Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, California: 6 Month Solo Road Trip

January 15, 2015

After two and a half days resting at The Dana on Mission Bay,  San Diego my sinus cold is gone, thank goodness. I’m on my way to see friends, whom I met on the Liberty Clipper sailboat adventure, a month ago. They live in Valley Center, California.

My first stop however, is Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.  It’s my favorite hiking spot in southern California. Located between La Jolla and Del Mar, it’s a beautiful undeveloped area. Best way that I explain it, is: Bryce Canyon meets the Pacific Ocean.

It costs $10 to park. I like to drive to the top which is Torrey Pines Park Rd and park at the Visitor’s Center Parking.  I then follow the trails and walk on the beach. The views are amazing.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve trail map is a great way to become familiar with the reserve. My favorite trails are Razor Point and The Beach Trail.

Yucca Point Overlook is accessible from both Razor Point and the Beach trails. It ends in a small circle overlooking the ocean. The eroded red sandstone cliffs with deep crevices show their age as they proudly stand facing the ocean. Over the years of visiting, I can see the erosion. Once where there were trails are now gorges, showing mother nature’s constant fury. Beauty still abounds however, where the rare Torrey Pines grow.

The 3/4 mile Beach Trail descends 300 feet to the three-mile long Torrey Pines State Beach. At the end of the path, stairs lead down to the beach.  Steep Sandstone cliffs battered by the ocean give way to landslides. The park rangers ask that you stay away from the cliffs while walking on beach. This narrow stretch reminds me of Northern California with its craggy, wind-blown cliffs.

If you head north you will end up at the parking lot entrance of the Reserve near Carmel Valley Road. Restrooms are here and at the Visitors Center parking lot. This part of the beach is more crowded than the south side. If you go left, the beach continues around a rocky point to Glider Point. Here you can see the hand gliders take off from the cliffs and soar over the ocean. This stretch of beach is wonderful for those seeking solace.

Solitude

Sandstone Cliffs are beautiful but dangerous

Yucca Point Overlook