Torrey Pines State Reserve is a wilderness paradise located in the La Jolla area of San Diego. Hikers can enjoy 8 miles of beautiful trails as they explore the 2000 acres of coastal scenery. Highlights include rare Torrey Pine trees, miles of gorgeous beaches, and a lagoon that is a habitat for migrating seabirds.
Torrey Pines State Reserve is a day use park that is open from 8 AM until sunset. Camping is not permitted and picnics are only allowed on the beach. No food or drinks are allowed except for water in the Reserve. Hikers are encouraged to bring plenty of water as food and drinks are not available for sale in the park.
Join a guided nature walk on weekends at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Stop by the Visitor Center to browse exhibits of the natural and cultural history of the area. There is a parking fee to pay as you drive into the park. Pedestrian traffic is free. Be sure to pick up a trail map at the entrance or at the Visitor Center for hiking Torrey Pines.
Hiking Trails at Torrey Pines State Reserve
High Point Trail
This short 100 yard trail offers spectacular views of the Reserve and the coastline.
Discovery Trail
This is the only wheel chair accessible trail. It begins just outside the Visitor Center and is a ½ mile loop.
Parry Grove Trail
This ½ mile loop begins with a steep entry and exit consisting of 100 steps. This grove is recovering from drought and bark beetle infestation. It is the oldest grove of Torrey pines in the state reserve, dating back to the 1870s.. The trail begins at the Whitaker Memorial Native Plant Garden, where you will find labeled native California plants that can be seen throughout the park.
Guy Fleming Trail
This 2/3 mile loop trail is the easiest hike in the reserve. It’s mostly level with forests, ocean vistas, spring wildflowers. If you are lucky, you be able to spot bottlenose dolphins. During the winter months it’s possible to glimpse Gray Whales. You will find two coastal overlooks along this trail.
The North Overlook provides views of Torrey Pines State Beach, the Los Penasquitos Marsh, and the city of Del Mar. The South Overlook offers panoramic views of Scripps Pier, La Jolla Bay, La Jolla, San Clemente, and Catalina Island.
Razor Point Trail
This 2/3 mile trail to the point offers dramatic views of gorge, badlands, spring wildflowers, coast, and trees. This trail splits from Beach Trail 200 yards below restroom trailhead and follows the Canyon of the Swifts toward the bluffs. This is an easy hike with a well maintained trail.
Beach Trail
This is a ¾ mile hike to Flat Rock and the beach. It is steep with few trees. Entry onto the beach from this trail is narrow and slippery. You can hike down to the beach and then walk along the beach to the lower parking lot. The Beach Trail is the most direct route between the visitor center and the beach.
Broken Hill Trail
This trail is another route to the beach. From the north fork it is 1.2 miles to the beach; from the south fork it is 1.3 miles. Hikers can combine this trail with Razor Point and Beach Trail for a 3 mile loop.
Reserve Rules
1. Stay on the trails.
2. No dogs or horses.
3. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
4. Leave everything in the reserve including rocks, artifacts, flowers, and pinecones.
5. No food in the park. However, you can picnic on the beach.
6. No smoking except on the beach.
7. Fires are not allowed.
8. No vehicles allowed on the trails.
9. Park only in designated lots. No parking on the side of the road.
Contact Information for Torrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines State Reserve
Address: 12500 N. Torrey Pines Rd., San Diego, CA 92037
Telephone: (858) 755-2063
Directions:
Torrey Pines State Reserve is north of San Diego between La Jolla and Del Mar. From Interstate 5 take the Carmel Valley Road exit. Go west to the Coast Highway, Camino Del Mar. Turn left to the reserve entrance at the foot of the hill. The entrance will be on the right.
Other Things to Do in San Diego
If you are looking for other things to do in San Diego, there are lots of choices. San Diego has an active beer scene. Breweries are known for their world class beer. Guide to San Diego Breweries
Wine lovers will find many wineries with tasting rooms in San Diego. Click here to learn more about San Diego wineries
Have you hiked at Torrey Pines State Reserve? If you have, please take a moment to share your experience with us in the comment section below.
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