Hike to an Actual Shipwreck Off the California Coast
Do you love to hike? Love to explore history? And do you love the beach? If you’ve said yes to these questions, then you have 3 reasons to see Shipwreck Trail.
The unfortunate event for one freight ship is now the attraction for an infamous beach hike called “Shipwreck Trail” found in Palos Verdes Estates, California.
In 1961 the SS Dominator unintentionally beached itself due to poor weather while en route to Los Angeles. Coast guard efforts were unsuccessful and after 2 days they abandoned the SS Dominator.
Fast forward 56 years. Since then, the tumultuous pacific ocean has left the SS Dominator in scraps scattered along the coast.
Hike Overview – Shipwreck Trail
• 2 Mile, Out and Back
• Elevation Gain: 150 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time to Complete: 1 hour
How to Get to Shipwreck Trail
Address: Avenida Mirola & Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
Follow the address above and park along the coast side of the street between Via Bandini and Avenida Mirola off of Paseo Del Mar. This stretch of land on the coast side is essentially a vacant space the length of Lunada Bay.
You’re immediately greeted with a full panoramic view of Lunada Bay and the cove below. Enjoy majestic scenery with virtually no effort! Great for the photographer or even a little romantic getaway.
If you live in Southern California, this hike makes for a perfect day trip!
Shipwreck Trail starts at the most southern part of the bay where it meets with Agua Amarga Canyon, while the actual shipwreck is located just outside the the most northern part of the bay.
Here’s a screenshot from Google Maps to give you a visual.
What You’ll Need
• Excellent Hiking or Water Shoes
When you think beach you probably think sand. There is literally no sand. This is a VERY rocky hike.
• A Light Jacket
It’s California, but it’s also the beach. You’ll be happy you packed a jacket should you decide to do this hike on a chilly day or as the sun sets.
• Water
Despite being surrounded by water you won’t be able to drink it! We will always recommend bringing water for every hike.
Shipwreck Trail Details
To begin the hike, you descend 150 foot down a rather steep cliff side of dirt and rock. Once at the bottom you’re met with a beach of rocks, washed ashore flora, and the occasional rusted out lobster trap.
Consequently I wore sandals which transitioned this hike from moderate to difficult, but I managed!
As you reach the northern part of the bay expect to be playing hopscotch over rocks with no level ground. You don’t have to be the most fit, but an adequate sense of balance is highly recommended.
You’ll know when you’re in the right area once you start seeing the large orange scraps of the ship that once made up the SS Dominator.
The most interesting piece left behind is not a part of the ship, but some of its mechanical cargo. Here you see an entire crane holding on to much of its original form!
We were awestruck to see what years of water and weather could do to a machine, while it was even more surprising to see how well it has held up! At least much better than the other parts of the shipwreck.
Take a moment to take in the ocean view! Combining hiking, history, and the beach is a treat to say the least. Stick around as the sun starts to set and enjoy the changing colors of the sky with the rusted ruins being your focal point.
Continue to trek cautiously. If large, challenging rocks aren’t enough you now have the ocean’s tide to be mindful of. You may want to check tide charts ahead of time to insure your hike out isn’t a swim back!
In Summation
Shipwreck Trail is short and sweet. As a result of completing this hike you get to see an actual shipwreck off the coast of California! All you need is proper foot wear, decent balance, and an hour worth of time.
If you’re craving more beach hiking, be sure to visit Torrey Pines State Reserve in La Jolla, near San Diego. Expect to see beautiful oceanic views, unique buttes and bluffs, and gorgeous cliffs right along the sandy shores. One of the best coastal locations we’ve experienced in California.
And be sure you visit the nearby epic slot canyon located along Annie’s Canyon Trail, only 15 minutes from Torrey Pines.
If you’ve hiked here before or have any other thoughts you’d like to share, we’d love to know in a comment below.
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So informative and full of interesting facts! Plus very nice pictures of the beach at sunset. This will go on my list of fun things to do on a sunny Sunday afternoon! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! I think you should be fine completing it as long as you wear comfy shoes and not flip flops like Nathan! Really fun and random hike for a Sunday afternoon. 🙂
It’s little bit easier that to be a hiking tends, if someone hiking to something super awesome as like waterfall and its a preety spectacular and more than just a little bit unusual.
Very true! Shelby loves a hike with an “ending” such as a waterfall. I (Nathan) try to enjoy the journey to and from just as much or more than the peak interest. Whatever motivates one to go outdoors makes us happy!