Ocean view from the Switchback trail
Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.
Switchback Trail from Warmouth St. in San Pedro
- Location: San Pedro. From the end of the I-110 freeway, take a right on N. Gaffey St. and then a quick left on Summerland Ave. Go a mile and turn left on Western Ave. Go 2.5 miles to the end of Western Ave. and head right on Paseo Del Mar. Go 0.5 miles, turn left on Stargazer. Follow Stargazer to its end and head right on Warmouth. Park on the end of Warmouth and look for an open gate leading from the south side of the street.
- Agency: Palos Verdes Land Conservancy (Ocean Trails Ecological Reserve)
- Distance: 2.2 miles
- Elevation gain: 400 feet
- Difficulty Rating: PG
- Suggested time: 1.5 hours
- Best season: Year-round
- USGS topo map: San Pedro
- More information: here (scroll down to “Ocean Trails Ecological Reserve” to see a trail map)
- Rating: 5
This hike accesses the Ocean Trails Reserve on the Palos Verdes Peninsula from an obscure entrance on a residential street. The beginning of the trail – which passes by a housing community fenced off with barbed wire – might not seem inviting, but almost immediately, you are rewarded with great ocean views. The trail turns right (west) and heads downhill along a cliff that drops off suddenly to the ocean. And no, there isn’t a railing separating the trail from the cliff, in case you were wondering.
After half a mile, the trail reaches Shoreline Park and briefly its route with another trip described in this blog. You pass a vista point with picnic tables and pick up the steep Sagebrush Walk trail, which climbs quickly to meet the Gnatcatcher Trail. Take a left and continue along the ocean, passing by a few intersections before arriving at the Switchback Trail. This trail lives up to its name, quickly descending to the ocean. At the bottom, head right for a short distance and come to a deep canyon, with a wooden footbridge high above. This is a good turnaround point, although of course you can extend the hike along the shore in either direction.
