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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 11 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Britt & Gabe on 3/19/2010 LIke the other reviewers, we recommend that you do NOT take the trail starting at the location listed in the description. The trail only lasts 200 yards, then turns into shoreline rocks the whole way to the destination. This takes away from viewing any beauty while walking, as your focusing on not twisting your ankles. You can only walk on rocks for so long before the end goal, the shipwreck, becomes not even interesting anymore. If we had started at the pipe or even the steeper trail from Oakley Rd. we would have had much more time at the shipwreck and less time fumbling over rocks and dodging dead mammals. Definitely recommend seeing the shipwreck, as it is a small piece of local history, just take the aforementioned starting points.
Reviewed by William on 3/15/2010 This is a hard hike. A few hints, some of which are echoed by others. Go at low tide. Wear the most solid hiking shoes you have. One way up, is to walk about a 1/4 mile past (north of) the wreckage. Just walk north along the streets and there are some off-street trails with stunning views of the path below that you took. The mansions are also stunning. If you take any route other than back to the Flat Rock cove, then you must not fear heights as every trail up is steep. It is a very beautiful walk. The ship wreck itself has mostly disintegrated into the surf so it is the journey, not the destination for most people. 
Reviewed by GAH on 1/29/2010 Great hike, but just a bit of advice: either wear jeans or be really careful, there are plenty of rocks with very sharp edges in loose dirt. I did this hike and didn't quite make it to the ship. A big rock came loose while I was stepping up on it and it rolled onto my leg and gave me a pretty nasty cut. I needed to get 7 stitches to close it up. It's nearly impossible to get any medical help down there, so try not to break any bones or get cut up too bad. Otherwise, very pretty hike, and I'm looking forward to going back to see the shipwreck.
Reviewed by ASB on 1/9/2010 Just want to point those that encountered the seals were mostly hiking June/ July/ Aug. I just did this walk (Jan)and saw no seals. A couple of small sharks that the fishermen probably tossed aside but no seals. Lots of flies, but they stay low to the ground so I wasn't swatting around my face. Took my dogs who are great mountain climbers but the rock are unsteady. If you bring your dog, keep on the cliff side of the shore so she'll be steady. But this isn't the best dog hike.
Reviewed by Kim on 12/27/2009 I thought I'd stop back by now that I'm done editing the shots I took on my hike. You can see them on my Flickr homepage in this set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/orbitgal/sets/72157622957744037/ Please let me know what you think!
Reviewed by Kim on 12/27/2009 I checked this site for reviews of the hike because I wanted to use the location for a model shoot. My son and I set out to find the shipwreck and had quite the adventure. He's 15 and I'm 41. I am VERY out of shape...but I managed the hike with minimal difficulty. No dead seals. The rangers must have cleaned them out. Lots of hiking over rocks...but with the right shoes on, it's manageable. I carried in a camera bag and my camera around my neck. I parked on Paseo Del Mar where there was a surfer's access on top of a drainage pipe. It was cement and stair-like making the descent very easy. Form there we walked about 45 minutes to the shipwreck. It could be done in less time but I stopped to take pics and check out light, etc. 
Reviewed by ArcticDragon on 8/8/2009 It was quite strenuous to walk on the rocky shoreline, lots of strain on the legs and knees, it is not exactly the hike in conventional sense. Although the view initially was amazing, it became monotonous after a short while. After that it was just pure persistence that drove to that shipwreck. It is not worth it! Seems like an old tractor that is rotting on the beach. I would follow the advice of other people to park you car right over the spot and walk about 15-20 minutes down to beach, it would be much more enjoyable. What else on the trail? Dead seals, lots of them, tide pools, lots of birds. Retrospectively, I should've read the reviews before I went, it perfectly describes the trail and what to expect.
Reviewed by Shanks on 7/25/2009 Review by Tim L on 7/5/2009 was excellent. We parked between Oakley Rd and via Bandini on Paseo del mar. The hiking path described by Tim L is almost due west of via Bandini. Upon reaching the flat area near the waterfront, turn right (North)....you have to go past tow or three corners before arriving at shipwreck. The views were great! The climb back was a good workout on our calves, although it is short. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||