Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, CA: Beach Trail to Broken Hill Loop
This 2.6-mile loop in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve links three park trails, sandstone bluffs, and views of undeveloped coastline.
Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ Sign up for Outside+ today.
Boasting rugged sandstone bluffs, pristine coastline, and the rarest pine in the United State, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is home to wild landscapes and 8 miles of trails. Explore three of these trails on this 2.6-mile oceanside hike. From the Visitor Center parking area, cross the road to the trailhead and head south on the well-maintained trail. After passing a short spur, the route rounds a rock outcrop with expansive views of the reserve.
Just past the outcrop, continue straight at the trail junction and descend gentle switchbacks that lead to a 3-way junction. Turn right for a 0.3-mile out-and-back to Yucca Point, a lookout with 5-star views of the ocean. Back at the 3-way junction, turn right onto Beach Trail and begin the steady descent to another lookout perched on a rocky bluff. Take in more views of the ocean and beach, then merge onto Broken Hill Trail for a 1-mile switchback climb. At the top of the hill, turn left and follow the paved path back to the parking area.
MORE INFO: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, (858) 755-2063; torreypine.org/
-Mapped by Kim Phillips
Trail Facts
- Distance: 4.2
Waypoints
TOR001
Location: 32.920308, -117.252788
To reach the trailhead, leave the Visitor Center parking area and cross the road to the parking lot on the other side.
TOR002
Location: 32.919885, -117.252971
Beach Trailhead: Hike southwest to a Y-junction.
TOR003
Location: 32.919687, -117.253089
Bear right at the first Y-junction to check out a small overlook.
TOR004
Location: 32.919376, -117.253473
Overlook: Take in views across Torrey Pines State Park. Backtrack to Waypoint 3 and turn right.
TOR005
Location: 32.919097, -117.253749
Bear right at Y-junction.
TOR006
Location: 32.91914, -117.254765
Climb the broad rock outcropping for views of the Pacific Ocean.
TOR007
Location: 32.918502, -117.25507
Continue straight, heading southwest. Switchbacks ahead.
TOR008
Location: 32.917381, -117.2559
Pass a trailside bench.
TOR009
Location: 32.916828, -117.256522
Turn right at 3-way and head west to Yucca Point.
TOR010
Location: 32.916805, -117.256635
Continue straight at 3-way junction, heading west to Yucca Point.
TOR011
Location: 32.916305, -117.257954
Turn right for a quick loop that showcases views of the Pacific Ocean and rocky headlands. Return to Waypoint 9 and turn right.
TOR012
Location: 32.916276, -117.257171
Descend a set of stairs.
TOR013
Location: 32.914603, -117.258319
Turn left and pass more picturesque views of the beach.
TOR014
Location: 32.914331, -117.258241
Turn left and start the switchback climb up the hillside on Broken Hill Trail.
TOR015
Location: 32.915362, -117.252687
Turn left at T-junction.
TOR016
Location: 32.916296, -117.247783
Turn left and follow the paved path back to the Visitor Center.
Rock Outcropping
Location: 32.919457, -117.254033
Sandstone Cliffs
Location: 32.919226, -117.254661
Views of the Pacific
Location: 32.918867, -117.254956
Trail Junction
Location: 32.918507, -117.255026
Descending Beach Trail
Location: 32.917384, -117.256141
Views from Beach Trail
Location: 32.917447, -117.256208
Trail Junction
Location: 32.916832, -117.256474
Views from Yucca Point Trail
Location: 32.916801, -117.25678
Yucca Point Trail
Location: 32.916548, -117.257488
Views of the Pacific
Location: 32.916278, -117.258217
Views from Yucca Point
Location: 32.91594, -117.258314
Stairs on Beach Trail
Location: 32.916213, -117.257225
Scenic Viewpoint
Location: 32.914736, -117.258123
Scenic Viewpoint
Location: 32.914513, -117.258301
Sights along Broken Hill Trail
Location: 32.914502, -117.25811
Broken Hill Trail
Location: 32.916305, -117.247725
