Lunada Canyon Trail
on Palos Verdes Peninsula
Loading ... 
Lunada Canyon is a strip of open space between residential ridges on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The 0.95-mile trail is accessible from the top and bottom of the canyon, and from another road meeting the trail 0.2 miles from the top. The upper half of Lunada Canyon Trail is overgrown, and the wall of nearby houses make it a less desirable area to hike.
The canyon lies within the 59-acre Agua Amarga Ecological Reserve, and while the trail is straight forward with no junctions, there are a few options to consider. The most obvious option is to hike the full length of Lunada Canyon Trail for a 1.9-mile round trip hike with 550 feet of elevation change. The top 0.2 miles between Posey Way and Rock Park Drive are the least traveled, least scenic, and most overgrown. Unless you really need the exercise, feel free to skip that section, bringing the hike down to 1.5 miles with 400 feet of elevation change.
The bottom of Lunada Canyon Trail
There is a steep section of trail 1/4 of a mile from the bottom, so those starting from the top may decide to turn around early for a round trip hike of 1 1/3 miles or 0.93 miles (depending on where you start). The area directly above the steep section is the most stimulating part of the hike, as it overlooks a dramatic confluence with Agua Amarga Canyon, a deep adjoining trench. The area also presents the best ocean view looking out the gully of the canyon toward Lunada Bay.
Looking down a steep section of Lunada Canyon Trail
Starting from the bottom of the trail, one could hike 0.55 miles to a trail sign on the left side of the canyon atop the steep section. Above this area, the trail is highly overgrown, especially during the spring green. The trail is very close to houses and provides less of a retreat than you might be looking for. The views along the top half of the trail change very little, so feel free to turn around at the sign for a 1.1-mile round trip hike with 190 feet of elevation gain. Otherwise, follow the trail across the creek bed through a dense thicket, and up to the Rock Park Drive Trailhead. The “trail” continues for 0.2 miles from here to Posey Way, becoming quite thin and difficult to distinguish within the tall grasses.
Looking up the thin Lunada Canyon Trail
Overall, Lunada Canyon Trail fails to escape civilization or provide views worthy of the trudging. There is also a sewer line sharing the same conduit as the trail, adding a few unpleasant smells. Unless you live in the neighborhood, you may be happier hiking elsewhere. No fee or permit is required. Dogs are welcome, as well as bicycles.
To get to the trailhead at the bottom of Lunada Canyon: From Los Angeles take the 405 or 110 Freeway south to the 405-110 interchange near Carson. Continue south on the 110 for 8 miles to the end of the freeway. Turn left on Gaffey Street and make the third right on First Street. After one mile, turn left on Western Ave (Route 213) and drive 1.7 miles to the intersection with West 25th Street. Turn right and drive 1.3 miles on 25th Street until it becomes Palos Verdes Drive. Continue 6.7 miles and turn right on to Paseo Lunada, which becomes Via Carrillo after 0.1 miles. The trail is located on the left side of Via Carrillo. Street Parking is available.
To get to the trailhead at the top of Lunada Canyon: From Los Angeles take the 405 or 110 Freeway south to the 405-110 interchange near Carson. Continue south on the 110 for 8 miles to the end of the freeway. Turn left on Gaffey Street and make the third right on First Street. After one mile, turn left on Western Ave (Route 213) and drive 1.7 miles to the intersection with West 25th Street. Turn right and drive 1.3 miles on 25th street until it becomes Palos Verdes Drive. Continue 5.3 miles and turn right on Hawthorne Boulevard. Drive 2.7 miles inland and make a left onto Verde Ridge Road. Drive 0.3 miles and turn right on El Rodeo Road. Make the next left on Kings Harbor Road. Take the first right onto Posey Way for the very top of the trail, or the second right onto Rock Park Drive for the slightly lower trailhead.
Use the map below to create your own directions:
Nearby Trails
 | Seascape Trail This level family-friendly 1.5-mile hike explores scenic coastal bluffs north of the historic Point Vicente Lighthouse. |
 | White Point Nature Preserve This 1 to 2.5-mile hike explores an open space containing a military bunker built to defend the west coast during World War II. |
 | Quarry Loop This short loop in Forrestal Nature Reserve delivers lots of ocean views as it circles an old bowl-shaped quarry. |
 | More trails in the Los Angeles Explore other destinations in the Santa Monica Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains, and elsewhere. |
Add to trails I’ve hikedAdd to trails I want to hike 
Beautiful trail!! Looks like a wonderful weekend trip!