P and I have been talking about going on a hike forever at Torrey Pines State Reserve, and we finally made it on the very last day in May. Though it was not the sunniest of days, it was actually perfect hiking weather…but not the greatest for picture taking. This was such a lovely hike. The breeze from the ocean was so refreshing and it was not overly crowded. I enjoyed this so much more than our Cowles Mountain hike. We did three of the six trails available at the reserve. We parked at the South Beach entrance lot, which was $15 to park. From there it is a bit of a walk (about 10-15 minutes) uphill to get to the trails. You can drive up the road to the trails where they do have limited parking. We went around 10:30 am on a Sunday, and we did see a few open spots at the top when we arrived and when we were leaving (about 2+hours later). We had opted not to drive up since we were not sure how small the top parking area was. I think it is worth the drive up to check if you are not interested in the extra steps. The three trails we completed were:
High Point (100 yards)
This is not so much a trail as some steps to an overlook. I feel it is a bit overstated to call it a trail. We decided we could pop up the 100 yards to see what the view was all about. Nothing too spectacular, but worth the 5 minutes to get up there. On a clearer day it would offer a nicer view of the ocean.
Parry Grove Trail (½ mile loop)
This was my favorite of the three we tried. It was nice and secluded, with not too many other hikers. I loved it. You got to see a lot of change in landscape and vegetation along the trail. Nice views of trees, grassland, and ocean. You get a bit of a workout with the steps upon entering and exiting the trail, otherwise it is a fairly leisurely walk. This is a bit more of a trail, whereas the Guy Fleming is wider and flatter.
Guy Fleming Trail (⅔ mile loop)
This trail was more crowded than the Parry Grove trail, and less secluded. It was a very easy walk. We actually went left to start the loop instead of right, which afforded us a bit more privacy walking, since it seemed most people opted to start the trail using the right-hand entrance. Also starting on the left-side meant you ended on the shader side, which is nice as you build-up heat from walking. This trail had a some really nice ocean views and you get to walk through a large section of the “Torrey” Pines.
Overall, I highly recommend Torrey Pines State Reserve for a hike. I think the Guy Fleming Trail would be perfect for for a very leisurely walk to get a view of the ocean and landscape if you are on a trip to San Diego. The trails are well maintained and easily marked, they also provide printed maps at the top. We will certainly be going back to check the other three trails off our hiking list.
Do you have any hiking adventures on your summer bucket list?
Also, I shared some of my favorite San Diego food picks for Kristin’s Global Food Series! Go have a look!
This is a really pretty hike, though I rarely go to this one because you can’t bring your dog 🙁 and parking costs money or is hard to find. But it’s definitely a bucket list hike! Can’t wait to do a girls’ blogger get-together with you and Esther! -Jess L
It was so pretty. Yes, not the easiest with parking and all. We didn’t even try to find a spot not in the lot, not worth the hassle. I’m so looking forward to it. At least we have a date now (step1), I’ll get back to you on location 🙂
Looks so pretty! We need to make it out there ASAP!
Yes, you guys must go! I can’t wait to see your pictures.
Gorgeous photos! I love the desert landscape and the flowers, so pretty. I’m a huge hiking fan, but Rich isn’t – usually I take one or two of the dogs with me. I hope you will share more trails! I can’t get enough of your nature photos.
Thank you Miriam!! I’m totally fascinated by all the different flowers and landscape around San Diego. I will be, we just went on a hike this weekend.
So beautiful! I love the wildflowers and the views of the ocean. 🙂
I’ve never been on a hike like this where you can see the ocean. It was awesome!
Gorgeous! Love all the wildflowers everywhere! I can’t wait to get back out hiking – we did some great hikes out in Norway, but this one really makes me miss California hikes.
Thanks Kristin!! I know I have to remember to try to go back during different seasons to see what else is in bloom. I bet you did have beautiful hikes in Norway!
Hiking is such a great way to see an area. I’m glad that this location didn’t disappoint. 🙂
It did not disappoint Amy 🙂 Yes, I’ve never really been into hiking before, but it is a nice way to get some exercise in and to see the sites.
Oh yes I do have hiking adventures in mind! This looks like the perfect location though!
It was a very pleasant hiking area. I loved it. We want to go back and do the other trails.
Those views! How beautiful! I have a hike up to Mt. LeConte with an overnight stay at LeConte Lodge on my NC hiking bucket list this summer.
We will go here when you visit 🙂 The Mt. LeConte sounds awesome!! I just looked at the lodge, how cool.
Gorgeous views! I want to do this one. That looks like the perfect hiking weather and location with the ocean nearby.
You should totally go, though it is a much easier hike than many around SD. So don’t expect too much of a workout 🙂 The views are gorgeous.