11 Best Torrey Pines Hikes in 2024
SEARCHING FOR THE BEST TORREY PINES HIKES?
You’ve landed on the right article. We’ve been traveling together since 2010 and have visited countless national and state parks as well as reserves throughout the country.
Torrey Pines State Reserve is a quiet refuge less than half an hour outside of San Diego. This coastal southern California park is home to stunning landscapes and tons of outdoor recreational activities. There’s nothing quite like a Torrey Pines hike, so check out our guide to see which one is right for you!
Torrey Pines State Reserve Overview
Park Hours: 7:15 am – Sunset
Visitor Center Hours: 9 am – 4:30 pm PST
Phone Number: 858-755-2063
Cost: No Park Entry Fee
Parking Fee: $15 – $25, Rate Varies Based on Demand
Dog-Friendly: No
Torrey Pines Hikes
1. Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop
Distance: 2.3 miles
Elevation Gain: -364 ft./364 ft.
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
The Torrey Pines Beach Trail starts high in the cliffs of the reserve and leads hikers down the sandstone walkway to the beach. Though this is considered an easy route, the Torrey Pines beach hike is a steep walkway. So, be sure your family has proper shoes to maintain traction throughout the hike.
You should plan for an hour or so to complete this Torrey Pines trail. At the end of the path, there’s a steep set of stairs that leads to the beach. It’s a great place to enjoy ocean views while lounging in the sand.
When it’s time to go, if you’re up for the challenge, get your workout in by climbing out the way you came in via the uphill trail. If you’d rather pass on the cardio, you can walk along the beach to get back to the north parking lot.
2. Beach at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (Best Hike with a Beach)
Distance: 1.2 miles via Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop, a quick walk from beach parking
Elevation Gain: Varies based on route
Route Type: Varies based on the route
Difficulty: Easy
A Torrey Pines hike to the beach can be accomplished in two ways. The Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop is the more challenging option of the two. This steep path will lead you down from the cliffside to the beach.
Beach access is also more easily accessible directly from the beachside parking lot. This Torrey Pines hike length will differ depending on which route you choose to take.
The beach at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a popular place to sunbathe, tidepool, surf, and even parasail from the towering cliffs overhead. It’s also the perfect serene place to enjoy a lengthy beach walk along the water’s edge.
Be careful while surfing or swimming. There is no lifeguard at this beach, so it’s a swim-at-your-own-risk zone. The optimal surfing conditions are due to a strong and powerful current, that said, this is not a safe beach for young children to toddle through and explore unsupervised.
After some time playing in the water and sand, you can use the convenient bathrooms and showers to get cleaned up. These facilities are located at the north end of the beach.
3. Guy Fleming Trail
Distance: 0.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 52 ft.
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
A few of the best Torrey Pines trails start off in the cliffs. The Guy Fleming Trail is one of our favorites, highlighted with gorgeous wildflowers, cacti, ferns, and so much other greenery.
This easy trail loop typically takes families less than 20 minutes to complete. A family favorite of ours, this Torrey Pines Reserve hike leads visitors to two different but equally beautiful overlooks. My kids always love trying to spot wildlife out in the ocean from the top of the cliffs.
Following the direction of the coastline, the trail will ultimately meander into a gorgeous gathering of pine trees. You really get a feel for the natural beauty of the park on this particular hike.
4. Parry Grove Trail (Best Hike with Torrey Pines)
Distance: 0.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 111 ft.
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Charles Parry was the first documented person to study the rare Torrey Pine trees that this reserve is so well known for. And to honor his distinct work, he is the namesake of this beautiful Torrey Pines State Reserve hike.
This Torrey Pines hiking trail moves through the lush Whitaker Garden and also features some shrubland. Both of these make for a unique and entertaining landscape for your family’s adventure.
This relatively short-distance trail is a great spot for your kids to enjoy ocean views and also look out for wildlife. Fun creatures like lizards and rabbits are known to make appearances along the trail here and there.
5. High Point Trail
Distance: .81 miles
Elevation Gain: 36 ft.
Route Type: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
High Point Trail is the absolute best Torrey Pines hike at sunset. If your schedule allows it, really try to save this Torrey Pines hiking trail for one of your last.
The view at the highest point of this easy trail is staggering. It’s a full, 360-degree, unobstructed view of gorgeous San Diego and the renowned La Jolla area. This view alone is worth a visit to this California state reserve.
You’ll also be privy to views of the wetland lagoon, inland hills, and the sparkling ocean from this Torrey Pines hike trail.
6. Razor Point Trail
Distance: 1.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 177 ft.
Route Type: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
Razor Point Trail leads hikers to an amazing overlook with impressive views of the coastline and some really interesting rock formations. The sandstone that depicts this trail has been weathered by the elements in such a way that it appears to be almost scaled.
Your kids are sure to be wowed by the sights on this hike. And it’s also a great opportunity for them to learn some of the basics of geology and erosion. Depending on what time of year you visit, the hillside near the trail is covered in bright wildflowers.
We love this trail not only for its interesting natural features but because it branches off into several other trail destinations. Access to the additional paths is a fun and convenient way to see more of the reserve.
7. Broken Hill Trail (Best Torrey Pines Hike with a View)
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 308 ft.
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
A 2.5-mile trail, Broken Hill Trail is the longest Torrey Pines hike in San Diego. Though it is lengthy, it’s still considered an easy route and is a good choice for families looking to explore together. Plus, the views are hard to beat here.
The trail is surrounded by grasses and sagebrush, leading hikers up to striking viewpoints along the way. This is an amazing trail for taking in views of the long-weathered sandstone bluffs and, of course, the landmark pines. It’s also one of our favorite trails for Pacific Ocean vistas.
It might seem like a long and steady uphill climb, but we promise the views make it all worthwhile!
Combination Hikes
Keep in mind that you can cover a large portion of the park by combining many of these trails into a longer hike. Here are the most commonly combined trails:
- Red Butte, Yucca Point, and Razor Point: 1.6 miles (easy)
- Torrey Pines State Beach and Broken Hill Trail Loop: 3.3 miles (moderate)
- EB Scripps Overlook via Park Road, Razor Point, and Guy Fleming Loop: 3.7 miles (moderate)
- Torrey Pines Beach and Broken Hill Loop: 3.2 miles (moderate)
Additional Torrey Pike Hike Options in The Reserve Extension
8. Mar Scenic Trail
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 203 ft.
Route Type: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
This is a great Torey Pines in San Diego hike for families looking to avoid crowds. Torrey Pines is a busy area, but this under-the-radar 1-mile hike offers the best of what the park has to offer without the crowds!
9. Daughters of the American Revolution Trail
Distance: 0.5 mile
Elevation Gain: N/A
Route Type: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
The Daughters of the American Revolution Trail follows a ridge lined by striking, gnarled Torrey Pine trees. It’s an easy hike that leads to memorable views across the marsh and into Los Peñasquitos Lagoon.
10. Margaret Fleming Nature Trail
Distance: 1.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 209 ft.
Route Type: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
If you were hoping to enjoy some birding on your visit to Torrey Pines, this is the hike for you! Margaret Fleming Nature Trail is an easy route, typically enjoyed in 30 minutes or so, that is often visited by an array of bird species!
11. Red Ridge Loop Trail
Distance: 0.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 32 ft.
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Red Ridge Loop Trail offers a quick, flat walk to a striking view of the pines and coast. The sandstone landscape of the area is striking and so fun to explore.
Torrey Pines Parking
South Beach Lot
Expect to pay a general admission day-use fee when parking at Torrey Pines State Reserve. This rate is typically $15-$25 per vehicle, depending on the demand for parking on that given day. You can avoid this fee if you have a California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass.
Torrey Pines is a very popular San Diego destination, especially during the summer. Late morning and early afternoon are the busiest hours. Try to plan your visit with this knowledge in mind, as parking will be hard to come by during these hours.
The parking fee must be paid at the park entrance kiosk or at the machine in the South Beach parking lot.
North Beach Lot
The North Beach Lot is definitely the second choice to the South Beach Lot. That said, you can still expect this lot to fill up during the busy season. The same $15-25 day use fee applies here as well.
Visitors traveling with an RV or any type of vehicle longer than a standard parking spot will need to park in the North Beach Lot. This is the only area where these types of vehicles are permitted to park.
Upper Lots
If you’re more interested in the nature trails at the reserve over the beach, consider parking in one of the two upper lots. These small lots are located near the visitor center and offer easy access to some of the trails in the bluffs area.
Free Parking
Free parking in the area is definitely limited. There are a couple of stretches along Highway 101 just before the park’s entrance that are up for grabs, but spaces go quickly!
Torrey Pines Rules
- Stay on trail
- No pets
- No food in the reserve
- No alcohol
- No drones
- No picking/collecting natural features
- No smoking/open flames
- No amplified music
Torrey Pines Hike with Dogs
Unfortunately, furry pets like dogs are not allowed on the beach or on any of the trails in Torrey Pines. The reserve aims to keep the landscape as well-kept as possible, and dogs are thought sometimes to disrupt the wildlife as well.
If you’re planning on traveling with your pet, never fear! They might not be able to play at Torrey Pines, but they can have the time of their life just up the road at Del Mar Dog Beach!
Getting to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located about 20 minutes north of San Diego, between La Jolla and Del Mar, California.
If you’re traveling to the park from Hwy 5, plan to take the Carmel Valley Road exit. If you continue to drive west for a little over a mile, you will reach Coast Highway 101.
At this point, you will want to turn left and follow the beach for about a mile until you reach the park entrance on your right.
Best Time to Go on a Torrey Pines Hike
Torrey Pines tends to be most busy in the late morning and early afternoon, especially during the sunny summer months. If you’d like to avoid a lot of people, we advise exploring the park early in the morning in order to grab a parking spot and explore the paths with less crowds.
You can also wait until later in the afternoon or early evening. Parking will be easier to come by, and overall you will have a smoother experience. During our last visit to Torrey Pines, we came around 4 with a picnic dinner. We enjoyed the hiking trails and then went down to the beach for sunset.
What are Torrey Pines?
Torrey Pines may very well be the rarest pine tree, found only in coastal California areas. The trees are critically endangered, so seeing groups of them throughout the reserve is quite a treat.
Safety at Torrey Pines
Exploring Torrey Pines can be an amazing family adventure, but there are a few factors you should keep in mind to ensure a safe and fun visit.
Wildlife Safety
The park is full of stunning wildlife that will shock and awe your family. But please remember never to approach or disturb the wildlife. This is especially important when it comes to rattlesnakes.
If you happen upon a rattlesnake, it’s important for you to stop and wait for it to move out of your pathway. Do not attempt to move past it. If it doesn’t move, it’s best to turn around and notify a park employee. Never try to relocate a snake on your own.
Beach and Bluff Safety
When enjoying the view of the cliffs from the comfort of the beach, it’s vitally important to stay at least 10 feet away from the bluffs. It’s important to stay away from the bottom of the cliffs because rockslides and cliff collapses can happen without notice.
Taking simple precautions like staying away from the cliffs and timing your beach visit at low tide (avoid high tide) will help ensure your family stays safe if anything unexpected should occur.
Hiking Safety
As is the case, anytime you’re on hiking trails, it’s best to stay on the path and use good judgment while maneuvering any trail obstacles.
Keep in mind that the park may close temporarily after heavy rain storms. This is a safety precaution that is taken to ensure visitor safety and prevent soil erosion throughout the park.
Torrey Pines Map
If you opt to explore the reserve on your own, as opposed to joining one of the guided nature trail tours over the weekend, we recommend always having access to a map of the park. This Torrey Pines Map is super helpful for exploring the different trails in the reserve.
What to Bring on a Torrey Pines Hike
Camelbak
It’s so important to stay hydrated while exploring Torrey Pines hikes. We have found that a Camelbak is the easiest and most convenient way to stay hydrated while we hike. Plus, my kids think it is super awesome getting to be in charge of their own backpacks. You can see the kids’ camelbaks here.
First Aid Kit
Never hit a trail without a first aid kit. You’ll be so glad to have access to bandages and ointment in case any knees or elbows get scraped along the way. It seems like my kids are constantly falling and scraping their knees, and they are always so happy when we have a bandaid handy.
Windbreaker
Even in the warm California climate, Torrey Pines is known to get windy. The wind coming off the ocean can be chilly. A windbreaker is the perfect article of clothing to bring while hiking in this park. It’s lightweight enough that you won’t overheat, but it will protect and comfort your skin from the wind.
Binoculars for Wildlife
Torrey Pines is noted as one of the best places in the San Diego area to spot wildlife. Whether you’re birding or just keeping a lookout for all sorts of creatures, a pair of binoculars for wildlife will add a fun element to your trip!
My kids love to get to look through the binoculars to see the wildlife up close. You can also use the binoculars to look for whales during certain times of the year.
▶️ SHOP Binoculars For Wildlife
Sun Protection
Your family will be spending a lot of time outdoors when visiting Torrey Pines. And oftentimes, there isn’t much shade around. Remember to bring sunscreen, hats, and any other favorite sun protection items on your visit.
FAQ: Torrey Pines hike
How long is the Torrey Pines hike?
Torrey Pines is a loop trail that covers ⅔ of a mile. It’s a relatively level and easy hike.
Where can I park for the Torrey Pines hike?
You can park in the main lot for Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve to access the Torrey Pines Hike. The North Beach parking lot is another option for parking near the Torrey Pines Hike.
How much does it cost to hike Torrey Pines?
There’s no fee to get into the park, so Torrey Pines parking is the main expense to consider when visiting Torrey Pines Nature Reserve for the hike. Parking in the North or South Beach parking lots can run anywhere from $15 – $25.
Keep in mind that the North County Transit Bus Route 101 carries visitors to the park as well if you’re looking to save money on parking. And if you’re really lucky, you might be able to snag one of the few free spaces along the road for optimal Torrey Pines hike parking.
What is the best hike in Torrey Pines?
There are several amazing hikes to enjoy in Torrey Pines. The best Torrey Pines hike will vary depending on what you’re hoping to get out of the experience. For stunning panoramic ocean views, we recommend High Point Trail. For park views, check out Broken Hill Trail. Those who are exploring the park for the greenery will love Guy Fleming Trail.
Where is the best place to hike in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve?
Depending on what you’re looking for, there are many great places throughout Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve to hike. Whether you’re after ocean views or a rocky hike, there’s a trail for you!
What is the longest trail in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve?
Broken Hill Trail is the longest trail in the reserve. Coming in at 2.5 miles, this trail might be lengthy, but it’s still rather easy to manage and family-friendly.
Can you swim at Torrey Pines?
Yes, swimming is a popular activity at Torrey Pines. The beach at Torrey Pines is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with your family by the water.
How far is Torrey Pines from downtown San Diego?
Torrey Pines State Park is located about 15 miles north of downtown San Diego. It’s a really convenient place to explore during a visit to San Diego since it’s only a 15 – 20 minute drive.
Conclusion: Torrey Pines Hike
A Torrey Pines hike is one of the most wonderful ways to spend time in San Diego. The rocky cliff sides, rare pine trees, and unbeatable ocean views make this state reserve a must-visit whether you’re visiting California in the winter or summer!
Keep in mind that if you’d rather take a guided hike in Torrey Pines, 1-hour nature tours are offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Torrey Pines hikes are amazing! Your family is sure to have a great time, no matter which ones you explore!
