Torrey Pines State Reserve: One of San Diego’s Treasures
Posted by Rachel LaMar, J.D. | Visited 244 times, 2 so far today | Leave A Comment »
I was reminded this weekend of another reason I so love living in San Diego county when I walked the trails at Torrey Pines State Reserve with my family. This is one of the most beautiful places in San Diego to walk, hike or jog. The vistas are breathtaking, the torrey pines magnificent, and the ocean air delicious. Right now all the wildflowers are in bloom and there are little animals everywhere.
Torrey Pines Reserve has six designated trails, each with a slightly different feel and some more challenging than others. The Guy Fleming trail is a 2/3 of a mile loop and is a great trail for children or those who cannot make the more challenging trails. It takes you past wildflowers and under canopies of fallen trees, from magnificent ocean views and canyons through forests of pine trees. You will see lizards and squirrels scurrying about or basking in the sun, and many different birds.
Mid-way along this trail is an overlook deck, where you can see far across the ocean. If you are lucky you may even see dolphins frolicking in the surf or if the time of year is right, whales.
The Razor Point Trail, Parry Grove Trail, Beach Trail, High Point Trail and Broken Hill Trail all offer varying levels of challenge and a different feel. The Beach Trail is the longest, 3/4 mile to Flat Rock. There is a stairway at the end that descends 300 feet to the beach below.
The Reserve is located off of Coast Highway in Del Mar, just south of Carmel Valley Road. You can park at the beach down below or you can drive up the hill and park in a dirt lot. Parking is $8. If you are lucky you can park for free along Coast Highway and walk into the reserve. The trails start up the paved road, so if you walk you will get some good exercise getting to them. Keep in mind that no pets or picnics are allowed but you may bring water along.
The park is one of only two places in our country where the torrey pines grow; the other place is Santa Rosa Island, off of the Santa Barbara coast. If you have not yet visited the reserve you are missing out on one of San Diego’s most extraordinary places. So put on your walking shoes and enjoy!
