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You are here: Home / Blog / Torrey Pines: Rare Trees, Hikes and Trails

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Torrey Pines: Rare Trees, Hikes and Trails

On a thin coastal strip of San Diego County, 2,000 to 3,000 Torrey Pines survive even though they are surrounded by some of the most populated areas of Southern California. At one point during the 20th century, only 100 trees survived the harsh environment.  Conservation efforts have permitted the wild population to increase to current levels.

The Torrey Pine is the rarest pine species in the United States and can only be seen on a natural reserve located between the cities of Del Mar and San Diego or on Santa Rosa Island (part of the Channel Islands National Park).

The Torrey Pine, the rarest tree in North America, Torrey Pine State Reserve, San Diego, California

During my visit to the Torrey Pine State Natural Reserve, I felt extremely blessed to appreciate the beauty of the pines which lend its name to the reserve.  Nevertheless, the reserve offers 8 miles of trails on a plateau with cliffs that overlook the beach.  Many different kinds of wildlife and flora are found within the reserve, including bobcats, foxes, skunks, raccoons, coyotes, rabbits, cacti and coastal chaparral.

In other words, this is an opportunity to enjoy one of the few wild stretches of land in Southern California.

Table of Contents

  • Torrey Pines Hikes and Trails
  • Black’s Beach
  • Walking in Torrey Pines State Beach
  • The Lagoon
  • Torrey Pines Paragliding
  • Details
  • Resources
  • More about Southern California
    • Related posts:

Torrey Pines Hikes and Trails

There are several moderate and beautiful trails within the reserve.  It is a good idea to park at the top of the reserve, close to the visitor’s center and get a map with instructions. Others park at the beach level to avoid the entrance fee and access the reserve on foot.

Here is a summary of the trails you can hike at Torrey Pines:

  • Guy Fleming Trail – Length: 2/3 of a mile
  • Parry Grove Trail – Length: half a mile
  • High Point Trail – 100 yards with steps
  • Razor Point Trail – Length: 2/3 of a mile
  • Beach Trail – Length: ¾ of a mile

In addition, you can walk along the beaches in the area (the State Beach or Black’s Beach)

Since we allocated the entire day for the Torrey Pine hikes, and since the trails are short and connected, we decided to explore as much as possible.

The first highlight of our walk was Red Butte, a terracotta promontory from where the entire reserve and even downtown San Diego can be seen.

Red Butte, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California

View from Red Butte, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California

It was interesting to spot unusual formations in a small canyon located next to Red Butte.

Skull like formation, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California

We continued moving towards the ocean with the desire to check Yucca and Razor Points.  These two areas are probably the most well known in the reserve.  They can be conceived as rippled, curvy walls of rock.  Patches of terrain besides them are reminiscent of badlands.  Some spots look like melting chocolate ice cream while others present domes of colors (think of soft pinks and pale yellows).

Yucca (left) and Razor (right) Points

Yucca (left) and Razor (right) Points

We checked Yucca Point first.

Yucca Point, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California

IMG_4575

View from Yucca Point, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California

Formations next to Yucca Point, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California

Then, we moved on to Razor Point.

Rock Formations, Torrey Pine State Reserve, San Diego, California

Razor Point, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California

Razor Point, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California

Razor Point, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California

Razor Point, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California

Torrey Pine State Reserve, Torrey Pine Trail

View from Razor Point, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California

Razor Point, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California

After delighting our eyes with the curious rock formations, we made our way to the southern end of the park (where Flat Rock is located) thru the Beach Trail.

Flat Rock, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California

Black’s Beach

Let me be clear from the beginning.  Black’s Beach is known as San Diego’s unofficial nude beach and as you can imagine people make a big fuss about this place.  To be fair, let me also say this is a famous surfing spot where big swells can be experienced due to an underwater canyon.

I have read about the seclusion of this place, how the access is very difficult, how people get caught in the high tide and how some have even died to try to get there (falling from the cliffs while trying to follow ‘trails’ left by others).

So, we arrived at the Flat Rock area (which is in Torrey Pines State Beach) and saw a stretch path over the rocks at the bottom of the cliff.  We followed the crowds and landed on another beach.  In the distance, a pier was seen a mirage because of the thick marine layer.  We decided to walk to that pier.

Walk around this rock and you are on Black's Beach

Walk around this rock and you are on Black’s Beach

This is how it looks at the other side. At this point, you are officially in Black's Beach.

This is how it looks at the other side. At this point, you are officially in Black’s Beach.

As we walked, I realized we were approaching the Scripps Pier (‘cause it is the only one in the area) and that could only mean one thing: we were in Black’s Beach.  I still had my doubts since there was a crowd walking in the same direction and there was no indication in the reserve’s map. Plus, the access was so easy, nothing to do with the tangled descriptions found on the Internet.

Black's Beach, San Diego, California

Black's Beach, San Diego, California

After passing thru a rocky area, the beach widened.  It was then when I saw some people, close to the bottom of the cliffs, sunbathing in a natural state (let’s call it that way).  We didn’t pay much attention and continue walking.  We realized the pier was not that close and decided to go back.

I don’t understand from where all the commotion about Black’s Beach comes from.  Even the San Diego Tourism Authority presents it as one of the top attractions in the city because of its beauty (yeah, right).  To me, it was a meh beach (nice cliffs but not much more).  I have seen better in the area.

Walking in Torrey Pines State Beach

So, we made it back to Flat Rock and started to walk north thru the Torrey Pines State Beach.  This is another way to appreciate the reserve since the cliffs are very colorful and full of crazy formations. To me, the view from the bottom is fascinating since it is almost impossible to determine what lies at the top.

Torrey Pines State Beach, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California

Torrey Pines State Beach, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California

IMG_4729

Cliffs at Torrey Pines State Beach, San Diego, California

IMG_4733

The Lagoon

A lagoon that is vital to migrating seabirds is also within the reserve limits.  It is visible from several lookouts.

Torrey Pines Paragliding

The Torrey Pines Glideport is located next to the State Reserve and it is considered one of North America’s top paragliding and hang gliding locations.

Classes and tandem flights are offered on site.  If you do not have time to visit, you probably feel encouraged to make future plans once you see the many gliders flying over the beach (it is a very cool experience to watch them).

Torrey Pine Paragliding

Details

  • The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located about 18 miles north of Downtown San Diego.
  • Surfing and swimming are popular at Torrey Pines State Beach. The usual facilities (restrooms, changing rooms and lifeguards) are available.
  • Guided nature tours are offered during the weekends.
  • Parking inside the reserve is $10.
  • Roadside parking is also available.
  • Be careful when accessing Black’s Beach. The only maintained routes are the Beach Trail coming from the State Park and a trail coming from The Glider Port.  A lot of people have been involved in accidents while trying to get access descending the cliffs.
  • Drones are not allowed at the reserve
  • Dogs are not permitted on the reserve
  • Food and drink (except for water) are allowed on the hiking areas

Resources

For more information about hikes and trail on the Torrey Pine Reserve, visit the following sites:

  • Torrey Pine Org
  • San Diego Tourism Authority

More about Southern California

If you are interested in learning more about what Southern California has to offers, you have to check out my area guides:

  • Los Angeles Bucket List
  • Ultimate San Diego Bucket List
  • 150+ places to go in Orange County, California

Have you visited Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve? What do you think about the Torrey Pine hike (s)?

If you enjoyed this article, remember to share!

Pin me please!

Related posts:

Miramar Air Show , San Diego, CaliforniaMiramar Air Show in San Diego Things to do in San Diego, must see in San Diego, san diego a listSan Diego Bucket List: What to Do, See and Eat Huntington Beach seen from the pier, LA to San Diego DriveDriving From Los Angeles to San Diego: Road Trip Itinerary Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles, Solvang, The Santa Ynez ValleyWeekend Getaways from Los Angeles


50 Comments

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Comments

  1. Lauren Meshkin says

    October 7, 2013 at 11:02 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous! I stayed at the Lodge at Torrey Pines a few years back for work (amazing hotel) but never got a chance to thoroughly explore the area. I must return!

    Thanks for sharing. Happy travels 🙂

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      October 23, 2013 at 1:22 pm

      It would be cool to return and hike around. I am even making plans to explore more since I am sure I missed cool places.

      Reply
  2. Christy says

    October 10, 2013 at 10:01 pm

    I love Torrey Pines! There is a trail (Ho Chi Minh) that some of the surfers take down to Blacks. Have you heard of it? It’s a really cool trail, but there is one part where there is only enough width for your feet to barely fit and it always amazes me that guys take their surfboards down it. You captured some great shots!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      October 23, 2013 at 1:24 pm

      Thanks for the compliments. No, I haven’t heard about that trail (what a funny name) but it is hard to imagine people with boards descending those cliffs. Scary!

      Reply
  3. Carol says

    February 19, 2018 at 8:12 am

    Ruth your posts are always so fabulous – this one included! I’m happy they saved the rare pines and also gave us a place to hike in roam in beautiful surroundings. Pinned and shared

    Reply
  4. Pat says

    February 19, 2018 at 9:32 am

    What an interesting place to visit and explore, Ruth. I love hiking around unusual formations like these and the fact that it is next to the ocean is a plus. Did you find anything interesting shells or sea glass washed up on shore? I’m glad the unique pines are being protected.

    Reply
  5. image-in-ing: weekly photo linkup says

    February 19, 2018 at 2:20 pm

    You got some delightful shots here!
    Thanks for linking up at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/02/some-more-from-nasher-museum.html

    Reply
  6. Photo Cache says

    February 19, 2018 at 9:05 pm

    I heard about this place and actually is in my list to visit when I go back to San Diego (hopefully this year).

    Reply
  7. Lady Fi says

    February 19, 2018 at 11:57 pm

    Stunning rocky landscape going down to the sea!

    Reply
  8. Kalpanaa says

    February 20, 2018 at 12:27 am

    Fabulous photos. I felt as if I’m on holiday when I saw them. Thanks for posting.

    Reply
  9. Sara says

    February 21, 2018 at 7:52 am

    This area looks absolutely gorgeous! I’ve been to Torrey Pines before, but it’s clear that I barely scratched the surface! These rock outcroppings are absolutely incredible!

    Reply
  10. Sarah says

    February 21, 2018 at 8:26 am

    I haven’t been to San Diego for a long time, and we just drove straight through it when we were last in Cali. But this park looks right up my (and my family’s) nature loving alley so I would definitely try to go next time!

    Reply
  11. beatravelling says

    February 21, 2018 at 9:09 am

    Great landscape! Love Red Butte! #wanderfulwednesday

    Reply
  12. Caitlin says

    February 21, 2018 at 9:24 am

    Your photographs are absolutely beautiful! It has always been a dream of mine to explore more of California than the usual LA and San Fran, so thank you so much for the travel inspo!

    Reply
  13. Anya says

    February 21, 2018 at 9:26 am

    Ahh I apparently used to live RIGHT by here, but I was way too young to have gone (I’m talking 2 or 3 years old). I wish I could live there now haha- hiking is my favourite thing and I can’t believe I missed this!

    Reply
  14. Emily Culhane says

    February 21, 2018 at 10:25 am

    Wow I have spent a lot of time in California and didn’t know about these places.. They are absolutely stunning!

    Reply
  15. Mandy says

    February 21, 2018 at 10:51 am

    I’m planning a trip to California driving PCH and while I discovered the Torrey Pines through my research, as it turns out we won’t be in California long enough to make a point of going to see the park. After seeing your post, now I know I need to plan a return trip. Thanks for sharing the gorgeous images! Love seeing those cliffs next to the Torrey Pines beach!

    Reply
  16. Megan says

    February 21, 2018 at 11:03 am

    My daughter and I go to SoCal every year, and I had no idea about these Torrey Pines! How cool is that. And I really like Yucca Point, too – the landscape is so different. We’re definitely going to have to include this in one of our upcoming trips!

    Reply
  17. Ashley @ The Wandering Weekenders says

    February 21, 2018 at 6:57 pm

    So beautiful! All of your pictures remind me why I love California so much, and more specifically the coast, because it’s just so pretty to look at! I’m definitely going to ask our friends to take us here when we visit them in San Diego!

    Reply
  18. California Globetrotter says

    February 21, 2018 at 11:47 pm

    I never did make it down to do this hike! It definitely is beautiful and worth hiking!! Would love to do it the next time I’m home! #WanderfulWednesday

    Reply
  19. Maike says

    February 22, 2018 at 12:45 am

    Wow, the landscape looks just stunning. You made some really amazing pictures! I would love to hike there.

    Reply
  20. Jasmine says

    February 22, 2018 at 5:11 am

    Always so jealous when you’re I read about the hikes in California, lol. Might be time focus less on leaving the country and more on getting out west.

    Reply
  21. Kareemah says

    February 22, 2018 at 5:43 am

    There’s just so much beautiful natural scenery, I have to explore in the U.S. The Torrey pines is now included. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  22. ARI says

    February 22, 2018 at 7:21 am

    I can’t believe how diverse the formations are in the land. And you have some spectacular hiking routes laid out for us. I have so much more to discover in the US. To explore your own country is sometimes less of a priority, but I know we have some treasures, like Torrey Pines.

    Reply
  23. Joy Generoso says

    February 22, 2018 at 10:34 am

    What a beautiful landscape and the amazing rock formations! This is an awesome place for adventure. Would love to visit here in the future. For now I’ll add it to my list.

    Reply
  24. umiko says

    February 22, 2018 at 7:59 pm

    Incredible rock formation and coloring, and they’re not that long, too. It’s funny how you found people doing their natural sunbathing. I’m putting this in my bucket list for when I go visit my cousin who lives in Carlsbad.

    Reply
  25. Trippin' Turpins (Kelly) says

    February 22, 2018 at 8:23 pm

    Beautiful post. I love all your photos. This place looks very rugged and stunningly beautiful. Just the sort of place we’d like to visit. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  26. Shona says

    February 23, 2018 at 12:27 am

    There were some stunning cliffs and rock formations along your journey. This is another area you’ve introduced me to that I had no idea about. Keep them coming. 🙂

    Reply
  27. Sharon says

    February 23, 2018 at 10:49 am

    Ruth, I live a few miles from this amazing place! I didn’t know until a few years ago that Torrey Pines are so rare. This is one of my favorite places to hike. Your photos capture it beautifully. And you’ve provided lots of good info for visitors. Next time you’re here, let me know and we can meet and maybe go for coffee :).

    Reply
  28. Sol Solntze says

    February 23, 2018 at 11:59 am

    I know I should be excited about the pines, but actually, the geology looks so exotic, not to mention the wildlife. Very cool!

    Reply
  29. Lindz @ I've Been Bit! says

    February 23, 2018 at 7:49 pm

    I’ve never even heard of Torrey Pines, but this area looks absolutely breathtaking! With 8 miles of trails, it definitely sounds like my jam. I’ll have to keep it in mind for when I get down to that area!

    Reply
  30. Samantha (Vibrant Yogini) says

    February 24, 2018 at 12:53 am

    I didn’t realize that San Diego had so many natural beauty spots! It looks like a wonderful place to visit and i love a good hike in the sunshine!

    Reply
  31. jill says

    February 24, 2018 at 4:12 am

    This couldn’t be any more perfect as I’m headed to San Diego next month and Torrey Pines has been on my list for awhile now. Beautiful photos of a beautiful place!

    Reply
  32. Georgia says

    February 24, 2018 at 6:28 am

    Looks gorgeous! I am always looking for new beaches to visit on my travels!
    The rock formations are really similar to a small beach town that I was living in Brazil!

    Reply
  33. Jenn says

    February 24, 2018 at 7:53 am

    I love going on hikes and this looks right up my alley! That’s amazing how much wildlife you can see although I wouldn’t want to run into a skunk or bobcat. The Yucca Point looks beautiful with its rugged landscape against the water. I hope that I can go and visit one day!

    Reply
  34. Vicky says

    February 24, 2018 at 11:26 am

    What an amazing place to go hiking Ruth! You have some beautiful photos of the crazy rock formations.

    #feetdotravel

    Reply
  35. Jenn says

    February 24, 2018 at 11:46 am

    Wow, this is so beautiful. I’m glad I found your post since I’m leaving for San Diego in a couple weeks. I will have to check it out in person!

    Reply
  36. Deborah Regen says

    February 24, 2018 at 8:10 pm

    They say San Diego has about the best weather in the USA, so I’m sure that leads to many great day hiking opportunities. Those cliffs and odd rock formations by the ocean look like a geographer’s dream. They are not quite as appealing to me, but all the same I wouldn’t mind the views while walking along one of these trails and enjoying the wind against my face and breathing in the fresh air. Thanks for posting. #TheWeeklyPostcard

    Reply
  37. Anisa says

    February 25, 2018 at 1:08 am

    The scenery there is stunning and your pictures are gorgeous. I would love to do one of those hikes next time I am in the area. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.

    Reply
  38. Vanessa Brune says

    February 25, 2018 at 1:55 am

    Those views are incredible! I’d love to combine a hike with a dip in the ocean – that’s something you can’t really do much here in Norway 😉

    Reply
  39. Rhonda Albom says

    February 25, 2018 at 3:00 am

    The rough cliffside views are amazing. I love the colours of the rocks with the blue of the ocean. I’ve seen paragliding by me but never thought of doing it (even with a tandem flight).

    Reply
  40. Tomas says

    February 25, 2018 at 6:11 am

    Wau this great place I’ve never heard about it. I love your pictures and it’s exciting that the landscape of the park is very diferent. #TheWeeklyPostcard

    Reply
  41. Anda says

    February 25, 2018 at 4:46 pm

    I can’t remember ever being in Torrey Pines, although my husband swears that we went. I guess that since I have no recollection of this place we probably haven’t seen some of these beautiful places that you mention here. I would have surely remembered that terracotta promontory, Red Butte. Torrey Pines is not that far from us, we can go again I guess. #TheWeeklyPostcard

    Reply
  42. Nancie says

    February 26, 2018 at 6:51 am

    The cliffs are beautiful. What a wonderful way to spend a day. It’s interesting how people (or tourist boards) will make a big deal out of a place, and then it turns out to be okay at best.
    Thanks for co-hosting this week. #TPThursday

    Reply
  43. Sandra says

    February 26, 2018 at 7:04 am

    Wow, this looks like heaven on earth! I’ve never been to Torrey Pines but would love to.
    #TravelPhotoThursday

    Reply
  44. Travel Lexx says

    February 26, 2018 at 11:24 am

    I didn’t get to go to San Diego as we continued on to Las Vegas from Los Angeles but there are plenty of reasons I want to go back and check it out. Now that I know you can hike in the area, I’m sold! Looks spectacular and it’s good that there are so many manageable trails offering incredible views! Are there any longer day hikes?

    Reply
  45. Vlad says

    March 1, 2018 at 2:14 am

    Gorgeous scenery, I would very much enjoy the secluded Black’s Beach. Although I would definitely be the odd one out, neither surfing nor nude sunbathing, just taking photos, haha

    Reply
  46. Sam | Away She Went says

    March 1, 2018 at 7:55 am

    Those views are beautiful! I haven’t been to San Diego in a really long time, but I’ll have to add this to my list for whenever I make it back. I’m glad they were able to save the pines! It would have been such a shame to let them die out.

    Reply
  47. Jillian says

    March 1, 2018 at 11:46 am

    So, I used to live on Torrey Pines Dr in Las Vegas…I had no idea what a Torrey Pine was! And I have been to So. Cal many times, and have never seen anything as stunning as these rock formations! I love your posts.

    Reply
  48. David says

    March 2, 2018 at 5:35 am

    Recently I’ve seen a few posts on the California coast and they’ve been making me and more interested in finally visiting. I love the erosion patterns in those rocks, plus I love a good coastal hike! #feetdotravel

    Reply

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