Torrey Pines SNR

State Natural Reserve

State Natural Reserves have outstanding or unusual natural or scenic values. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a wilderness island in an urban sea. This fragile environment is the home of our nation's rarest pine tree - Pinus torreyana. Once this tree covered a larger area. It now grows only here and on Santa Rosa Island off the coast near Santa Barbara. The park preserves not only the trees, but also the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California. The reserve features high broken cliffs and deep ravines on headlands overlooking the ocean. Hikers can follow trails through stands of wind-sculpted pines. A picturesque, pueblo-style structure that served as a restaurant when it was built in 1923 houses the visitor center, featuring interpretive displays. Picnicking and camping are prohibited in the reserve. The reserve's rich plant community features wildflowers in the spring and visitors can see the California quail gathered in coveys in the early mornings of fall and winter.

Torrey Pines State Beach can also be reached by trail from the Reserve.

Torrey Pines prohibits dogs anywhere within the reserve and beach boundaries (even within a vehicle).

Service Reductions
California State Parks is implementing service reductions in order to meet Department budget cuts this fiscal year. Service reductions implemented Fall 2009 through Summer 2010 include day-use parking by automatic pay machine only (no staff in entrance station), overall facility maintenance reduced 50%, including trash cleanup, and reduced lifeguard service. Visitors are encouraged to 'Pack it in, Pack it out', so the park remains free of trash. Park Visitor Center and educational tours operated by volunteers only. These service reductions are designed to ensure that California State Parks achieve cost savings, minimize disruption to visitors as much as possible, and maintain revenue at the highest level possible.

Location-Directions
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located between La Jolla and Del Mar, California, north of San Diego. From Hwy 5, exit on Carmel Valley Road and drive west for about 1.5 miles till you reach the Coast Highway 101. Turn left and proceed along the beach for about a mile. The park entrance is on your right just before the highway begins to climb the Torrey Pines grade.


Brochures Panorama Video Photos State Parks Store Day Hiker's Trails Current Weather Map of Location Accessible Features Cities near the park: California Coastline Photos: Torrey Pines Docent Society	Torrey Pines SNR State Natural Reserve State Natural Reserves have outstanding or unusual natural or scenic values. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a wilderness island in an urban sea. This fragile environment is the home of our nation's rarest pine tree - Pinus torreyana. Once this tree covered a larger area. It now grows only here and on Santa Rosa Island off the coast near Santa Barbara. The park preserves not only the trees, but also the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California. The reserve features high broken cliffs and deep ravines on headlands overlooking the ocean. Hikers can follow trails through stands of wind-sculpted pines. A picturesque, pueblo-style structure that served as a restaurant when it was built in 1923 houses the visitor center, featuring interpretive displays. Picnicking and camping are prohibited in the reserve. The reserve's rich plant community features wildflowers in the spring and visitors can see the California quail gathered in coveys in the early mornings of fall and winter. Torrey Pines State Beach can also be reached by trail from the Reserve. Torrey Pines prohibits dogs anywhere within the reserve and beach boundaries (even within a vehicle). Service Reductions California State Parks is implementing service reductions in order to meet Department budget cuts this fiscal year. Service reductions implemented Fall 2009 through Summer 2010 include day-use parking by automatic pay machine only (no staff in entrance station), overall facility maintenance reduced 50%, including trash cleanup, and reduced lifeguard service. Visitors are encouraged to 'Pack it in, Pack it out', so the park remains free of trash. Park Visitor Center and educational tours operated by volunteers only. These service reductions are designed to ensure that California State Parks achieve cost savings, minimize disruption to visitors as much as possible, and maintain revenue at the highest level possible. Location-Directions Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located between La Jolla and Del Mar, California, north of San Diego. From Hwy 5, exit on Carmel Valley Road and drive west for about 1.5 miles till you reach the Coast Highway 101. Turn left and proceed along the beach for about a mile. The park entrance is on your right just before the highway begins to climb the Torrey Pines grade.	Park Features Icon Legend Hours Gates open at 8:00 am and close at Sunset. County San Diego Region San Diego County Telephone 858-755-2063 Operating Hours Gates open at 8:00 am and close at Sunset. The Visitor Center opens daily at 9:00AM. The reserve is a day-use park only. There is no overnight camping facility. Support Organization Torrey Pines Docent Society Draft Trail Management Plan for Torrey Pines SNR Trails Management Plan (pdf) Trails All Park (pdf) Trails Extension (pdf) Trails Main Reserve (pdf) Written Comments (pdf) Verbal Comments (pdf)