Spotlight: Southern California - Palos Verdes Shipwreck Hike

Spotlight: This month's spotlight is Southern California. When most people think of vacations in southern California, they either think of Disneyland or the beach. Having grown up in southern California, I understand the attraction of both. Yet I also know that there is so much more. Since I'm spending spring break down here this year, I decided to highlight some of the things we are doing; activities that are more affordable alternatives and will add some variety to the typical CA vacation trip. Up first, the Palos Verdes Shipwreck Hike - a hike I had never heard about until about a week ago, despite having lived here for more than 24 years of my life.

Location: Palos Verdes, southern California. There are two recommended starting points:
                 The entrance to the Drain Pipe Trail is located to the right of the home located at 1801 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates at the junction of Paseo Del Mar with Cloyden Rd.
                       The entrance to the Rocky Shore Trail is located near the intersection of Paseo Del Mar and Oakley Road (northwest of Avenida Mirola).

https://www.google.com/maps/place/1801+Paseo+Del+Mar,+Palos+Verdes+Estates,+CA+90274/@33.7818169,-118.421857,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x80dd4cf41cb47121:0xcff5dc9408073c37

Time: The entire hike takes about 2 hours. The best time to go is during low tide. Also, there are parking restrictions on the streets on the bluff. Since they are different on each side of the street, make sure you either start well before 11:00 am, or after 11:00 am.

Cost: Free

Description: The Palos Verdes Shipwreck Hike is definitely along the "path less trodden." It starts at the top of a bluff in Palos Verdes, just south of L.A. There are two principal routes down - the Drain Pipe Trail to the north of Palos Verdes Point or the Rocky Shore Trail that starts south of the point. There is a third unofficial trail down from the Blufftop Trail, but it is extremely steep and fairly hazardous. If you take the Drain Pipe Trail, you start about 3/4 of a mile north of the wreck. Carefully walk down the drainpipe or the cement covered cliff just to the side of it. From there you hike south along the rocky shore about three quarters of a mile to the shipwreck. There are lots of rusty parts strewn all across the way. The Rocky Shore Trail starts about half a mile southeast of the wreck. After going down the narrow, twisting path along the side of the cliff, head northwest to the remains of the SS Dominator - a Greek freighter built during WWII.

"Trail" down from Blufftop Trail (not recommended)

     Originally named the Melville Jacoby, the Dominator changed hands and names several times over the next decade. On March 13, 1961, the Dominator was en route to Los Angeles when she ran aground at Palos Verdes Point. After a two day fight to save the ship, it was finally abandoned. The cargo was unloaded before the ship broke apart. Its remains have since been strewn along the coast by the waves, but the bulk of the shipwreck remains stranded on the rocks at Palos Verdes Point.

A view of the wreckage site

     The shipwreck is fun to explore and provides several fascinating photo opportunities. It is also fun to try and guess the purpose of the various pieces of wreckage you run across. Also, if you keep your eyes peeled, you can find several small forts with fire pits nestled along the bluff. It is definitely one of the most unique hikes you can take in SoCal.

The most interesting piece of wreckage

The hull

A fort we found along the side of the cliff

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)

Things you should know: Wear sturdy close-toed shoes with good traction. The trails down the bluff are steep and must be navigated cautiously. This hike is not recommended for small children, older people, pets, anyone scared of heights, or anyone who isn't in good physical condition. The rocks along the shore can be unstable and/or slippery - particularly when wet, so use caution and take your time. You will occasionally run across dead birds among the rocks, so beware of flies. The trail heads are unmarked, so don't bother looking for signs. Make sure you are aware of the parking restrictions before you start so that you can leave yourself plenty of time. The shipwreck is old and rusty, so handle with care.
Nearby: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Redondo Beach