Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

San Diego,
San Diego Co.,
California

Hiking Trails:
Razor Point Trail
Beach Trail
Broken Hill Trail
North Fork Trail

Hiking Partner:
Abigail Friedman

Total time: 1:55 hour
Estimated Distance: 2.8 miles
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Level of Recommendation: Highly Recommended
Points of Interest: Rock formations, Torrey pine trees, Pacific ocean
Pros: Hike down to ocean, beautiful scenery and formations
Cons: Lots of people here, $10 entrance fee

I went on vacation with my wife to San Diego, and we took this relatively easy hike from the mountain down to the ocean. The scenery is very pretty with the flora, rock formations, beach, and ocean. The area also contains the Torrey Pine trees, an endangered trees endemic to this small area as well as a small island in the Pacific Ocean. The park preserve is actually within the limits of the city of San Diego, but this area is indeed undisturbed and feels remote from the city.

We parked at the top parking area, and went on the Razor Point Trail. The trail passes a nice overlook rock formation, and it ends down by a large bluff overlooking the ocean. We then took the connector trail to the Beech Trail, which took us down the steep embankment to the ocean. We walked along the beach area and then went back up the Beech Trail to the Broken Hill Trail. We then took the North Fork Trail at the split to the road and then back to our car.

Map of the Route

Looking West to the Overlook from the Beginning of the Trail

Looking Down to the Valley in the Beginning of the Trail

Me on a Rock Overlook

Another Picture of Me on a Rock Overlook

Looking Down into the Deep Canyon that Goes Into the Ocean

Cactus Grove and Yucca Tree

Excellent Ocean and Cliff Views

Rare Torrey Pine

Yucca Overlooking the Ocean

Yucca Standing on the Side of a Colorful Cliff

Beautiful Ocean Picture. Facing North. 

Pretty Yellow Flowers

More Pretty Yellow Flowers

Descending Towards the Ocean

At the Beach

Wall Jutting Into the Ocean and Flat Rock

Me at the Beach

Me Crossing the Wall by Flat Rock

Looking North at the Sheer Cliff on the Oceanside