Bridle trail descending from the Martingale Trail Head

On the Willow Springs 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.

Martingale Loop

• Location: Rancho Palos Verdes.  From Los Angeles, take I-110 to Pacific Coast Highway.  Head right on P.C.H. and in a 0.5 miles, go left on Vermont.  Go 0.7 miles and turn right on Palos Verdes Drive North.  In 1.8 miles, turn left on Palos Verdes Drive East (make sure you get into the turn lane).  in 1.7 miles, turn right on Bronco Drive and park on the street at Martingale Trail Head Park, on the right side of the road at 0.3 miles.  From Long Beach, take the Vincent Thomas Bridge and stay straight to go onto Summerland Ave.  Go a mile and turn left on Western.  Go 0.9 miles and turn right on 9th St., which becomes Miraleste.  Go 1.3 miles and turn right on Palos Verdes Drive East.  In 1.3 miles, turn left on Bronco Drive.
• Agency:  City of Rolling Hills Estates
• Distance: 2.3 miles
• Elevation gain: 700 feet
• Difficulty Rating: PG
• Suggested time: 1 hour
• Best season: Year round
• USGS topo maps: “San Pedro Hills”
• Recommended gear: hiking poles
• More information: here
• Rating: 6

Most hikers know the Palos Verdes Peninsula for its great ocean views and interesting marine geology, but there are also quite a few inland trails as well.  The loop described here visits some secluded canyons that could easily pass for some of the more remote areas of the Santa Monica Mountains.  The trail signage in this area can be a little confusing, but this route is actually pretty easy to follow.

The Martingale Trailhead Park isn’t really a park, per se, but it serves as the only public access point for the trails in the private community of Rolling Hills Estates.  From the sign, you descend on a steep trail which soon becomes a bridle path, passing around the back sides of some homes.  Be careful on the descent – not only is it steep, but the trail is prone to erosion following rainy periods.  I was stepping over (not around, over) cacti.

At the bottom of the hill, you cross a stream and come to a T-junction.  Take a right (the left fork is your return route).  You head north, slightly downhill into a canyon.  Off to your right, you will soon notice a small path leading to the stream, where some careful rock scrambling will bring you to a hidden, 5-foot waterfall.

Shortly after this, you’ll see some benches, and then look for a split at a post labeled “California sagebrush.”  Take a hard right and begin switchbacking up a hill.  Soon, you arrive at the paved Poppy Trail.  Take a right and head downhill.  Where the road bends sharply to the left, look for the Sleepy Hollow trail, which takes you back into nature.  The trail ascends to a junction, where you take a left onto the Bowie Trail.  This trail continues its ascent before reaching paved Bowie Road.  Take a right and then a quick left on Chuckwagon.  When Chuckwagon bends to the left, look for the Willow Springs trail.  Take a hard left and descend into another wooded canyon, which soon becomes a fenced-in bridle trail.  This leads you back to the first junction (make sure you don’t miss it; it happens shortly after the fences end, and the area should look familiar from before).  Take a hard right on the path, head back across the stream and up the hill.  Short as this hike may be, it’s a good workout – your calves are sure to feel it by the time you get back to your car.

On the way back down Bronco Drive, make sure to stop by a clearing on the left side of the road, where you can see the ocean, the Santa Monica Mountains, Los Angeles, the San Gabriels and more.