TREADING LIGHTLY

In Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

BY ALEXANDRA EWART

The stunning ridge of sea cliffs towering over La Jolla’s northernmost beach is one of San Diego’s most precious natural treasures. It is home the Pinus torreyana (commonly known as the Torrey Pine), one of the rarest and most resilient species of pine tree in the entire world. Blasted by the wind and baked by the sun, this rugged natural environment is an extremely fragile ecosystem.

As an avid hiker, I think it’s amazing that it is open to visitors every day of the year. Summer is my favorite time to hike the trails because the coastal fog and light ocean breezes offer cool relief. The trails are beautifully maintained, and they are easy to follow. With six trails in the main Reserve and four in the Reserve extension, there are plenty of paths to follow. Many hikers combine a few of the trails to experience more of the habitat’s diversity. Besides the Torrey pines, there are wildflowers, cacti, ferns, sagebrush, wildlife, and scenic vista views of the ocean and shoreline.

My favorite route starts at the South Beach and Reserve Entrance. I hike up the steep asphalt road to Guy Fleming Trail. This 2/3-mile loop trail has plenty of bends and dips offering great views of Del Mar, La Jolla, Peñasquitos Marsh, and the ocean. The North Overlook offers a close-up view of Torrey pine trees. From there, I follow Razor Point Trail, another 2/3-mile path winding past a sculptured sandstone gorge. If the tide is right, I proceed to the Beach Trail which descends ¾ mile to the beach. If the tide is low, it’s an easy walk back to South Beach.

As one might expect, there are several important rules to follow when visiting this fragile habitat. Visitors must stay on the trails because walking off-trail causes erosion, damages plants, and disturbs wildlife. Dogs are not allowed because they can frighten wildlife and their waste can cause nesting animals to abandon their young. We are also reminded to look, take pictures, but not to touch! Wildflowers, pinecones, and other natural features must be left alone so they can propagate and be enjoyed by others.

There is a range of interesting educational programs for visitors who would like to dive deeper. Docent-led hikes are offered on weekends and holidays, and Mindfulness walks are offered on Sundays. The Visitor Center is an excellent source of information and nature-related gifts.

Here’s a tip about parking. When the South Beach and Reserve Entrance parking lot fills up, they close the gate and turn on a flashing light on the top of the kiosk. Visitors who look for it from the top of High Bridge or Carmel Valley Road, can save driving out of their way and head directly to the North Beach parking lot.

WHEN YOU GO

Park Open Daily
7:15—Sunset

Visitor Center Open Daily
9:30—5:30 (summer hours)
858.755.2063
torreypine.org/reserveinfo