HomeCaliforniaRancho Palos Verdes › Ocean Trails Reserve

Ocean Trails Reserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 1,365 Google reviews · Running trail in Rancho Palos Verdes, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Distance
2 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Ocean Trails 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.

Mixed2 miScenicDog-friendlyHillyRestroomsWaterTrailhead parkingQuiet

Length of preserved, rugged coastline known as a habitat for native gnatcatcher birds.

What runners say about Ocean Trails Reserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (1,365 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“well we did too🤷‍♀️ coast line here is parallel to "trips national golf club" so the surrounding area is very clean and upscale.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“It is a perfect destination if you want to spend some time outdoors and take in some of the most beautiful scenery on the coast.”

🪧 well-marked 2 mentions

“Things are clearly marked, so you should be fine.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“It is a very quiet and natural spot where you can see native plants and sometimes even spot birds or other wildlife.”

🐕 dog-walking favorite 5 mentions

“Was looking for a nice place to walk my dog with no squirrels running around driving my dog crazy.”

Perfect day hike for an afternoon. A little hot after 12. So, maybe arrive earlier. Plenty of parking as it's adjacent to a golf course. This hike is easy and highly recommended for beginners and experience a like. If hiking isn't your thing but you're widening your perspective on life and want to learn.

★★★★★ — Eddie , Aug 2024

Wonderful tranquil walking trail that my dog and i really enjoyed. Was looking for a nice place to walk my dog with no squirrels running around driving my dog crazy. The earlier you get here, the less crowded.

★★★★★ — Alfredo , Mar 2025

Excellent 2 mile moderate hiking trail with outstanding ocean views. Adequate parking at the lot off Rotunda Drive. The beginning of the trail is well paved and winds through the Trump National golf course. The part heading down to the beach is steep and strewn with rocks. Restrooms are at the beginning of the trail.

★★★★★ — Sam , Dec 2024

This was one of the coolest trails I've ever been to. Definitely not your traditional trails in the woods. These are trails right on the damn coastline. I'd say it is a moderate run/jog if running both ways, and veering off the path towards the ocean. Very decent elevation if you plan your run properly.

★★★★★ — Josh , Jun 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 1,365 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 23 mentions

“Trump's ⛳ Golfing Court + 🌊 Ocean Trail Reserve + Donald's Restaurant : One of the nicest 🪟 views on 🌎 earth - It certainly is a PLUS TO VISIT , YOU WON'T REGRET IT!”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 11 mentions

“There are also very easy paved trails that are family friendly and dog friendly.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 8 mentions

“You can find the parking spots before you start your hike”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 5 mentions

“The paths are well-maintained and vary from easy strolls to more hilly sections, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

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🚻 Restrooms 4 mentions

“No fees for parking and they have restrooms available near the parking lots.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 3 mentions

“Parts of the trails stay above the ocean or you can take them all the way down to the rocky beach where the surf sounds are therapeutic.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“It is a very quiet and natural spot where you can see native plants and sometimes even spot birds or other wildlife.”

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🛣️ Paved surface 2 mentions

“The beginning of the trail is well paved and winds through the Trump National golf course.”

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🚰 Water fountains

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Plan your run at Ocean Trails Reserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
  • Distance2 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — 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

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Ocean Trails Reserve

La Rotonda Dr, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Get directions

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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Forrestal Nature Reserve

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155-acre, beachfront nature reserve offering hiking trails, picturesque lookouts & native animals.

under a mile away

Harter Park

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Martingale Trailhead Park

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LoopShadedScenic

Steep trail loop that extends to a vista of the valley.

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All running trails in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.