View from the hilltop near Howlett Park
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.
Hilltop from Ernie Howlett Park
- Location: Ernie Howlett Park in Rolling Hills Estates, 25851 Hawthorne Blvd. From I-110, take Pacific Coast Highway west for 3 miles and turn left on Crenshaw Blvd. Go 0.5 miles and turn right on Rolling Hills Road. Go 0.7 miles and turn left on Hawthorne, and the park is on your right. From I-405, take Hawthorne Blvd. south for 6.6 miles.
- Agency: City of Rolling Hills Estates
- Distance: 1 mile
- Elevation gain: 200 feet
- Difficulty Rating: G
- Suggested time: 1 hour
- Best season: Year round
- USGS topo map: Torrance
- More information: here
- Rating: 3
Popular Ernie Howlett Park not only features baseball and tennis facilities, but it serves as a trail head for a number of bridle paths. The short trip to a knoll known as the hill top provides some of the most panoramic views on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
From the parking lot, take the short Batting Cages Trail and take a right on the Howlett Trail. Head downhill and at the bottom, head right (left leads to private property). You make a brief climb and then come to a four-way split. Head left through a chain link fence into a meadow, and then head right along a path that parallels the fence. This trail makes a curving ascent and arrives at the hilltop, where you can see the ocean, the Santa Monica and San Gabriel mountains, and downtown L.A.
Beyond this point, the trail meets up with Via Pinzon, a residential street that serves as an alternate trailhead. You can also access the Torrance Utility Fire Road, or extend your hike on the other end of the Howlett Trail, which crosses under Hawthorne Blvd. and meets up with the longer Palos Verdes Loop. Whichever trails you decide to visit, the views from the hilltop are some of the best in the area.
