Easy

Razor Point / Beach / Broken Hill Loop

Distance 3 mi
Time 1.5 hrs
Elevation Gain 350 ft
Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Hike Info Hiker Info
Weather

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve consists of two parts – a gorgeous state beach with an epic backdrop of wind-and-rain sculpted badland cliffs; and a reserve of one of North America’s rarest trees – the Torrey Pine – on a network of trails that meander through those badland cliffs.

Both sections of the park are extremely popular – especially on the weekends. Be prepared to see crowded parking lots, cyclists and joggers, families, and beachgoers all trying to enjoy the same 8 miles of trails and additional paved roads and beaches. Don’t come here expecting solitude or quiet, but if you come looking for some striking beauty you will not be disappointed.

The parking near the entrance off N. Torrey Pines Road seems to be primarily for beach-goers and people who want to include a jog or bike up the paved incline as part of their fitness routine. If you don’t want that, there is additional parking in lots near the Visitor Center and Museum and a few dirt spaces for parking near the trailhead for the Guy Fleming Trail.

The route described here begins a bit further up the road near the Visitor Center parking. There are water fountains and bathrooms near the Razor Point / Beach Trailheads, as well as a trail map with photos and – if you’re there on the weekends – likely an information booth hosted by some of the park’s excellent docents.

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Once you’ve had your fill of information, it’s time to start hiking. The Beach Trail is the most heavily-trafficked route in the park so you’ll have company as you start down that path – a lovely chaparral-lined descending path that, in the spring, may have some surprise wildflowers hiding in the brush.

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The trail splits at a junction near the trailhead. Stay on the Razor Point trail by keeping right, and very soon you’ll see the aptly named Red Butte formation:

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The trail itself winds behind Red Butte and loops next to it – and there’s a small portion you can scramble on if you’re feeling so inclined. To your north, a deep and dramatic cave cuts into the cliff – and to the south, there’s a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla Peninsula, some low chaparral and a few twisted Torrey pines, too.

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The trail takes a meandering path to the west toward the Pacific. You’ll be able to see a few lonely pines near Razor Point not too far away, but (as always) be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some wildflowers hiding out in the underbrush.

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As you approach the coast, you’ll see the ground start to fall away, revealing the almost otherworldly-looking Big Basin formation.

This scoured slope of pinnacles and pockets looks like it belongs somewhere in the strange landscape of the desert, yet here it sits right next to the Pacific Ocean. I will say, it’s a tremendous experience to gaze at something that feels like it belongs near Zabriskie Point in Death Valley yet hear the crashing waves of the ocean instead.

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Head down the short spur trail to Razor Point for some spectacular views along the coast. When I was here, there was a small but very showy patch of wildflowers in one of the canyons below.

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… and, as you’ll find with many parks that are flooded with visitors, you’re guaranteed to find people ignoring boundaries and fences everywhere.

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When you’re done soaking in the views, head back up the fenced-in trail and keep right at the junction to follow the rim of the Big Basin formation.

Take the short side trip to Yucca Point for more impressive views of the coast, or continue past the spur onto the Beach Trail and keep to the right.

This next section of trail takes you through typical coastal chaparral and for a decent portion of it you won’t be able to see the beach …

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But eventually the Beach Trail does take you to where it said it would – after a short, steep scramble through some badland formations and two staircases – one wooden and one metal.

At the end, you’ll find your feet directly in the wet sand of Torrey Pines State Beach.

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When I was here the beach wasn’t crowded, but there were definitely more people than I was expecting to see. The nearby landmark Flat Rock – clearly visible from the step ladder down to the sand – is a favorite spot for local anglers and a great spot to catch the spray of some crashing waves.

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South of Flat Rock is the area known as Black’s Beach – the country’s first public nude beach. Today, the northern part of the beach is still clothing optional, while in the southern portion nudity is prohibited. Whether you decide to relax at the beach in clothing or au naturel, take care to avoid hanging out too close to the cliff wall. Rockslides are common and have injured bathers in the past.

When you’re done with the sand and surf, head back up the way you came and take a right after the stairs to hop onto the Broken Hill Trail. This route rises back above the cliff and continues to climb east over some long and moderate switchbacks. Here, the trail meanders through some more low coastal chaparral (and, of course, wildflowers) before reaching another small grove of Torrey pines.

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Near the top of the bluff, there’s a short side trail to the Broken Hill Overlook. This overlook takes you to a incredible promontory overlooking a few rugged Torrey pines clinging to the coastal badlands while their more manicured cousins watch on from the nearby Torrey Pines golf course.

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When you’re done, continue on the Broken Hill trail until you hit the paved road. There was an army base built here to protect San Diego from naval attacks during World War II, but the road itself predates the base … and was originally the main automotive route between San Diego and Los Angeles.

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The road is now closed to through automobile traffic but remains popular with cyclists and joggers. Hike back along this road, enjoying the sweeping views of the Palomar and Laguna Mountains and the Los Penasquitos Lagoon. When you get back to the parking lot, stop by the historic lodge built in 1922 with Hopi and Mission Revival influences. The Lodge was formerly a restaurant for travelers and now serves as the rangers’ station and a lovely Visitor Center.

The interior features films and exhibits about the region’s natural and human history, and the exterior has some beautiful vistas and native gardens, as well as a large and very peaceful grove of Torrey pines.

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When you’re done, hike back to your car along the road – and consider making a short stop on the 2/3 mile Guy Fleming Trail for some more beautiful views of the pines, ocean, and badlands before you leave.

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Accommodations near Razor Point / Beach / Broken Hill Loop

Trail Conditions

Good. For the most part, trails in this park are well signed at the junctions and in good shape. There are a few steep areas and loose rock but nothing that should give you trouble if you're paying attention. That said, erosion does play a very active role here and trail conditions are likely to change - or in some cases close completely - depending on the weather conditions. The land here is incredibly unstable. Staying on the trail not only prevents unnecessary erosion of the cliffs, but it will also keep you safe while hiking.

How to Get There

From the 5 in San Diego, exit at Del Mar Heights Road. Head west for 2.6 miles and take a left onto Camino Del Mar. Continue south on Torrey Pines Drive for about 2.5 miles and look for the parking entrance on the coast. Parking is operated by a concessionaire here and fees vary depending on the day of the week and time of day. Find more information on the park web site. Transit accessible.

Driving Directions

Car-free Directions

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