San Diego Hikes: Red Butte, Razor Point Trail, and Yucca Point Trail
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of San Diego’s most scenic attractions. From the visitor’s center, a classic easy hike is walking to Red Butte and on to Razor Point and Yucca Point. This is our guide to hiking to Red Butte, Razor Point Trail, and Yucca Point Trail.
- Starting Point: Upper parking lot by visitor’s center, 0.8 miles walk or drive from reserve entrance
- Length: 2 miles
- Elevation: 200 foot gain and loss
- Type: Loop
There are many trails in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The hike to Red Butte and on to Razor and Yucca Points is a fairly easy walk. The trail starts right from the restrooms in the upper parking lot by the visitor center.
If you start at the visitor center, you can cross the street and make a right to go to West Overlook. This short trail is also part of the ADA accessible trail network in the reserve. This also includes Whitaker Garden and Scripps Overlook. Both spots provide a nice view of the trail up ahead. This connects to the main trail towards Red Butte.
From the parking lot by the restrooms you will see a kiosk and signs to Red Butte, Beach Trail and Yucca and Razer Point. Red Butte is the large object straight ahead. Usually, it will be crowded with people on top.
As you head towards Red Butte the road will fork. The sign to the right points toward Razor Point. To the left is Beach Trail. It is a loop so you can go either way, but for this hike we go right towards Razor Point.
The trail to Razor Point will lead directly to another fork. To your right is a short dead-end to an overlook. Going left will take you a few stairs to Red Butte. Head up the stairs and Red Butte is directly, to your left.
The rocks at Red Butte are great for climbing and picture taking. After climbing the rock go to your right and continue downhill on Razor Point Trail. The trail winds down the hill to another intersection. To the right is the clearly marked walk out to Razor Point.
Walking out to Razor Point takes you past some cool rock formations. The view from the point provides a great view of the San Diego coastline several hundred feet below. From here you head back the way you came to the intersection.
Turn right at the intersection to continue a short distance to Yucca Point. Once again you will come to a clearly marked intersection. To your right is Yucca Point. The left turn will take you back to the parking lot and also provides access to the Beach Trail.
The short hike out to Yucca Point provides more beach views. You can look directly down to where the beach trail comes out by Flat Rock. Further south you will see Black’s Beach and gliders from Torrey Pines Gliderport. You will also see yucca plants, hence the name.
When you are finished with the views head back to the intersection. Go right to head back to the parking lot. If you like you can go down Beach Trail, which is part of some of our longer 4 and 6-mile hikes. For this hike head back up the hill towards Red Butte.
This trail takes you to the other side of Red Butte. You can explore Red Butte again or simply keep to the right to go directly back to the parking lot.
Links
Whether you do the Beach Trail by itself or in combination with other trails, this is probably the best hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. It can be fairly strenuous, especially for small children. If you want a shorter hike without a significant climb, consider Guy Fleming Trail. While this does not go to the beach it provides great views of the ocean below.
Go here for a complete guide to hikes in Torrey Pines.
For our overview of the Torrey Pines area go here.
For a guide to the ADA accessible areas of Torrey Pines go here.
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