Hike Torrey Pines Natural Reserve

Disclaimer: Torrey Pines is open from 7:15am until sunset. You can check for more updates on the natural reserve's website. We do not condone hiking in the reserve outside of these hours.

First things first, park on the street: Its free! And the parking for the Natural Reserve closes at sunset. There are very few people trying to park at night. If you're going during the day, though, parking might be difficult. You can pay to park either at the South Beach Torrey Pines entrance or there is a parking lot (east) on the other side of the train tracks with a tunnel you walk under to the entrance. There are bathrooms at the South Beach entrance.

Walk up the road and follow it for maybe 3/4 mile - 1 mile, at which point you get to your first look out spot called High Point. We hung out there, and took in the views of Del Mar and La Jolla, and then continued our adventure. Walk past the visitor lodge on our left and shortly after, take the Beach Trail on the right. This trail is 3/4 mile to Flat Rock and the beach. Its a simple walk with not many steep sections. Razor Point trail was really cool at night with the light on the gorge. That hike splits off Beach trail and is 0.7 miles to the point. If you plan on walking down to the beach, make sure you check the tides beforehand. The water can come right up to the cliffs, making it difficult to pass.

Also, be cautious of wildlife and do not go off trail. My wife and I were looking at a spot to get a photo and as we started to walk off the trail, we turned on our headlamps and as we did our next step was going to be on a rattlesnake. Make sure you follow Leave No Trace and be on the look for wildlife.

There is a whole trail system here so you can really just take whichever pleases you.