Best Torrey Pines Hikes – Tips from a San Diego Hiker

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in La Jolla is one of the most picturesque areas in San Diego. The Torrey Pines hikes overlook the stunning coastline and should be on anyone’s list, whether you are a San Diego local, a beginner hiker, or someone who hits the trails every weekend. The views just never get old.

What I like about Torrey Pines is that it is fun for hikers of all levels. Even if you have very little stamina, you can do some of the shorter hikes (if you park at the top of the cliff) and enjoy the views. The Beach Trail Loop is very much doable for less experienced hikers, but still enticing for avid hikers. I usually hike a few times a month and I still come back to Torrey Pines over and over.

Torrey Pines Visitor Info

Address: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 755-2063
Website
Open: daily 7:15 AM – sunset
Visitor Center/Gift Shop: 9 AM – 4:30 PM (PST) 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (PDT)

IMPORTANT: Rock slides and cliff collapses are frequent, especially after rain. Stay away from the cliff’s edge as well as the bottom of the cliffs. Trails might close on short notice so check the website before you go. Check for tide schedule before you go to the beach!

Best Torrey Pines Hikes

There are many trails on top off the Torrey Pines plateau. Many of them can be combined into longer hikes, such as the Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop with the Broken Hill Trail, or Razor Point with Yucca Point and Red Butte.

The trails are all well-marked, and it is pretty much impossible to get lost up there.

Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop

Distance: 2.3 miles
Elevation gain: 364 ft
Duration: 1 h 2 min

This loop is usually hiked clockwise and starts at the lower parking lot by the beach. First, you hike up the surface road to the Torrey Pines plateau. This is the most strenous part of the trail. Once you reach the top parking lot, you turn off the pavement and follow the signs of the Beach loop trail. This is the only beach access trail. Please double check the tide schedule to make sure you can enter the beach safely.

Guy Fleming Trail

Distance: 0.8 miles
Elevation gain: 52 ft
Duration: 17 min

This is one of the easiest hikes in Torrey Pines, but offers some of the most stunning views. You’ll see dramatic cliffs, steep canyons, and of course the vast Pacific Ocean. I have spotted whales and even a Great White from up here. You can also admire the famous twisted Torrey Pines trees, which only grow in this small area and are protected.

Razor Point Trail

Distance: 1.3 miles
Elevation gain: 177
Duration: 33 min

This quick in and out trail ends up at one of the most scenic view points in Torrey Pines. It starts off the surface road on the plateau and can be combined with other hiking trails, such as Red Butte, Yucca Point, as well as Broken Hill and Beach Trail Loop.

Broken Hill Trail

Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation gain: 308 ft
Duration: 1 h 2 min

The Broken Hill Trail starts off the surface road, but past the upper parking lot. This out and back trail includes a side trail to Broken Hill Overview that you should definitely not miss. If you want to go down to the beach, you can join the Torrey Pines Beach Trail, then walk along the beach, up the surface road to where you started.

I would personally recommend following the Broken Hill trail to where it joins with the Beach Trail, but instead of going down to the beach, you head up the Beach Trail back to the surface road and back to your starting point for a nice 3.3 mile hike.

Parry Grove Trail

Distance: 0.6 miles
Elevation gain: 111 ft
Duration: 18 min

This loop splits off to the right in the Whitaker Garden section of the short EB Scripps Overlook hike. You will go down about 100 rugged stone steps into the canyon. Definitely check out the Whitaker Garden, which showcases beautiful local plants.

Yucca Point Trail

Distance: 1.2 miles
Elevation gain: 193 ft
Duration: 33 min

The Yucca Point Trail is an in and out trail that follows much of the beginning of the Torrey Pines Beach Trail, but then splits off to the Yucca View Point. Just like the other trails, it can be combined with other trails to make it longer.

Torrey Pines Guides Hikes and Walks

You can join guides hikes and walks with docents every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays at 10 AM, as well as mindfullness walks on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 8 AM. I haven’t done them yet, but it is on my list of things to check out.

Torry Pines Hiking Tips & Info

• Download a Torrey Pines Hiking Trail map before you go
• Stay on marked trails
• Trails might close on short notice if it rains or if there is soil erosion. Check website for details.
• No dogs allowed, except for service dogs
• Watch the tide schedule, if you plan to access the beach via Beach Trail Loop
• Only water is allowed on the trails; food and non-alcoholic beverages only allowed on the beach
• Pack in-Pack out – there are no trash cans along the trail
• Leave no trace
• Do not collect shells, plants, seeds, or other things
• No Smoking
• No drones allowed
• No amplified music and speakers
• Bikes are only allowed on the paved road between the lower and upper parking lot

Torrey Pines Hikes FAQs

Have you done any of the Torrey Pines hikes? Which one was your favorite?

Last Updated on December 5, 2022 by sandiegoexplorer

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