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Forrestal Nature Reserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 235 Google reviews · Running trail in Rancho Palos Verdes, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Forrestal Nature Reserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
155-acre, beachfront nature reserve offering hiking trails, picturesque lookouts & native animals.
What runners say about Forrestal Nature Reserve
“Greenery and quiet make this hike beautiful and breathtaking in more than one way.”
“Greenery and quiet make this hike beautiful and breathtaking in more than one way.”
This is a nice small nature reserve with very nice trails which provide nice views into the beach areas, the cliffs surrounding the park, and the small canyon in the park. Also the trail are all well maintained and marked.
Love these trails! Especially in the spring. Vibrant color and not too many people. Dog friendly.
Great beginner trail, seeing as how it’s the beginning of spring there are plenty of wildflowers everywhere. It’s very beautiful and provides sweeping views of the ocean. I went early in the morning so the ocean breeze really helped keep me cool even with the sun shining.
This hike is beautiful!! The hike felt so good! There are different trails! I did the 1.5 miles and the view is just breathtaking!! You see some people but it is veryyy peaceful! Not crowded at all!! There is also trail for horses! Which I wish I would have seen! 😍
Trail conditions & character
“This is a nice small nature reserve with very nice trails which provide nice views into the beach areas, the cliffs surrounding the park, and the small canyon in the park.”
“Parking with access is from the Ladera Linda Park.”
“Greenery and quiet make this hike beautiful and breathtaking in more than one way.”
“Steep incline on the trail we traveled, so beware if you're traveling with a pulling dog!”
“The difficulties varied from *very* challenging to beginner level hikes.”
Plan your run at Forrestal Nature Reserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiterpvca.gov
- Phone(310) 544-5353
Hours
| Monday | 5:40 AM–7:50 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:40 AM–7:50 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:40 AM–7:50 PM |
| Thursday | 5:40 AM–7:50 PM |
| Friday | 5:40 AM–7:50 PM |
| Saturday | 5:40 AM–7:50 PM |
| Sunday | 5:40 AM–7:50 PM |
Running trails near Rancho Palos Verdes
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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