San Diego Hikes: Torrey Pines Broken Hills Trail via North Fork
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of San Diego’s most scenic attractions. There are many hiking opportunities, but arguably the most exciting is the hike from the visitor’s center down to the beach. This is our guide to taking Torrey Pines Broken Hills Trail to the beach.
- Starting Point: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Visitor Center, 12600 North Torrey Pines Rd
- Length: 2.5 miles each way
- Elevation: 350 feet gain and loss
- Type: Loop
This is probably our favorite hike in Torrey Pines. It is a great afternoon exercise that can be done in about an hour. There is just enough elevation gain to feel you have received a solid workout.
Broken Hill Trail had been closed for several years at it underwent repairs. The entire Torrey Pines area was closed for six months when COVID-19 hit in March 2020. So, it was not until everything reopened in October 2020 that we were able to check out the new Broken Hill Trail.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has paid parking. The parking fee varies by year but ranges from $12 to $20 per vehicle (more in summer and on weekends). It was $15 mid-week in October 2020. There is upper level parking lot by the visitor’s center. Access to Broken Hill Trail starts in the West Parking Lot across the street from the visitor’s center. Just note that on busy days the upper lots can fill up.
There is a lower parking lot that provides access to the beach. From this parking lot you can hike up a fairly steep trail along the road to the visitor’s center (about 0.8 miles each way with 300-foot elevation gain). If you park here the hike will be a longer 5-mile loop.
At the trailhead for the beach trail there are full restroom facilities and also a kiosk that is often staffed with a ranger providing information. The trail is clearly marked and starts right from the parking lot.
Traditionally we would head down the Beach Trail and hike up Broken Hill Trail to North Fork Trail and head back along the service road.
However, being eager to see the new Broken Hill Trail, we did the hike in reverse. From the visitor center parking lot we headed south down the service road to North Fork Trail.
This service road is part of the new wheelchair accessible ADA trail that opened in 2018. The road is actually a historic site. In the early 20th century, this road was the main highway from San Diego to Los Angeles. It was closed because the curves around Guy Fleming Trail proved too dangerous.
During World War II this area was actually used as an anti-aircraft artillery replacement training center known as Camp Callan. However, since the state park was established in 1959, this portion of the road is closed to all but service vehicles.
North Fork Trail is the first trail on the right about a quarter mile down the road before the Torrey Pines golf course. Turning right on North Fork Trail heads to Broken Hill Trail.
North Fork Trail has definitely been improved. However, unlike nearby South Fork Trail it is not fully ADA accessible. A short distance down the trail there are stairs as the trail leads directly down to the beach.
Right before the steepest decline, North Fork Trail meets with South Fork Trail and a short out-and-back trail leads to the actual Broken Hill overlook. This is the official start of Broken Hill Trail.
The actual Broken Hill Overlook is a nice, short detour. Broken Hill Overlook provides a great view of eroded bluffs. Simply turn left at the intersection and walk the short distance out to the overlook. After taking in the views head back to the intersection and continue down Broken Hill Trail to the beach. You can see Broken Hill Overlook in our South Fork Trail hike.
Either way the trail to the beach goes towards Flat Rock. The walk down to the beach has wonderful views of coastal San Diego. The new trail is gently looping with new stairs. It is about 300 feet down to the beach.
Right before the final stairs to the beach, Broken Hill Trail meets up with Beach Trail. Beach Trail is the way back to the parking lot. There is a nice overlook right before heading to the beach.
The final section to the beach is down a metal staircase. When you get to the beach, conditions will vary based on tide levels. We like to do this hike at low tides. The big attraction is Flat Rock which sits a short distance out in the ocean. At low tide you can actually climb on Flat Rock. There are interesting tide pools that collect on the surface of the rock.
When you are done at the beach simply head up the staircase to the intersection of Broken Hill and Beach Trail. Turn left up Beach Trail. NOTE for more detail on the Beach Trail go here.
After a short uphill walk you will come to a turnoff to Yucca Point and Razor Point. These are short out-and-back walks to cliffside beach overlook. This area can be prone to rock slides which will sometimes close off parts of the trail. This was the case in October 2020 where the trails to both Yucca Point and Razor Point were closed due to erosion.
Continuing to head up hill the trail reaches a turn off to Red Butte. Red Butte clearly sticks out as one of the highest points in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. We always stop here for the short climb to the top. You can get great views and this is a favorite place to take pictures. Kids love climbing on the rocks.
If you want to climb the 30 feet or so up Red Butte head to the left. You can also go to the right around Red Butte. Either way will take you back to the main Beach Trail and visitor center parking lot.
The new Broken Hill Trail adds some exciting new hiking opportunities. As Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve reopens we are revisiting our old hikes and adding new combinations. This is one of San Diego’s great hiking areas and you can check out all our recommended hikes here.
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