Torrey Pines State Reserve

If you’re into hiking, rare trees, towering cliffs, sweeping panoramic views, the ocean, beaches, salt marshes, and waterfowl, then Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (not park) is for you.

Why the distinction between a reserve and park? Well, the Torrey pine is found in only two places, Torrey Pines Natural Reserve and Santa Rosa island, and because it is so rare, where they grow warrants the special protection that state natural reserves offer.

When you first arrive, drive to the top of the hill and stop at the Torrey Pines Lodge, a Pueblo-designed building turned into a small visitor center and museum. It will give you good insights into the history of the area and the reserve, as well as offer information about specific trails and activities within the reserve.

There are ten different trails that you can hike; six in the main reserve and four in the reserve extension (salt marshes and coastal sage scrub areas). They vary in intensity from easy to very difficult, some with a steep 300-foot elevation change from the cliff top to the beach. Docents lead free guided nature walks from the Visitor Center at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

My visit to Torrey Pines was on a hot autumn day where it was in the mid-90s even along the coast, so my exploring was rather minimal that afternoon (I’m a self-admitted heat wimp). I also wasn’t wearing good enough shoes for anything more than a casual hike, and my knee was acting up, so I stayed clear of the more strenuous trails. Despite all that, I was still able to enjoy quite a bit of the upper part of the park.

After finishing my exploration in the upper part of the reserve, I drove down the hill and parked near the entrance station and walked along the wide beach beneath the 300-foot cliffs that I had just been atop. And on that particularly stifling day, wading shin-deep in the cool water was a welcome relief.

Because of all that Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has to offer, it is quite popular with locals and visitors alike. If you can visit on a weekday, you’ll avoid the weekend crowds. If you can only come on a weekend, arrive early for the best parking.

What You Need to Know

Location: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Hours:

Gates open at 7:15 a.m. to Sunset

Visitor center open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during Standard Time.

Cost: $10-12 Monday-Thursday; $12-15 Friday-Sunday and Holidays

Websites:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=657

http://torreypine.org/

Tips: Wear good shoes for walking on uneven terrain and steep trails. Because this is a reserve with tighter conservation restrictions, there is no food or drink allowed in the park above the beach, except water; no dogs are allowed anywhere in the park; there’s no smoking in the park; and you must pack out what you brought in, including your trash.