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State Natural Reserves have outstanding or unusual natural or scenic values. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a wilderness island in an urban sea. This fragile environment is the home of our nation's rarest pine tree - Pinus torreyana. Once this tree covered a larger area. It now grows only here and on Santa Rosa Island off the coast near Santa Barbara. The park preserves not only the trees, but also one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California. The reserve features high broken cliffs and deep ravines on headlands overlooking the ocean.
Hikers can follow trails through stands of wind-sculpted pines. A picturesque, pueblo-style structure that served as a restaurant when it was built in 1923 houses the visitor center, featuring interpretive displays. Picnicking and camping are prohibited in the reserve. The reserve's rich plant community features wildflowers in the spring and visitors can see the California quail gathered in coveys in the early mornings of fall and winter.
The reserve is a day-use park only. There is no overnight camping facility.
Torrey Pines State Beach can also be reached by trail from the Reserve.
Torrey Pines prohibits dogs anywhere within the reserve and beach boundaries (even within a vehicle).
The Torrey Pines
Early Spanish explorers named the grove of trees in the area Punto de Los Arboles, or “Point of Trees.” The trees served as a landmark for sailors navigating off the coast. In 1850—the year of California’s statehood—botanist Charles C. Parry identified this pine as a unique species and named it after his friend John Torrey, a leading botanist of the time.
When Dr. Parry returned to the area in 1883, he was distressed over the lack of protection for the trees, and he urged the San Diego Society of Natural History to save them from extinction. By 1885 there was a $100 bounty on anyone caught vandalizing a Torrey pine tree. Possible later threats included clear cutting the trees so the land could be used for cattle grazing. In 1899 the San Diego City Council passed an ordinance that set aside 369 acres to be used as a public park.
Concerned newspaperwoman and philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps donated the North and Parry Groves to the people of San Diego in the hope of protecting the Torrey pines. In 1916 Guy Fleming, a botanist working for the San Diego Society of Natural History reported damage to the trees by heavy public use. Miss Scripps got the public interested in protecting the trees, and in 1921 she and the City Park Commission appointed Mr. Fleming custodian of Torrey Pines Reserve. By the time of her death in 1932, Ms. Scripps had contributed significantly to the establishment of the reserve.
Early Spanish explorers named the grove of trees in the area Punto de Los Arboles, or “Point of Trees.” The trees served as a landmark for sailors navigating off the coast. In 1850—the year of California’s statehood—botanist Charles C. Parry identified this pine as a unique species and named it after his friend John Torrey, a leading botanist of the time.
When Dr. Parry returned to the area in 1883, he was distressed over the lack of protection for the trees, and he urged the San Diego Society of Natural History to save them from extinction. By 1885 there was a $100 bounty on anyone caught vandalizing a Torrey pine tree. Possible later threats included clear cutting the trees so the land could be used for cattle grazing. In 1899 the San Diego City Council passed an ordinance that set aside 369 acres to be used as a public park.
Concerned newspaperwoman and philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps donated the North and Parry Groves to the people of San Diego in the hope of protecting the Torrey pines. In 1916 Guy Fleming, a botanist working for the San Diego Society of Natural History reported damage to the trees by heavy public use. Miss Scripps got the public interested in protecting the trees, and in 1921 she and the City Park Commission appointed Mr. Fleming custodian of Torrey Pines Reserve. By the time of her death in 1932, Ms. Scripps had contributed significantly to the establishment of the reserve.
The Reserve
The 2,000-acre reserve’s setting today contains approximately 300 endangered and protected species of native plants. The plant communities of the reserve and lagoon areas include coastal strand, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and Torrey woodlands. These vanishing habitats are home to sand verbena and beach primrose in the coastal strand areas, as well as California sagebrush, California buckwheat, black sage, and coastal barrel cacti in the coastal sage scrub community. The mesas and other high elevations are host to the chaparral community of plants, including chamise, Manzanita, ceanothus, California scrub oak, toyon and mountain mahogany. The Torrey woodlands are defined by the generally poor soil and arid climate that cause the trees to have extensive root systems. The trees take on a variety of shapes as dictated by the elements—dwarfed and gnarled where most exposed to wind and salty air, or taller and more upright in sheltered areas.
The 2,000-acre reserve’s setting today contains approximately 300 endangered and protected species of native plants. The plant communities of the reserve and lagoon areas include coastal strand, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and Torrey woodlands. These vanishing habitats are home to sand verbena and beach primrose in the coastal strand areas, as well as California sagebrush, California buckwheat, black sage, and coastal barrel cacti in the coastal sage scrub community. The mesas and other high elevations are host to the chaparral community of plants, including chamise, Manzanita, ceanothus, California scrub oak, toyon and mountain mahogany. The Torrey woodlands are defined by the generally poor soil and arid climate that cause the trees to have extensive root systems. The trees take on a variety of shapes as dictated by the elements—dwarfed and gnarled where most exposed to wind and salty air, or taller and more upright in sheltered areas.
Natural Preserves
Two outstanding areas have been designated as Natural Preserves by the State Park and Recreation Commission. Ellen Browning Scripps Natural Preserve is the area around Parry Grove and Guy Fleming trails. Los Peñasquitos Marsh Natural Preserve is one of the last remaining salt marsh areas and waterfowl refuges in southern California. The area is home to several rare and endangered species of birds and provides a vital stopping or nesting place for many migratory waterfowl.
Portions of the reserve may be closed at times to allow the natural features to recuperate from abuse, overuse or natural disasters.
Two outstanding areas have been designated as Natural Preserves by the State Park and Recreation Commission. Ellen Browning Scripps Natural Preserve is the area around Parry Grove and Guy Fleming trails. Los Peñasquitos Marsh Natural Preserve is one of the last remaining salt marsh areas and waterfowl refuges in southern California. The area is home to several rare and endangered species of birds and provides a vital stopping or nesting place for many migratory waterfowl.
Portions of the reserve may be closed at times to allow the natural features to recuperate from abuse, overuse or natural disasters.
Wildlife
The intertidal zones are rich in sea life: limpets, shore crabs and hermit crabs, mussels, barnacles, sea anemones and various species of snails and shells. High above the sea, the bluffs offer excellent vantage points to watch the annual migration of gray whales. Dolphins, seals, sea lions and several species of porpoises may be seen year round.
About two hundred species of birds are protected at the reserve. Shore birds include brown and American white pelicans, black-bellied and snowy plovers, several species of gulls and terns, American avocets, western sandpipers, willets, whimbrels, sanderlings, great egrets and longbilled curlews. Farther inland western scrub jays, California quail, brown towhees, sparrows, Nutall’s woodpeckers, Anna’s hummingbirds, ravens and mockingbirds are often found. Here brush rabbits and other small rodents are common, with occasional gray foxes, bobcats, coyotes, and mule deer. Reptile residents include rattlesnakes and a variety of other snakes, and several species of lizards, including the endangered horned lizard.
The intertidal zones are rich in sea life: limpets, shore crabs and hermit crabs, mussels, barnacles, sea anemones and various species of snails and shells. High above the sea, the bluffs offer excellent vantage points to watch the annual migration of gray whales. Dolphins, seals, sea lions and several species of porpoises may be seen year round.
About two hundred species of birds are protected at the reserve. Shore birds include brown and American white pelicans, black-bellied and snowy plovers, several species of gulls and terns, American avocets, western sandpipers, willets, whimbrels, sanderlings, great egrets and longbilled curlews. Farther inland western scrub jays, California quail, brown towhees, sparrows, Nutall’s woodpeckers, Anna’s hummingbirds, ravens and mockingbirds are often found. Here brush rabbits and other small rodents are common, with occasional gray foxes, bobcats, coyotes, and mule deer. Reptile residents include rattlesnakes and a variety of other snakes, and several species of lizards, including the endangered horned lizard.
Tips & Rules
•Stay on the trails. Walking off trail causes erosion, tramples plants and frightens animals.
•The cliffs are unstable and dangerous. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
•State laws protect all features in the reserve, including rocks, artifacts, flowers and pinecones.
•Picnicking is only permitted at the beach, not in the reserve or on the trails (water canteens are okay). Place all trash in receptacles provided.
•Smoking is permitted in the parking lots.
•Fires are prohibited. Personal portable barbecues are permitted only on the beach. Place hot coals in the hot coal containers provided.
•Dogs and horses are prohibited at the reserve and on the beach.
•All types of vehicles are prohibited on trails; bicycles may use only paved roads.
•Due to the sensitive ecological environment, it is occasionally necessary to limit the number of visitors by limiting the number of vehicles in the park. If the reserve is full, visitors may be asked to check back later or plan to visit another day.
•Park only in designated lots. Stopping on road shoulders is not permitted.
•Stay on the trails. Walking off trail causes erosion, tramples plants and frightens animals.
•The cliffs are unstable and dangerous. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
•State laws protect all features in the reserve, including rocks, artifacts, flowers and pinecones.
•Picnicking is only permitted at the beach, not in the reserve or on the trails (water canteens are okay). Place all trash in receptacles provided.
•Smoking is permitted in the parking lots.
•Fires are prohibited. Personal portable barbecues are permitted only on the beach. Place hot coals in the hot coal containers provided.
•Dogs and horses are prohibited at the reserve and on the beach.
•All types of vehicles are prohibited on trails; bicycles may use only paved roads.
•Due to the sensitive ecological environment, it is occasionally necessary to limit the number of visitors by limiting the number of vehicles in the park. If the reserve is full, visitors may be asked to check back later or plan to visit another day.
•Park only in designated lots. Stopping on road shoulders is not permitted.
Accessible Features
Trails
The Discovery Trail is accessible for up to 0.5 mile along coastal bluffs. Begin from the All Access Trail, travel about 0.2mile to join the Discovery Trail. Trailhead and accessible parking for the Discovery (and All Access) trails at East day use lot adjacent to visitor center/lodge. Restroom: An accessible restroom is across the road at west day use lot.
Exhibits/Programs
Visitor Center: A historic lodge serves as a visitor center. A usable accessible route leads around the side of the building to the north door. Some assistance may be required with slopes or entry thresholds. The exhibits are generally accessible. A video room is generally accessible, but some assistance may be needed at the narrow entry. One captioned video is available, and another is coming. A script is available upon request for the slide show.
Parking: There are two designated accessible spaces in both the east and west lots. The east lot is located adjacent to the Lodge, and the west is across the road from the Lodge.
Restroom: A generally accessible restroom is located in the west parking lot.
Trails
The Discovery Trail is accessible for up to 0.5 mile along coastal bluffs. Begin from the All Access Trail, travel about 0.2mile to join the Discovery Trail. Trailhead and accessible parking for the Discovery (and All Access) trails at East day use lot adjacent to visitor center/lodge. Restroom: An accessible restroom is across the road at west day use lot.
Exhibits/Programs
Visitor Center: A historic lodge serves as a visitor center. A usable accessible route leads around the side of the building to the north door. Some assistance may be required with slopes or entry thresholds. The exhibits are generally accessible. A video room is generally accessible, but some assistance may be needed at the narrow entry. One captioned video is available, and another is coming. A script is available upon request for the slide show.
Parking: There are two designated accessible spaces in both the east and west lots. The east lot is located adjacent to the Lodge, and the west is across the road from the Lodge.
Restroom: A generally accessible restroom is located in the west parking lot.
Service Reductions
California State Parks is implementing service reductions in order to meet Department budget cuts this fiscal year. Service reductions implemented Fall 2009 through Summer 2010 include day-use parking by automatic pay machine only (no staff in entrance station), overall facility maintenance reduced 50%, including trash cleanup, and reduced lifeguard service. Visitors are encouraged to 'Pack it in, Pack it out', so the park remains free of trash. Park Visitor Center and educational tours operated by volunteers only. These service reductions are designed to ensure that California State Parks achieve cost savings, minimize disruption to visitors as much as possible, and maintain revenue at the highest level possible.
California State Parks is implementing service reductions in order to meet Department budget cuts this fiscal year. Service reductions implemented Fall 2009 through Summer 2010 include day-use parking by automatic pay machine only (no staff in entrance station), overall facility maintenance reduced 50%, including trash cleanup, and reduced lifeguard service. Visitors are encouraged to 'Pack it in, Pack it out', so the park remains free of trash. Park Visitor Center and educational tours operated by volunteers only. These service reductions are designed to ensure that California State Parks achieve cost savings, minimize disruption to visitors as much as possible, and maintain revenue at the highest level possible.
Getting There
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located between La Jolla and Del Mar, California, north of San Diego. From Hwy 5, exit on Carmel Valley Road and drive west for about 1.5 miles till you reach the Coast Highway 101. Turn left and proceed along the beach for about a mile. The park entrance is on your right just before the highway begins to climb the Torrey Pines grade.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located between La Jolla and Del Mar, California, north of San Diego. From Hwy 5, exit on Carmel Valley Road and drive west for about 1.5 miles till you reach the Coast Highway 101. Turn left and proceed along the beach for about a mile. The park entrance is on your right just before the highway begins to climb the Torrey Pines grade.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Seasons/Climate
The area’s mild temperatures range from a January low of about 45 degrees to a typical August high of between 75 and 80 degrees. In June and July it is not uncommon for coastal fog to last all day, enabling the Torrey pines to survive in this unlikely environment.
The area’s mild temperatures range from a January low of about 45 degrees to a typical August high of between 75 and 80 degrees. In June and July it is not uncommon for coastal fog to last all day, enabling the Torrey pines to survive in this unlikely environment.
Operating Hours & Contact
Gates open at 8am and close at sunset. The Visitor Center opens daily at 9am.
Telephone: 858-755-2063
Gates open at 8am and close at sunset. The Visitor Center opens daily at 9am.
Telephone: 858-755-2063
Trails
Trails (Reserve & Beach)
•0.6-mile Guy Fleming Trail in the North Grove offers two scenic overlooks with panoramic views. This trail has the greatest variety of wildflowers, ferns, cacti and pine trees in the reserve.
•0.4-mile Parry Grove Trail has dramatic ocean views, but most of the mature Torrey pines fell victim to a bark beetle infestation in the mid-1990s. A controlled burn has allowed natural revegetation and spectacular seasonal wildflowers. Steep stairs form the head of this trail.
•0.1-mile High Point Trail offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the reserve and ocean.
•0.7-mile Razor Point Trail meanders through coastal sage scrub, spectacular views of sculptured sandstone, gnarled trees and the surf 150 feet below. Yucca Point Overlook, accessed from both Razor Point and Beach Trails, features dramatic yucca flower displays in spring and stunning examples of sandstone erosion.
•0.75-mile Beach Trail is a rustic footpath through the upper reserve to the beach 300 feet below.
•1.3-mile Broken Hill Trail offers a beautiful view of eroding sandstone, and its north fork leads through Elfin Forest before connecting to Beach Trail near Flat Rock.
•1.5-mile Marsh Trail goes along the southern edge of Los Penasquitos Marsh Natural Preserve. The trailhead is on the east side of North Torrey Pines Road opposite the South Beach parking lot.
Trails in the Extension
•0.5-mile Mar Scenic Trail follows the seasonal creek through the extension.
•0.5-mile Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Trail offers views across the marsh to the main reserve and to the ocean.
•0.75-mile Margaret Fleming Nature Trail is a scenic walk through coastal sage scrub.
•0.3-mile Red Ridge Loop Trail offers views of the lagoon, the main reserve, and spectacular geologic formations.
Trails (Reserve & Beach)
•0.6-mile Guy Fleming Trail in the North Grove offers two scenic overlooks with panoramic views. This trail has the greatest variety of wildflowers, ferns, cacti and pine trees in the reserve.
•0.4-mile Parry Grove Trail has dramatic ocean views, but most of the mature Torrey pines fell victim to a bark beetle infestation in the mid-1990s. A controlled burn has allowed natural revegetation and spectacular seasonal wildflowers. Steep stairs form the head of this trail.
•0.1-mile High Point Trail offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the reserve and ocean.
•0.7-mile Razor Point Trail meanders through coastal sage scrub, spectacular views of sculptured sandstone, gnarled trees and the surf 150 feet below. Yucca Point Overlook, accessed from both Razor Point and Beach Trails, features dramatic yucca flower displays in spring and stunning examples of sandstone erosion.
•0.75-mile Beach Trail is a rustic footpath through the upper reserve to the beach 300 feet below.
•1.3-mile Broken Hill Trail offers a beautiful view of eroding sandstone, and its north fork leads through Elfin Forest before connecting to Beach Trail near Flat Rock.
•1.5-mile Marsh Trail goes along the southern edge of Los Penasquitos Marsh Natural Preserve. The trailhead is on the east side of North Torrey Pines Road opposite the South Beach parking lot.
Trails in the Extension
•0.5-mile Mar Scenic Trail follows the seasonal creek through the extension.
•0.5-mile Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Trail offers views across the marsh to the main reserve and to the ocean.
•0.75-mile Margaret Fleming Nature Trail is a scenic walk through coastal sage scrub.
•0.3-mile Red Ridge Loop Trail offers views of the lagoon, the main reserve, and spectacular geologic formations.
Interpretive Services
•The visitor center (Lodge) features exhibits on local wildlife, flowers and geology, and offers a selection of interpretive publications.
•Free trail maps are available at the visitor center or at most trailheads.
•The reserve has two native plant gardens, one at the front of the visitor center, and another (the Whitaker Garden) at the Parry Grove trailhead.
•Call for information on school group activities and a teacher’s guide.
•Information on park programs is available from the visitor center. Make group program requests at least two weeks in advance.
•Docent led nature hikes for individuals and families are scheduled at 10am and 2pm on weekends and holidays (call to confirm).
•The visitor center (Lodge) features exhibits on local wildlife, flowers and geology, and offers a selection of interpretive publications.
•Free trail maps are available at the visitor center or at most trailheads.
•The reserve has two native plant gardens, one at the front of the visitor center, and another (the Whitaker Garden) at the Parry Grove trailhead.
•Call for information on school group activities and a teacher’s guide.
•Information on park programs is available from the visitor center. Make group program requests at least two weeks in advance.
•Docent led nature hikes for individuals and families are scheduled at 10am and 2pm on weekends and holidays (call to confirm).
Natural History
The landscape of the reserve is still changing. Nearly a million years of rising and falling seas, heavy rains, and erosion by streams and creeks gradually formed the sandstone terraces that make up the present reserve. Some geological formations are more than 45 million years old, and some rocks have traveled from as far away as central Mexico. The continuous motion of the surf creates a changing seascape, challenging artists and photographers to record its latest look.
Varying elevations have produced habitats that range from salt to fresh water, from coastal strand to sage scrub, from salt marsh to chaparral to riparian. The area’s mild temperatures range from a January low of about 45 degrees to a typical August high of between 75 and 80 degrees. In June and July it is not uncommon for coastal fog to last all day, enabling the Torrey pines to survive in this unlikely environment.
The landscape of the reserve is still changing. Nearly a million years of rising and falling seas, heavy rains, and erosion by streams and creeks gradually formed the sandstone terraces that make up the present reserve. Some geological formations are more than 45 million years old, and some rocks have traveled from as far away as central Mexico. The continuous motion of the surf creates a changing seascape, challenging artists and photographers to record its latest look.
Varying elevations have produced habitats that range from salt to fresh water, from coastal strand to sage scrub, from salt marsh to chaparral to riparian. The area’s mild temperatures range from a January low of about 45 degrees to a typical August high of between 75 and 80 degrees. In June and July it is not uncommon for coastal fog to last all day, enabling the Torrey pines to survive in this unlikely environment.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
High Point and Parry Grove Trail
Whitaker Garden and then 0.5mi steep hike up and down the hill at Torrey Pines State Park
Whitaker Garden and then 0.5mi steep hike up and down the hill at Torrey Pines State Park
Moderate
0.7 mi
1.1 km
1.1 km
The Beach Trail at Torrey Pines State Beach
0.75mi geological walk through a sandy trail down to the beach
0.75mi geological walk through a sandy trail down to the beach
Moderate
1.7 mi
2.7 km
2.7 km
Guides
Whitaker Garden and then 0.5mi steep hike up and down the hill at Torrey Pines State Park
0.75mi geological walk through a sandy trail down to the beach
Community Trips
Thought it was about time I revisit Torrey Pines. I haven't been there since I was a college botany student. Today was a great day to snap some photos and enjoy the unbelievable display of wildflowers and native plants in the reserve. Driving up the hill was a little tricky due to the mass of humanity walking and biking up and down the hill. For a little bit I wasn't sure if...
A great hike when it's too hot for the mountains. Torrey Pines State Park has some nice trails on the bluff overlooking the ocean. It also has a great stretch of beach with interesting geological features along its cliffs. We managed to get 7 miles out of this hike by taking the side trails that run off the road near the Ranger Station.
http://opadventureteam.com/2011/02/09/hiking-torrey-pines-state-park/
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