San Diego Hikes: Torrey Pines Guy Fleming Trail
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of San Diego’s most scenic attractions. There are many hiking opportunities, but for a great short hike with maximum view nothing can beat Guy Fleming Trail. This is our guide to Torrey Pines Guy Fleming Trail.
Jump Ahead To
Overview
- Starting Point: 0.5 miles from Torrey Pines lower South Beach Lot or 0.2 miles from visitor center parking lot
- Length: .78 miles
- Elevation: about 50 foot gain and loss
- Type: Loop
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has paid parking. The parking fee varies by year but ranges from $10 to $20 per vehicle (more in summer and on weekends). There is a smaller parking area with room for about 10 vehicles at the top of the hill by Guy Fleming Trail. There is also an upper level parking lot by the visitor’s center. It is a short, mostly flat one-third mile hike from the visitor’s center to Guy Fleming. There is a lower parking lot that provides access to the beach. From this parking lot, you can hike up a fairly steep trail to Guy Fleming (half a mile each way with 300-foot elevation gain). Just note that on busy days the upper lots can fill up.
The Hike
Guy Fleming Trail is a three-quarter of a mile loop trail. You can go to your left or your right. We almost always go to the right and do the loop counter-clockwise. The trail is mostly flat but can be fairly rough. However, this is an easy trail that can be done in 15-minutes or less.
The first part of the trail will take you past the rare Torrey Pine trees of the area. You will see some information about Guy Fleming. Fleming was a naturalist who was key in preserving the Torrey Pines area in the 1920s. As the sign says “Guy Fleming is to Torrey Pines what John Muir was to the High Sierra.”
Assuming you went to the right you will come to the North Overlook. This overlook sits several hundred feet above Torrey Pines State Beach and the Penasquitos Lagoon. Beyond the lagoon the cliffs rise to the north as Torrey Pines gives way to the town of Del Mar.
The trail continues south along the bluff until you come to the South Overlook. The South Overlook provides a view of the rest of Torrey Pines Reserve. You also get a nice view to the south where the land sticks out in the La Jolla Cove area.
From the South Overlook, Guy Fleming Trail heads back inland. It is a short distance back to where you started. From this point you are probably ready for more trails. You can turn right at the trailhead and head a short distance up the road to the steeper Parry Grove Trail. Or you can continue past Parry Grove to the visitor center which provides access to several hiking options.
To see our overview of hikes, beaches and other activities in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve go here. For a guide to a longer 4-mile hike that incorporates Guy Fleming Trail go here.
Where to Stay
Torrey Pines is right off the I-5 freeway at the Carmel Valley Road exit. Via car, Torrey Pines is convenient to almost any location in San Diego. However, it is officially in the La Jolla area. The park is located near the UTC-area of La Jolla by the University of California-San Diego. There are three resorts within walking distance of Torrey Pines that sit on the bluff overlooking Black’s Beach by the golf course. The Lodge at Torrey Pines is right on the golf course
- Check Prices for the Lodge at Torrey Pines on Booking.com
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Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, a resort style hotel next to the golf course
- Check Prices for Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, on Booking.com
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Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa is across from UCSD and next to the Salk Institute. This is a longer walk, about a mile from Torrey Pines but near the Gliderport.
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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.
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