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A journey through Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is the perfect kick-off to summer

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

With its close proximity to the ocean and rugged native vegetation — including chaparral, coastal sage scrub and Torrey Pine woodland — the reserve showcases some of the county’s best features that can be especially enjoyed during the summer season. This easy-to-moderate 1.5-mile loop lets hikers 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 was sporting a clear blue hue and there were so many hikers out enjoying the trails. These are all elements that make me want to be outside all day long — which is, in fact, my plan for the whole summer.

There are several different trails in the state natural reserve. This hike follows the Razor Point Trail and the Beach Trail, located southwest of the visitor center and ranger station on Torrey Pines Park Road. Hikers can park at the visitor center parking lot or in the lot across the street from the center. There are restrooms at the trailhead.

Parking within the reserve costs $15 to $25 per vehicle, or visitors can present a California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass. Hikers can also park for free outside the reserve, along North Torrey Pines Road near the south beach access, but note that the walk into the reserve to this trailhead is about a mile long.

From the parking lot on the western side of Torrey Pines Park Road, take the trail that heads toward the ocean. It’s marked with a sign for the Beach Trail, Razor Point, Red Butte and Yucca Point.

Continue for about 500 feet before reaching the turn for the Razor Point Trail. Follow this path, passing first by Red Butte, a unique rock formation, where there is a short set of stairs to climb.

After Red Butte, the trail steepens and is moderately slick as it heads down the hillside, so use caution.

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

Head south before coming to the Yucca Point Trail, which heads west toward the bluffs.

There are a few places to sit at Yucca Point, or you can simply stand at the wooden railing and gaze out to the sea. I brought binoculars in the hopes of spotting whales or dolphins, but sadly didn’t see any.

To make your way back, simply retrace your steps along the Yucca Point Trail and continue walking east to connect with the Beach Trail. Turn left to take this trail back up to the parking lot, about a half-mile walk.

This final section of the trail does head uphill, though there are some wooden stairs along the way that help make the climb feel more gradual.