Access to the Forrestal Nature Reserve is located at the base of Klondike Canyon (which was named after the Alaska gold fields) at Forrestal Drive. At one time this area was thought to have gold in its grounds but later it turned out only to be fools gold. If you want to explore the area around Ladera Linda Community Center, walk through the upper parking lot and climb the stairs to the soccer field beyond. The 163 acres of land to the north and east, are known as the Forrestal Tract. This will take you to the many different trails that are available to walk. These trails have some very interesting hillsides which show the unique geology of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
You can explore the abandoned quarry bowl where the mining of basalt took place in the 1950″s. When you see the cliff walls you are viewing the history of the folding and faulting of the canyon sides that happened thousands of years ago. Fish fossils can be found in the hillside which are proof that this area was under water in earlier years. The hiking trails of the Forrestal Nature Reserve offer not only majestic views of the coastline and its surrounding waters, but also of the never ending presence of wildlife and plants that live in the canyons and on the hillsides.
If you would like to schedule a docent-led hike, you may call (310) 544-5264. The fee is only $1 per child, and $2 per adult with a $15 minimum. The hike is approximately 2 hours long, and a 30-day advance notice is required. Forrestal Nature Reserve grounds are available to the public daily from dawn to dusk – 32201 Forrestal Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes 90275.
