USA :: San Diego :: Torrey Pines

Flat Rock, unique Rock Formation carved by tidal waves in eroded Sandstone cliffs

Torrey Pines state beach is for me the best ocean waterfront hike, anytime, anywhere.  Stretch of occasionally rugged Pacific Coastline between La Jolla Shores and Del Mar is incredibly scenic.  It can not even remotely be appreciated properly in single or even several visits.  There is special spirit of mother nature at works here I was lucky to be able to gradually build during years I lived in San Diego when this was regular Sunday afternoon hike.  There are many different options,  from long 20km end-to-end stretch to shorter official trails at Torrey Pines state preserve park at north side. 

I would often start and end at San Diego Gliderport below USCD.  There is plenty of parking - but still tends to fill up on weekends.  From Gliderport there are 2 paths down to the beach.  South end is maintained and more commonly used. North end is steep and rough; it is very easy to slip or lose balance - I don't recommend it for descending.  (In)famous 'Clothing Optional' Blacks Beach is below and one can chose direction - south towards La Jolla Shores, or north towards Del Mar.  North end is the most scenic part with amazing rock formation called "Flat Rock" - see lead photo on this page.  Washed out by tidal waves it is incredibly beautiful, and -if you are lucky to have it to yourself- place to sit in peace and reflect.  Del Mar end is further 20-25 min north, and this stretch tends to be the busiest as it is entrance to State Preserve with parking lot.  For return I'd either loop back to Flat Rock via "Beach Trail" starting up the road by Visitor Center - or simply speed hike on North Torrey Pines road back to Glideport.

South end to La Jolla Shores is shorter and might not always be passable during high tide just before Scripps Pier. Good turning point is "Mushroom Beach House" with concrete elevator shaft descending from luxury mansion on bluffs above.  Alternate return I sometimes took would climb up access road to La Jolla Farms, then along North Torrey Pines road back to Gliderport.  Options are endless and it would be difficult to describe them all. If you are lucky to be here devise your own path and enjoy;  beach hikes don't get any better than this.

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