On the Horseshoe Trail
Sunset from the Horseshoe 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.
- Horseshoe Trail
- Location: Rolling Hills Estates, starting at Highridge Park. From I-110, take the Pacific Coast Highway exit. Head west (right) for 3 miles, and turn left on Crenshaw Blvd. Go 3.1 miles and turn right on Crestridge Road. In 0.5 miles, turn left on Highridge Rd. and park on the right side of the street by Highridge Park. From the Vincent Thomas Bridge, take a right on N. Gaffey St. Go 2.5 miles and take a hard left on Palos Verdes Drive North. Go 3.6 miles and turn left on Crenshaw. Go 1.8 miles to Crestridge.
- Agency: City of Rolling Hills Estates
- Distance: 1.3 miles
- Elevation gain: 100 feet
- Difficulty Rating: G
- Suggested time: 45 minutes
- Best season: Year-round
- USGS topo maps: “San Pedro Hills”
- More information: here
- Rating: 1
This is a neighborhood bridle trail that winds through the streets of Rolling Hills Estates. While it never escapes civilization, it does visit some secluded residential areas, and you’re likely to have more peace and quiet here than you will on a typical weekend at Griffith Park or Chantry Flats.
From Highridge Park, follow the Highridge Trail past the playing fields, to a T-junction with the Horseshoe Trail. Head left, following the Horseshoe Trail behind some residences, soon arriving at Country Lane. You cross Country Lane and continue along the Horseshoe Trail, past some stables (stay right to remain on the trail and avoid the private property). Here, you enter the most enjoyable stretch of the loop, where you get some nice ocean views. (If you can, try to time it so you can see the sunset here).
The trail again meets up with Country Lane and continues on the other side (slightly to the left; look for the sign indicating the Horseshoe Trail.) There’s one more street crossing, Horseshoe Lane. Soon after, you come to another T-junction. Head right (left dead-ends), to return to the Highridge Trail. Take a left and retrace your steps to the park.
