On the Siena Loop 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.
Siena Loop Trail
- Location: Rancho Palos Verdes, in the Miraleste neighborhood. From the end of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, and stay straight to go onto Summerland Avenue. Take Summerland for a mile and turn left on Western. Go 0.3 miles and turn right on first. Go 0.6 miles and turn right on Miraleste Drive. Go 0.8 miles and turn left on Palos Verdes Drive East. Take the second left (one past Miraleste Plaza) and park by the sign for the Siena Loop trail. From the end of I-110, take a left on Gaffey St. Go 0.7 miles and takea right on 9th St. Go a total of 2.7 miles (9th becomes Miraleste Drive) and take a left on Palos Verdes Drive East, and take the second left into the parking area.
- Agency: City of Rancho Palos Verdes
- Distance: 0.7 miles
- Elevation gain: 200 feet
- Difficulty Rating: G
- Suggested time: 30 minutes
- Best season: Year-round
- USGS topo maps: “San Pedro Hills”
- More information: here
- Rating: 2
This short, enjoyable loop visits one of the canyons on the east side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Unfortunately, it never really escapes the noise of the traffic on Palos Verdes Drive East, and there’s some trash and graffiti, but it still makes a nice little trip into nature if you’re pressed for time.
From the parking area, descend past the sign for the Siena Loop. At the junction, make a hard right and continue to climb down into the canyon. After a short distance, it reaches a paved road (Via Paloma). Head straight and take a quick left on Via Colinita. The loop trail continues on your left (if you want to extend your hike, you can take a right on the Colinita Trail, which heads through a small canyon before climbing to Palos Verdes Drive East.)
The last leg of the Siena Loop is the most enjoyable, as you climb back out of the canyon through the green hills. The ascent is steep in places, but short enough that almost anyone should be able to do it without trouble. After a few minutes you arrive back at the parking area.
