canyon at the end of Emerald Canyon Road an...Read more
