With some of the best remaining native wildlife habitat and hiking trails, this 155-acre Reserve is a key component of the Peninsula’s natural environment and a significant part of the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve. Several miles of trails extend through this nature preserve, which is also a prime location for wildflowers.
Great ocean views, interesting geology and a surprising amount of solitude make this one of the better hiking spots on the Palos Verdes Peninsula – not to mention one of the most challenging. On a clear day, you can see Catalina Island and the Santa Monica Mountains.
Since 2001, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, along with community volunteers, have conducted habitat restoration and completed trail improvements throughout the Reserve. The eastern portion contains a former quarry and marked trails that wind around the top of the quarry bowl. Dramatic cliffs are characterized by faults, folds, sedimentary bedding and igneous intrusions with many crystals and fossils, particularly fish scales, in the surface rock. Please do not collect fossils or disturb the slopes to expose new rock.
Parking is available at the Ladera Linda Community Center or on the roadside at the upper end of Forrestal Drive near the gate. Marked trails can be accessed to the right of the welcoming sign, and at the end of the paved road. The trails also connect to the Portuguese Bend Reserve to the west if you’re looking for an even longer hike and more fun in the sun.
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy hosts nature walks throughout the area. Check our South Bay Events Calendar for upcoming events and hikes.
Forrestal Nature Reserve & Ladera Linda Community Center
32201 Forrestal Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
(310) 541-7613
Forrestal Preserve Brochure & Trail Map
Preserve Rules
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