Hiking at Torrey Pines

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has short, scenic trails: the easiest is the 2/3-mile Guy Fleming loop, and the classic hike takes the ¾-mile Beach Trail down to Flat Rock and returns along the sand at low tide. State Parks calls Broken Hill, about 1.4 miles one way, the longest. The main reserve's trails are closed until about March 1, 2027; the Extension trails in Del Mar are open.

Pick a Hike by Time

State Parks' infosheet suggests three plans for when the reserve is open:

1. An hour: start at the visitor center and walk the Guy Fleming Trail, a 2/3-mile loop.
2. Half a day: see the wildlife exhibits at the Lodge, stop at the trail kiosk, then hike to the Razor Point and Yucca Point overlooks to look for dolphins and whales.
3. A full day: park at South Beach and walk up the park road, hike the Guy Fleming loop, rest at the Lodge, take the Beach Trail down, and walk back along the beach if the tide is low.

The Beach Loop

This is the hike most people mean by "the Torrey Pines hike." The Beach Trail drops about 300 feet, and State Parks calls the walk up the park road a good workout. The beach return only works at low tide: the State Parks trail guide says the beach below the cliffs is impassable two to three hours either side of high tide. For a quieter way down, take the Broken Hill Trail.

Trails at a Glance

See the trail map for every trail and its length. In short: Guy Fleming (2/3-mile loop, easy), Parry Grove (½-mile loop with 100+ steps), High Point (100 yards of steps to a 360-degree view), Razor Point (about 2/3 mile), Beach Trail (¾ mile), Broken Hill (1.3 to 1.4 miles).

Hiking During the Closure

Until the reserve reopens, hike the four Reserve Extension trails north of the lagoon, or walk the state beach at low tide from either beach lot. See the closure page for details.

Tips

• Go early or on a weekday. The South Beach lot fills in summer, and the reserve may limit visitor numbers.
• Bring water, leave the snacks. Food is not allowed above the beach; water is.
• Check the weather. Broken Hill, Razor Point and the Beach Trail usually close after rain.
• Mind the cliffs. Stay on trail and keep 10 feet from the base of the bluffs on the beach.
• June gloom. State Parks says coastal fog can last all day in June and July.

Rules

No dogs, no bikes or vehicles on trails (strollers and wheelchairs are fine), no food, no drones, no smoking and no picking plants or pinecones. Groups of more than 25 need a permit. Full list: rules.