A trip through Torrey Pines State Wildlife Refuge is the perfect kickoff to summer – San Diego Union-Tribune

A hike in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a quintessential San Diego activity for the first week of summer.

With its proximity to the ocean and rugged native vegetation – including chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and Torrey pine forest – the preserve features some of the county’s best features that can be especially enjoyed during the summer season. This easy to moderate 1.5-mile loop allows hikers to take it all in, but the scenic overlooks at Razor Point and Yucca Point are the main highlights.

On the day of my hike, the weather was perfect, the ocean sported a light blue hue, and there were so many hikers enjoying the trails. These are all things that make me want to stay outside all day – which is actually my plan for the entire summer.

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There are several different trails within the state nature preserve. This hike follows the Razor Point Trail and Beach Trail, located southwest of the Visitor Center and Ranger Station on Torrey Pines Park Road. Hikers can park in the visitor center parking lot or in the parking lot in front of the center. There are restrooms at the trailhead.

Parking at the preserve costs $15 to $25 per vehicle, or visitors can show a California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass. Hikers can also park for free outside the preserve along North Torrey Pines Road near the southern beach access, but note that the walk through the preserve to the trailhead is long. ‘about a mile.

From the parking lot on the west side of Torrey Pines Park Road, take the trail toward the ocean. It is marked with a sign indicating Beach Trail, Razor Point, Red Butte and Yucca Point.

Continue for approximately 500 feet before reaching the turnoff for the Razor Point Trail. Follow this path, first passing Red Butte, a unique rock formation, where there is a small staircase to climb.

After Red Butte, the trail becomes steep and moderately slippery as it descends the hillside, so use caution.

After a half-mile, hikers will reach the 0.1-mile trail that heads toward Razor Point. Enjoy the view before continuing along the Razor Point Trail.

Head south before joining the Yucca Point Trail, which heads west toward the cliffs.

There are a few places to sit at Yucca Point, or you can just stand by the wooden railing and gaze out to sea. I brought binoculars hoping to spot whales or dolphins, but unfortunately I didn’t see any.

To return, simply retrace your steps along the Yucca Point Trail and continue walking east to rejoin the Beach Trail. Turn left to take this path back to the parking lot, approximately 800 meters on foot.

This final section of the trail climbs, although there are a few wooden stairs along the way that help make the climb more gradual.