Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Torrey Pines State Reserve Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.3 (40)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Southern California
  4. …San Diego
  5. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“A unique coastal route which loops through the reserve trails, down to the beach and back. ”

Steve Skinner
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
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

  4.3 from 40 votes

#1

in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

#333

Overall
  4.3 from 40 votes
5 Star
45%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Torrey Pines State Nat…

#50

in California

#333

Overall
123 Views Last Month
14,832 Since Oct 24, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate
8%
14%
78%
0%
0%
0%
Add a Photo

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

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 6 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Mar 16, 2024
Samantha Shieh
Feb 20, 2024
Manoj Abey
2.4mi — 1h 30m
Feb 13, 2024
David Scott
Jan 26, 2024
Quinn Hahs
Sep 20, 2023
Maggie Hohle
We should've checked the tide! High tide meant there was no beach to speak of when we arrived at the top of the stairs… but it was gorgeous. 3.6mi — 1h 18m
Apr 4, 2023
Private User
Jul 2, 2022
Kate Fuller
May 14, 2022
Rami Schmittendorf

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started