Sunset at the Upper Filiorum Reserve
Rolling hills and greenery in the Upper Filiorum Reserve
Upper Filiorum Preserve
- Location: Rancho Palos Verdes, off Pacifica Drive. From I-110, take the Pacific Coast Highway exit. Head west (right if you’re coming from the north, left if from the south) and go 3 miles. Take a left on Crenshaw, drive 3.4 miles and take a right on Crest. Go 0.7 miles, take a left on Highridge, and a quick right on Ocean Terrace. Take a left on Pacifica, and look for the trail leading between the first two houses on the left side of the street.
- Agency: Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy/Upper Filiorum Reserve
- Distance: 4 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,050 feet
- Difficulty Rating: PG-13 (Trail condition, steepness, elevation gain)
- Suggested time: 2 hours
- Best season: Year round
- USGS topo map: San Pedro Hills
- Recommended gear: hiking poles
; sun hat
- More information: here; Everytrail report here
- Rating: 7
The 191-acre Upper Filiorum Reserve is the newest property overseen by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. Located between the popular Portuguese Bend Reserve and the smaller Three Sisters, the Upper Filorium features deep canyons, steep hills and great ocean views. There are a variety of trails that go through the park, so many routes are possible. The trip described here crosses the preserve and also visits Portuguese Bend. The steep ascents and descents make it one of the most challenging–and scenic–hikes on the Peninsula. The description may make it sound complicated, but it’s actually fairly intuitive, especially if you have a map, and remember that it doesn’t have to be followed exactly to be enjoyable. Two caveats: the hike ends with a big (almost 400 feet) climb, so make sure you save your energy, especially if the day is hot, and also keep an eye out for snakes, especially during the warm season. On a recent trip here, the author encountered two different snakes, the second of which was in the process of trying to swallow a small lizard.
From Pacifica, follow the path between the two houses to the McBride Trail. Head right and almost immediately turn left and make a long, curving descent, during which you’ll get some great ocean views. At the bottom of the hill, bear right and head toward a knoll known as Jack’s Hat. Head right again, then left to climb the hill, from which you can enjoy some more views. Head downhill on a steep, loose fire break, and turn left at an intersection and make your way back to the main trail. This area is overgrown, so as you’re going through, watch your feet–the Palos Verdes Peninsula is known for its snakes (did I mention that there were snakes?)
When you complete the loop, continue east along the main trail. You’ll cut through three different canyons, and then you arrive at a split. The left trail is your return route; head right toward the ocean. The trail reaches the south edge of the preserve and heads east. Stay straight as you come to a four-way intersection, go in and out of one more canyon, and then make a climb to reach Burma Road and the Portuguese Bend Reserve.
Here, head left and go uphill for a quarter mile to the Peacock Flats Trail. Take it across the field where it reaches Burma Road again at a small clearing, where there’s a portable restroom. Head uphill (left) on the Burma Road Trail, taking in nice ocean views on one side and getting up close to the Peninsula’s characteristic geology on the other.
At the top of the hill, follow Crenshaw Blvd. past Del Cerro Park, and look for a trail branching off to the left. You head downhill, go through the fence, and access the Rattlesnake Trail. A steep descent brings you back to the Upper Filiorum Preserve, where you’ll head right at the next junction and complete the loop. Retrace your steps back to Pacifica Drive.
Text and photography copyright 2012 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. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.
