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Portuguese Bend Reserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 757 Google reviews · Running trail in Rancho Palos Verdes, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Portuguese Bend 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.
This 399-acre preserve with rolling hills & canyons offers multi-use trails & wildlife viewing.
What runners say about Portuguese Bend Reserve
“Lovely park with an impressive array of surprisingly challenging trails, beautiful landscapes and a sweeping view of the ocean.”
Beautiful and calm place. Mixed access trails, horses🏇, bikes🚴, pedestrian🏃. There are plenty of trail paths for desired workout level. The main Burma Rd "S" trail is fairly easy, slow steady decline and is about a mile and half from begining at the top of the hill (where Crenshaw ends) to where it splits off at the 3…
This is a really beautiful place to come and hike. The parking is not very convenient however there is a shuttle bus from City Hall. There is a gate and they do close it one hour after sunset. Right when you walk in there is a beautiful view of the ocean and Palos Verdes.
Wonderful system of hiking trails with an seaside view. Wouldn’t call this an easy hike by any means as there are plenty of inclined stretches, including a glute intensive set of stairs. But definitely a beautiful area with plenty to explore. Walk through the nearby neighborhood too if you want to see some cool homes.
Lovely walking trails above the ocean with views of Catalina. Can be dusty, dry and hot. Bring some water. Limited and expensive parking near the preserve on Crenshaw. Free parking much further down the road. Well worth a visit!
Trail conditions & character
“Lovely park with an impressive array of surprisingly challenging trails, beautiful landscapes and a sweeping view of the ocean.”
“Parking - you can do street parking for free alongside the road on Crenshaw Blvd, north of Crest Rd near St.”
“There are a lot of different trails to go on and a lot of steep paths, as well.”
“There's two porta pottys about a half mile down Burma trail always fairly clean, so please help keep it that way.”
Plan your run at Portuguese Bend Reserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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, water — reported by runners
- 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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Filiorum Reserve
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A 191-acre reserve with hills & canyons overlooking the ocean crossed by hiking & equestrian trails.
