- Location: 25th St., San Pedro. From the Vincent Thomas Bridge, continue west on Summerland Place. Follow Summerland one mile to Western. Turn left and take Western for 2 miles to 25th St. Turn right and follow 25th St. to a turnout on the right side of the road at 0.7 mile, shortly past Mermaid Drive. From the 110 Freeway, merge onto Gaffey St and head south. Turn right on 1st St. and follow it 1.2 miles to Western Ave. Turn right and follow Western 1.7 miles to 25th St. Turn right and follow 25th St. 0.7 mile to a dirt turnout on the right side of the road. The address 2200 West 25th St., San Pedro, CA 90732 will give you the approximate location.
- Agency: Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation
- Distance: 2 miles
- Elevation gain: 500 feet
- Difficulty Rating: PG
- Suggested time: 45 minutes
- Best season: All year
- Dogs: Allowed on leash (exercise caution on warm days; some terrain may be rough on their paws)
- Cell phone reception: Good
- Water: Available at restrooms in the park and at the nature center
- Restrooms: In the park and at the nature center
- Camping/backpacking: None
- More information: Trip descriptions (alternate route) here and here; Yelp page here; Map My Hike report here
- Rating: 4
Updated June 2018
Named for a former L.A. County supervisor, 123-acre Deane Dana Friendship Park offers a taste of nature in the middle of suburbia. The park’s location provides panoramic views of L.A. Harbor and Catalina Island. A steep, unofficial (but well traveled) use trail from 25th St. provides a good workout.
From the turnout on 25th St., head west along the use trail. Almost immediately you have your choice of three possible routes. The left route climbs steeply along the shoulder of San Ramon Creek while the right route passes by some homes. A center route, popular with mountain bikers, is perhaps the most interesting option. All three routes ascend about 400 feet in 0.4 mile. The right and center routes cross over a wooden fence as they enter the park boundary; a use trail continues uphill to join one of the park trails.
Once you are in the park, the trail becomes more level. The Fowler Trail circles the perimeter of the park, taking in some impressive views of the harbor. Depending on the exact route, circling the park will be about one mile or more if you decide to visit the nature center as well. Several benches allow for enjoyment of the scenery and a few interpretive plaques describe the human and natural history of the area. After completing the loop at the west side of the park, retrace your steps back down the steep incline.
Text and photography copyright 2018 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.