San Diego Hikes: Torrey Pines South Fork and Broken Hill Overlook Trails
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 been reopened is the now ADA accessible South Fork Trail which leads to Broken Hill Overlook. This is our guide to hiking South Fork and Broken Hill Overlook Trails.
- Starting Point: Upper parking lot by visitor’s center, 0.8 miles walk or drive from reserve entrance
- Length: 2.5 miles
- Elevation: flat
- Type: Out-and-back
UPDATE OCTOBER 2020: North Fork and Broken Hill Trail are now open. You can see a full hike via North Fork here.
The updated South Fork Hike is here.
South Fork Trail had been closed for quite a while. In 2018 it reopened with as a wheelchair accessible ADA trail. This trail connects up with the renovated North Fork and Broken Hill Trail (opened in 2020). Broken Hill Overlook is now open and can be accessed from South Fork Trail. Just note the final walk to the overlook is not ADA accessible.
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 upper-level parking lot by the visitor’s center. Access to South Fork Trail starts right 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).
Getting to South Fork Trail requires a half-mile walk south along the flat, paved road. 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.
You will pass the North Fork Trail which is still in the process of being restored. The South Fork Trail starts near the end of the park right by the famous Torrey Pines golf course. Once completed, this will allow for a complete loop and include beach access. For now, it is an out-and-back hike.
South Fork Trail is now ADA accessible for about half a mile. This is a flat walk to a bench area that overlooks the bluffs and Broken Hill. The short hike out to Broken Hill is not ADA accessible, but it is an easy, level walk.
Broken Hill Overlook provides a great view of eroded bluffs. The Overlook provides a great view of San Diego to both the north and south. It is a steep drop from the Overlook so be careful. Daredevils like to walk out as far as possible.
We are hoping that North Fork Trail and Broken Hill Trail will reopen soon. The loop from the visitor’s center to Beach Trail, Broken Hill Trail to either North or South Fork Trail was always one of our favorites.
UPDATE OCTOBER 2020: North Fork and Broken Hill Trail are now open. You can see a full hike via North Fork here.
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.
To see the newly opened hike to the beach you can see the full hike from South Fork to Broken Hill Trail here and also the Beach Trail hike as an alternative way to go back up from the beach and make the hike a loop.
For a guide to the ADA accessible areas of Torrey Pines go here.
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