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 Reporter |
Summary: The goal of this hike is the Greek freighter Dominator, which ran aground at Palos Verdes point in 1961. The rusted hulk of this shipwreck is scattered along a half mile of the shoreline. Having never seen a shipwreck, I found this hike immensely fun and exciting. Getting to the shipwreck involves a couple of miles slightly challenging and tiresome walking across shoebox to footstool sized rocks. I wish I had worn sturdier shoes! The shoreline is lovely, with interesting tide pools and rock formations, along with great views. Make sure to go at low tide, or you will find your feet getting quite wet. After visiting the shipwreck, I headed back about a quarter mile, then scrambled up the cliffs to the road on a path near the end of the scattered wreckage. The road was a much, much faster return to the car. Note that the path up the cliffs is very exposed and I would strongly advise against it unless you are 100% comfortable scrambling on 3rd and 4th class rock. Trailhead: From Redondo Beach, drive south on Highway 1 to Palos Verdes Blvd and head south. This turns into Palos Verdes Blvd West. Turn right on Via Corta, then right again at Via Arroyo. Finally a left on Paseo Del Mar. Park on the right side of the street at Flat Rock Point, just before you reach Via Horcada. Take the dirt access road that will take you down to the shoreline. (Lat:33.79692 Lon:-118.40671) Trail Guides for Shipwreck Trail: California Hiking by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown (Foghorn Press) Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) Afoot & Afield In Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs Ranger Contact: Palos Verdes Estates Shoreline Preserve (310) 378-0383 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 9 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by RM on 12/27/2008 I went several month ago on a beautiful, clear, sunny day with temps perfect for this hike. I am in agreement with other reviewers, though, that gave it a low rating. If your idea of hiking is in the mountains or hills, this is not for you. It is basically walking along a very rugged seashore. Figure a pace half of what you would normally hike and do not try this without rugged shoes or if you have bad knees or ankles. If you like being close to the ocean, then you might enjoy it- be prepared for the smells and flies. I agree that the shipwreck is a disappointment for the effort it takes to get there. If you want to hike in Palos Verdes and have great ocean views, I recommend starting from Forrestal Dr. by Ladera Linda Park. 
Reviewed by ER on 9/12/2008 I hiked this last year around May. Weather was nice, tide pools are fun to explore all the organisms. Shipwreck was kind of disappointing. If you like the ocean you will enjoy this trail/rock hop.
Reviewed by CJ on 8/28/2008 Maybe I went during the wrong tide but I saw one rusty machine on the beach and that was it. There is nothing else to see and lots of rocks. It is ok for people who just want an adventure with no one around but not a hike. Nothing pretty.
Reviewed by mark s on 8/23/2008 walked this one last week. this felt like more than a 4 mile round trip. the beach..well it's more a rocky cove, is full of garbage old sofas, rusty cars beer cans. there was even a huge rotting seal we had to navigate psst. the 'shipwreck' is just a pile of rusty iron marooned on the stones. not recognisable as a ship. rather than hike back alomg the cove we climbed up the cliff face..which was pretty risky and then over someones back fence and thru their yard..also pretty risky given that some of these palos verdes mansions are security obsessed. I highly recommend you do not do this hike. 
Reviewed by KM on 8/7/2008 M and my kids do this their ages are 6 & 8. Yes it is rocky and sometimes smelly but that's the beach. we've found fossils on our hikes and numerous other weird stuff. I agree with the other review thats asks you to pack out some trash, a lot of people just don't care and it washes up wherever. It's a lovely place and we go when ever we can. And for the guy who would like to see a picture of the Dominator in its early stages here 's a video clip. http://www.cawreckdivers.org/Wrecks/Dominator.htm 
Reviewed by DB on 8/4/2008 Despite the negative reviews, I went to check this hike out today. Picking your way through the rocks is definitely an exercise in focus and balance but the scenery is gorgeous and I don't know of too many places in LA where you can actually walk right up to a shipwreck. In addition to the wreck of the freighter (which was pretty cool) there is a rusted out crane of some kind in the same area. The complaints about the rocks, flies, dead fish, sea weed and trash are ridiculous. It is what it is. A shoreline. What do you expect? Like any other hike you'll be fine if you bring your boots, water, and a little willpower. If you do decide to hike this bring a bag and take out some trash with you. Every little bit helps.
Reviewed by Jim P. on 6/24/2008 I, unfortunately, never actually hiked down to the Dominator's remains. I grew up in the area and was about 7 years old when the ship went aground. I'm very curious if anyone has any photographs of the ship while it was aground, but prior to it's breaking up? I saw the ship in 1, then later 2, and finally, 3 pieces, before the waves finally destroyed it completely. As I said, I was just a small kid but would really like to see any photos anyone may have of the wreck before it's final destruction.
Reviewed by Doghauler on 3/15/2008 I would not recomend this hike for anyone that does not have a decent sense of balance or has a sensitive nose. Two of us did this hike today and were not impressed. There is no "poorly maintained trail" just rocks. There were times we were not even sure we were going the right way. We blew off even going over to look at the shipwreck and hoofed up the drainage pipe back to the road. I wished we had come down this way and saved ourselves the time picking over rocks and garbage. I would not consider this an actual "hike" but more like tottering over rocky shoreline. I agree with others who have suggested going in at the drainage pipe. Oh, and wear boots! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
