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Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of San Diego’s most scenic attractions.  In recent years, several trails have been closed for restoration.  One trail that has now been restored is the short Parry Grove Trail.  This is our guide to hiking Torrey Pines Parry Grove Trail.

Overview

• Starting Point: 0.7 miles from Torrey Pines lower South Beach Lot or 0.1 miles from visitor’s center parking lot
• Length: .7 miles
• Elevation: 130 foor gain and loss
• Type: Loop

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has paid parking.  The parking fee varies by year but ranges from $12 to $25 per vehicle (more in summer and on weekends).  There is an upper level parking lot by the visitor’s center.  From the upper parking area, Parry Grove Trail is about a tenth of a mile walk back towards the entrance.  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 to Parry Grove (two-thirds of a mile each way with about 300 feet elevation gain).

After the restoration, Parry Grove Trail now includes Whitaker Gardens and the Scripps Overlook.  The actual Parry Grove Trail starts right before Scripps Overlook.  Whitaker Gardens and the Scripps Overlook are now fully ADA accessible.  You can see more about these areas in our guide to the accessible portions of Torrey Pines Reserve.

The Hike

Getting to the actual Parry Grove Trail requires walking down 118 steep stone steps.  A sign clearly warns visitors of this.  The climb is not strenuous but the steep, uneven steeps can definitely be ankle twisters.

At the bottom of the steps, the trail does a half-mile loop, so you can go either right or left.  At this point, the trail is mostly flat.  You get great views of the bluffs along this trail.  However, unlike the Guy Fleming Trail, the Parry Grove Trail does not hug the edge of the bluffs.

Once you complete the loop you climb back up the stairs.  At the top of the stairs, you can turn right and go out to Scripps Overlook for some great views.  On your way both in and out you will pass through Whitaker Gardens where you can check out the many native plants. Across the street from Parry Grove trail is High Point Trail.  This is not really a trail but a 100-yard climb up stairs to the highest point in the reserve.  You get a nice view of the lagoon, reserve and inland San Diego.

After doing Parry Grove Trail you go left down the road a short distance to Guy Fleming Trail.  Guy Fleming is a similar loop but without the stair climbing.  There are many other hiking opportunities in this area. To see our overview of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, beaches and other activities in the area go here. For a guide to a longer 4-mile hike that incorporates Parry Grove 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

Where to Stay San Diego: La Jolla

The San Diego area is huge and getting around can be a challenge.  Choosing a general location to stay is essential for maximizing the enjoyment of a visit to San Diego.  Fun Diego Family has created a detailed guide to each of San Diego’s major areas.  This is our guide to staying in the La […]

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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
• Check Prices for Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines on HotelsCombined

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.

Hiking Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve provides some of the best hiking opportunities in the city of San Diego.  This is our guide to Hiking Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Overview In 1959, a large area of San Diego was set aside as a 2, 000 acres state park, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.  This area […]

For our overview of the Torrey Pines area go here.

San Diego’s Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and State Beaches

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of San Diego’s great scenic attractions.  This beachfront park has several miles of cliffside beaches and great hiking trails.  The area includes state beaches, a state-run nature reserve, a famous golf course, a gliderport and even a famous nude beach.  This is our overview of the Torrey Pines […]

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