Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, CA

San Diego has many beautiful hikes, but none quite so unique as those contained in the trails of Torrey Pines State Reserve. There are SO many things to explore in this beautiful park.

As its name implies, the Torrey Pines State Reserve is one of only two places in the world where the rare Torrey Pine (Pinus torreyana) grows. To my eyes, the Torrey Pine is a squat, hearty tree that makes its way in the world by clinging to the sandy cliffs of the La Jolla area. Coastal storms and the arid environment that the tree calls home have twisted some of the plants, but many look unexceptional. Nonetheless, I always find myself enjoying the company and experience of endemic species; there’s something special about being in their presence.

Outside of visiting for the trees, the Torrey Pines State Reserve also has a set of trails that weave through the dry, coastal environment of San Diego. It sports a long, sandy beach perched just under the crumbling cliffs of the shrubby bluffs that characterize the park. It also home to the Los Penasquitos Marsh, which has been closed to all use save one trail. The components that constitute the reserve make it a varied place, that is appealing to hikers, travelers, and beachgoers. It kept me busy for more than half the day.

The North Beach

(c) ABR 2021

When I visited the park, I hiked up the north beach first. In the morning, the crowds were fairly limited for a California beach. But there were swimmers, sunbathers, and surfers scattered all the way from the parking lot to the northern end of the park. There was also a large group of devoted volunteers combing the beach for trash when I was there. I always find it heartening to run into people spending their time caring for the environment. The beach seemed otherwise unremarkable, and it was made somewhat unpleasant by the close proximity of a busy railway.

Even so, being able to walk freely through the soft sand, with the sound of waves crashing on the shore, is always a welcomed experience.

Plan Ahead! Avoid Paying for Parking Twice

(c) ABR 2021

The southern half of the reserve was more appealing, but due to my lack of research before visiting, I was somewhat surprised by the fact that I had to pay for parking two separate times. The ticket for the northern parking lot didn’t work for the other half of the park. The northern half of the reserve is home to most of the Torrey Pines hiking trails, has a visitor center, restrooms, and its own beach.

So, if you are looking to see the pines, and get in a hike with some elevation gain, I’d highly suggest that you avoid parking at the North Beach by accident. Look for the Torrey Pines Beach Parking: South Beach Lot, 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037.

If you park here, you can enjoy the beach as well, while avoiding the double pay. That all being said, plan on getting to the parking lot early. This is a popular spot, and for good reason.

The Torrey Pines State Reserve opens at 7a every day and closes at sunset. And entrance fees vary based on demand from $15-$25 per vehicle. There ARE bathrooms at this parking area as well.

Hiking at Torrey Pines State Reserve

Many of the trails here meander through the green capped dunes of hard packed sand that are crisscrossed by increasingly deep ruts and ravines that have been carved out of the cliffs over the years. These paths can take hikers out towards the cliff edge, where you can gaze out at the ocean. You can also take in the adventurous nature of the Torrey Pines, as many of them grow along the cliffs and in the recesses of the water-carved sandstone. I took several of these trails, and enjoyed the unique vegetation and beautiful scenery of the ocean. However, the path down to the beach from the northern bluff to Flat Rock, was my favorite place here.

Torrey Pines Park Rd, the High Point and the Visitor Center

(c) ABR 2021

While you can drive your car up from the gate to parking at the top of the hill. If you came to the park to hike, and you have the stamina, I’d suggest parking at the bottom of the hill and hiking up. This is a great little workout, and will make your day hike burn a few extra calories and build some extra muscle. This trail follows the road, so it’s not hard to navigate. There are also signs that will keep you on the trail and out of the road for the most part, because cars do use this part of the road.

After huffing up the hill, I’d definitely suggest that you gain a few extra feet of elevation and visit the high point. The views from the top aren’t the most spectacular, although they will give you a unique view of the park. On top of that, after hiking up the hill, I always think it’s ideal to hit the top.

Then, if you need a bit of a breather, you can stop by the visitor center. There is a very nice little museum there (but no bathrooms?). If you have any questions about the park, there are also very nice rangers posted here to offer guidance and fill you in.

Guy Fleming Trail

(c) ABR 2021

There are two different loops at the top of the hill that you can explore to get some great views of the ocean and the Torrey pines. These are Guy Fleming Trail and Parry Grove Trail.

The Guy Fleming Trail is a relatively easy walk of 2/3 miles, and it is fairly flat. It is really worth taking this short loop trail. It looks out at the ocean and has some of the most amazing views in the park from two different outlooks. There are also some Torrey pines on the trail to view and enjoy. It is also a very nice walk for a warm morning, as there is some nice shade along that way.

Parry Grove Trail

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The Parry Grove Trail is about half a mile, and has a steep start to the trail with about 100 steps. So, this is a bit more of a challenging loop for you to explore in the Torrey Pines State Reserve.

Both of these trails also feature a concerning phenomena with the Torrey pines. Specifically, you will see dead groves of these rare trees. Many Torrey pines in the park were killed in the last decade or so by drought and bark beetle infestations. Unfortunately, drought is linked with climate change, which will continue to impact the trees (and other species) until we push for political and industry changes that will protect the planet and ourselves. But the park staff and collaborators are doing what they can to study and understand the bark beetles. You will notice white stations throughout the park for monitoring these little voracious animals. Luckily, some of the groves are recovering, but long-term planning will be needed to decide if the trees in the park will be saved by human intervention.

You can learn more about this via signage on the Guy Fleming Trail and by checking in with the rangers at the visitor center.

Beach Trail and Flat Rock

(c) ABR 2021

One of the most popular hikes in the park is the trail down from the visitor center on the Beach trail to Flat Rock. This will take you out of the forest, down through the sandy hills, and onto the beach. This trail is about ¾ miles in one direction, and does have you losing all of the elevation that you gained by hiking up the road. This trail is an in and out track, but if you parked at the main parking lot described above, you can hike back on the beach. (We went back up the hill to maximize our workout).

In terms of the trail conditions, much of this trail is exposed to the sun, with little shade. There is a little bit of forest cover at the trailhead, but then you will be walking on a sandstone trail among low-lying bushes. There are some branching trails in the area, so be sure to follow your map, and pay attention to the trail markers. Also, keep your eyes peeled some of the beautiful sand formations in the park, like Red Butte.

Explore the Beach

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You will then start hiking downwards towards the beach. This can be a bit steep at times, and the trail will end with a narrow (and sometimes crowded) stairway that goes down to the seaside. When this area gets crowded, it can be a little difficult to navigate this area. So, be sure to pack your patience with you onto the trail, and be kind.

Once you make it down to the beach, there can be some nice tidepooling, and Flat Rock can be accessed via a small slotted trail through the sand stone. Please be wary of the tide while hiking on the beach. And practice water safety.

Other Trails

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While I’ve listed some of my favorite trails above, there are even more hiking options in the park. For instance, once you are down on the beach, you can hike south for ¾ miles to Black’s Beach.

The Razor Point trail will take you out ½ mile to a lookout. On the way you will pass by some more cool formations. There is also Broken Hill Trail which has a north and south fork. There you can hike south from the visitor center on the road as well.

Needless to say, there is much to explore.

Safety on the Trail

While the beach makes Torrey Pines State Reserve even more special and spectacular, it also adds an element of danger to the park. Please, keep your children out of the water and supervise them at all times. If you plan on swimming yourself, do so where lifeguards are present and follow all warning signs. Plan your hikes with the tide in mind. Don’t risk your safety to get back the way you came if the tide came up while you were walking. Torrey Pines State Reserve has so many trails. You can safely take the road back to your car if the tide becomes problematic.

Be sure to practice all regular trail safety while visiting the park. And please stay on the trail, pick up your litter, and try to use established bathrooms. All of these things will help protect the natural resources of the reserve.

You might also consider supporting the research and work being done to look after the Torrey pines in this difficult time for these unique trees.

Learn more about California

If you are visiting Southern California, be sure to check out our guides to hiking in the area (National Parks near Los Angeles), tiki bars in San Diego, and our Guide to California.