Hermosa Valley Greenbelt:
California
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Description:
In the hustle and bustle of the greater Los Angeles area, the Hermosa Valley Greenbelt provides a cool, peaceful escape that is just minutes from the beach. This 3.5-mile pedestrian-only trail nestled in a greenway of lush vegetation and flowers seems almost hidden as it meanders through the oceanside suburbs of Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. These communities, about 20 minutes south of Los Angeles, have all the quintessential qualities of classic Southern California towns, including palm-tree-lined boulevards and an assortment of surf shops, beachfront bars and restaurants.
The northern end of the Hermosa Valley Greenbelt starts by a large parking lot off Rosecrans Avenue in Manhattan Beach and heads due south. The trail surface, like that of many trails in Southern California, is primarily woodchips. There are numerous road crossings all along the trail, so use caution.
As you begin, you are quickly surrounded by greenery. After passing through a tranquil Manhattan Beach neighborhood, you reach Live Oak Park where there are ball fields and picnic areas. Looking off to the right, you can see a distant hillside lined with gorgeous homes and, just beyond it, the Pacific Ocean. Continuing south, it becomes more obvious that the trail runs between two roads, North Admore Avenue to the west and North Valley Drive to the east. Both cities have landscaped the trail beautifully to make the roads as unobtrusive as possible.
As the trail crosses into the city of Hermosa Beach, you will find yourself on a gentle downhill slope. Throughout Hermosa Beach, the trail is surrounded by pleasant, quiet neighborhoods.
Near the home stretch of the trail, you cross Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach. Just 200 yards down this street (right or left), you'll find a wide variety of restaurants and shops that overlook the Pacific Ocean. You will also find the expansive beaches that this community has to offer. The trail comes to an end at the intersection of Herondo Street and Valley Drive at the border of the town of Redondo Beach.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the northern trailhead, from Interstate 405 in Manhattan Beach, take the Rosecrans Avenue exit. Head (right or left) west on Rosecrans Avenue for 1.5 miles to a point just before its intersection with Sepulveda Boulevard. Turn left (south) into the large parking area that serves both the trailhead and the large shopping center on Rosecrans Avenue. The lot stretches toward the trailhead, which is opposite the shopping center at the far south end and is well signed.
To reach the southern trailhead, from I-405, take the 190th Street exit and follow 190th west (it becomes Herondo Street) for 4.8 miles. The trail is on the right (north) at the intersection of Herondo Street and Valley Drive. There is no good parking at the southern endpoint, but there is street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods.
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Seasonal Restrictions:
The trail can be used year-round, but it may be soft, and possibly muddy, during and after rainstorms.
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Correct name
By Maezeppa in October, 2008
A commentor on this trail section stated that the 'real' name of the Hermosa Valley Greenbelt is "Veteran's Parkway". This is not correct. "Veteran's Parkway" is a section of the entire 3.8 mile long greenbelt and is located in adjacent Manhattan Beach.
Veteran's Parkway
By Mike Gauthier in September, 2001
"This trail is really named Veteran's Parkway.
It's 3.75 miles end-to-end, with 1/4-mile-post markers along the way.
Great for walking and running, but the signs indicate NO Bikes. Also, Dogs OK on leash.
The best parking is at the north end (near Sepulveda Bl. and Rosecrans Av.).
Great use of an old rail line!
"
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Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Herondo St. & Valley Dr. (Redondo Beach) to Rosecrans Ave. (Manhattan Beach)
Counties: Los Angeles
Trail Length: 3.5 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Woodchips, Dirt
Trail Activities: Walking
TrailLink ID: 6015257

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