Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve — Attraction in San Diego

Yesterday I experienced hiking at Torrey Pines State Reserve. While I’m staying close to downtown San Diego, I took the blue line Trolley to the last stop and then the 101 bus to the beach area just below Torrey Pines State Reserve. You can drive into the reserve but since I used public transport, I walked from beach level up the elevations to where the hiking trails started. Since I walked into the reserve, there was no entry fee however if you drive in, there is a fee. I am not a very experienced hiker but I was excited to take the reserve on. The reserve is over 2000 acres and there are many great look out points where you can look at the beach and Pacific Ocean. All of the trails are uneven terrain and there are stairs throughout. The stairs are uneven at many points, some are bigger steps up or down than others. This first trail has several areas where you are shaded by trees but also plenty of areas where there is no shade at all. There are benches scattered through the trails which are a welcome site to take short breaks throughout the hike. I started my hike at 9:49am and experienced the following trails: -.6 mile Guy Fleming Trail (loop) -.4 mile Parry Grove Trail -.7 mile Razor Point Trail -.1 mile High Point Trail -1.3 mile Broken Hill Trail (twice) -.75 mile Beach Trail I finished on the beach at 1:40pm. I had the lofty goal that when I finished all trails and ended at the beach that I would walk the beach all the way to La Jolla. I actually walked to the Scripps Institute of Oceanography where I finally left the beach in La Jolla Shores. I don’t recommend walking this far as there is a extremely rocky area between the ins of Blacks Beach and the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier where I ended my hike around 3:30pm. Throughout the Torrey Pines trails, I saw people of all ages. I took a 64 Oz bottle of water with me and a couple is snacks. There are signs saying no food allowed throughout the trails but you really should bring some light snacks that you can have to keep your energy up. 64 Oz of water was enough fir the trails but not nearly enough for the walk on the beach to La Jolla Shores (again I don’t recommend that long Long Beach walk. I also highly recommend that you bring sunglasses, a nice wide brimmed hat and sunscreen. I also brought an umbrella for a couple of shade breaks towards the last part of my hike through the reserve. Lastly, there was a reserve docent (volunteer) at the head of a could of the trails who was very knowledgeable about...

THE PERFECT HIKE FOR NON-HIKERS

If the idea of hiking makes you groan, panic, or show aversion —you’re not alone. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve benefits every soul.

You don’t have to be fit. You don’t have to be a “hiker.” It's healing for mental health. It's rewarding for a neurobrain lift. You can bring your babies, your grandma, your partner - or just yourself.

And all will be well.

5 Reasons Why You Need to Get On The Bandwagon

It’s stunning with almost no effort. Even the easiest, flattest paths give you ocean views, blooming flowers, unique bluffs, and greenery —without actually breaking a sweat.

You can choose your own adventure. Want to stroll? There's a trail for that. Want to climb a little? There's a trail for that too. Want to sit on a bench and just bask in nature, cool. Nothing is too long, too scary, or too overwhelming.

It’s mental health magic. Salt air, sunshine, breeze, beauty, & soft wind —if you don't come out thinking and feeling better after marinating in natural peace, joking aside, consider psychiatric assistance.

Parking is tricky. Parking is $20. Several lots in the reserve. Or you can park on the street, rarely available parking. Or you can park half a mile up street parking, $4 per hour. Or you can park on the opposite side of Torrey Pines, street is free or the other paid lot. It'll be a 10 to 15 minute walk to the reserve.

It’s beautifully inclusive. Toddlers. Teens. Groups. Bikers. Elderly. Canes. Runners. Walkers. Hikers

Dogs are not allowed. And should not be.

But I know you sneak in early, bring dogs, & leave all their poop on the trails. So disrespectful!!

Torrey Pines isn’t a place you have to conquer. It’s a place that carries you.

HOT TIPS

*If walking is not your thing. Hang out at the beach. *The City Transit drops you off right in front of The preserve there are no excuses. *Visit the visitor center *Bird watching best early morning or before sunset

"Take a list of good things you want to multiply and symbolically submit them...

The Torrey Pines State Reserve contains the only place in the world (and Santa Rosa Island) where the Torrey Pine Trees grow naturally. If you drive into the reserve or park at the nearby Torrey Pines Beach Parking lot, you will pay a fee. There is free parking on the street parking on the right just before entering the park from the north but these spots fill up quick. There are no dogs allowed, no drones, and no food or drink allowed in the reserve except water. There are restrooms near the Torrey Pines Beach Parking lot as well as near the Beach Trailhead once inside the park.

I did hike most of the trails at the reserve. Some of the best scenery is near the water where the bluffs are. There are plenty of vista/lookout points around and some trails contain many steps going up/down so plan accordingly. The Torrey Pine trees were not all that appealing to look at but after learning about them at the visitor center I now have a deeper appreciation for these wonderful and rare trees which were at one point on the brink of destruction. I highly recommend stopping by the visitor center where there are exhibits about the wildlife and plant life that live in the reserve as well as videos about the history of the area. I am sure if you visit this place, you will truly enjoy yourself as i did....