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Torrey Pines State Reserve Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate
 4.2 (37)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Southern California
  4. …San Diego
  5. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
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“A unique coastal route which loops through the reserve trails, down to the beach and back. ”

Steve Skinner
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Map Key

2.4

Miles

3.9

KM

Loop

333' 102 m

High

4' 1 m

Low

329' 100 m

Up

330' 100 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Family Friendly A relatively easy route with trails that are well marked and easy to follow. And what family outing in southern California is complete without some part of it involving the beach??

Overview

The semi-steep hike up the road is just a means to an end. Once you get to the top, the trails have beautiful views of the reserve and high, vast views of the ocean. Take your time and explore the offshoots that lead to scenic viewpoints and of course the rare Torrey Pines that have made this area famous.

Need to Know

The trail can get quite busy on the weekends and many of the trails in the reserve are singletrack, and can be a tight squeeze when encountering opposing traffic. Also, the trail is quite exposed so on hot days; you'll enjoy it more if you choose to take this trail early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Description

Start by parking in the lot, then work your way up the road into the reserve. Follow the Beach Trail that leads you back down to the beach, exploring little offshoots along the way. It's an easy trail with just a couple of spots that you need to be careful at - mainly at the stairway at the bottom where the trail drops down onto the beach. From that point, it's just a beautiful hike along the beach back to the lot where you started.

Flora & Fauna

Rare Torrey Pines, and lots of scrub oak and other native foliage.

Contacts

Land Manager: California State Parks - San Diego Coast District

Shared By:

Steve Skinner
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 37 votes

#1

in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

#341

Overall
  4.2 from 37 votes
5 Star
43%
4 Star
41%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Torrey Pines State Nat…

#51

in California

#341

Overall
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14,832 Since Oct 24, 2016
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Photos

The area of the beach that the Torrey Pines State Reserve trails lead to...
Oct 24, 2016 near Del Mar, CA
Beautiful no matter the weather.
Oct 13, 2020 near Del Mar, CA
San Diego Torrey Pine Park
Aug 11, 2019 near Del Mar, CA
A view from the trails in Torrey Pines State Reserve.
Oct 24, 2016 near Del Mar, CA
The cliff views from the beach walk back to the lot.
Oct 24, 2016 near Del Mar, CA
View from Yucca Point
Aug 16, 2019 near Del Mar, CA

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 87 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 4, 2023
Travis C
2.4mi — 2h 00m
Jul 2, 2022
Kate Fuller
May 14, 2022
Rami Schmittendorf
May 8, 2022
Charles Haf
Feb 15, 2022
Josh Boyles
Oct 16, 2021
Ben Krantz
2.5mi — 0h 52m
Aug 28, 2021
Angela Morris
Aug 22, 2021
Jon Hacklstein

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