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The hike travels a short distance from the clifftop parking area to the sea below, ending at the serene cove.


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Map Key

1.2

Miles

1.9

KM

89%

Runnable

163' 50 m

High

11' 3 m

Low

156' 48 m

Up

157' 48 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers

The parking area at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is only open for day use. There is no other street parking nearby.

Overview

The hike is a natural one to do for those visiting the park, given the distance and the semi-private endpoint at the beach. That being said, it tends to be a pretty popular hike, so you'll likely find yourself sharing the spacious beach cove with others. But the limited access ensures that any other visitors are spread out over the width of the cove. 

The land is a part of the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, which contains 1,400 acres in all.

Need to Know

Parking at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is $6 for up to 2 hours, a credit or debit card is necessary for payment. Parking lot hours are 9am-4pm daily, with some variation.

Runner Notes

Portions of the trail are narrow, as well as some sections being sloped with slick sand. Runners should be careful and expect to encounter a good number of other hikers on this trail.

Description

The hike covers a variety of landscapes over its short distance, leaving the clifftop views of Abalone Cove Shoreline Park and heading down a short steep descent through the California scrub brush dirt slopes before reaching the access road to Abalone Cove Beach.

From here, signs point the direction of the trail that heads a little further east, descending into a small drainage canyon and wrapping around the hill before emerging on a spacious stony beach enveloped by the clifftop Portuguese Point on the other end.

The route is mostly hard packed dirt, and while steep in points, is pretty easy for most ability levels if you take your time on the slick parts. There are a number of trails and paths at the clifftop park, as well as around the beach area below, but as long as you descend to the beach and then head in the direction of Portuguese Point, the route is fairly straightforward and easily visible.

Stone formations lie in the water beneath Portuguese Point, and a small waterfall trickles into the rocks from the cliffside above the rocky shore.

Bathrooms and picnic benches are located at the parking area of Abalone Cove Shoreline Park.

Flora & Fauna

Many types of wildflowers grow in the disturbed cliffside areas along the beach shore and on the slopes near the park. Tide pools can be found in some of the rocks at the eastern edge of Abalone Cove East Beach during lower tides.

Contacts

Shared By:

Shaun H

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 3 votes

#3804

Overall
  4.0 from 3 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#545

in California

#3,804

Overall
9 Views Last Month
115 Since Apr 13, 2022
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Photos

Owing to its scenic views and easy network of trails, the Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is a popular place for visitors of all ages. The people will then out as you proceed further down the trails and away from the parking area.
Apr 13, 2022 near Rancho…, CA
Abalone Cove East Beach is a stony beach nestled between Abalone Cove Beach and Portuguese Point in Palos Verdes.
Apr 13, 2022 near Rancho…, CA
Stone steps along the trail descend into a small wash, which leads to Sacred Cove Beach.
Apr 13, 2022 near Rancho…, CA
A trailside viewpoint of Sacred Cove Beach just before descending to it.
Apr 13, 2022 near Rancho…, CA
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park has several short trails on its clifftop promontory, though visitors heading to the east end of the park can find the trail accessing the beaches and shoreline below.
Apr 13, 2022 near Rancho…, CA
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park offers a variety of trails, picnic tables, beach access via a short trail, and clifftop views over the Pacific Ocean.
Apr 13, 2022 near Rancho…, CA

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