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Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 15,579 Google reviews · Running trail in La Jolla, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Acres of oceanside trails for exploring or exercising while spotting occasional dolphins or bobcats.
What runners say about Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
“The hiking trails are well-maintained and offer a perfect mix of unique coastal vegetation and stunning ocean vistas.”
“I loved the ocean views, the walk, finding rocks, and hiking up to see the view from above, it was absolutely beautiful.”
I enjoyed this place very much. If possible go during the work week there are so much less people. It only costs to park $30 and that requires waiting in a line. I was staying in downtown San Diego. I rode the blue rail trolley ($2.50) to UTC station.
Beautiful beach, lot of trails - easy to moderate. Great views. I ended up doing many easy ones just for the views. Some trails can get very crowded and you may not enjoy the experience. Best solution is to go at your own pace and let the stream of people pass!!
Came here on a Friday afternoon late September. $20 day use fee. Did my hikes from the parking lot across the road from the visitor center. Good amount of parking. I could see it being an issue on really busy days. Porta potties there with hand washing stations. Pretty clean porta potties that didnt smell too bad.
My favorite local hiking spot! It gets crowded on weekends, especially in the warmer months, but midweek and fall/winter weekends are just fine. Go for the amazing views over the ocean, plenty of hiking options, and the trail down to the beach.
Trail conditions & character
“I loved the ocean views, the walk, finding rocks, and hiking up to see the view from above, it was absolutely beautiful.”
“We parked on the road near north beach and it was a bit of a walk, but not having to deal with long lines to get in or paid parking was a huge plus.”
“There is one water refill station halfway up the big climb, use this as there is none at the top.”
Plan your run at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteparks.ca.gov
- Phone(858) 755-2063
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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