04 Torrey Pines State Reserve: Guy Fleming Trail

OVERVIEW

LENGTH: 0.7 miles

CONFIGURATION: Balloon and string

SCENERY: Sweeping ocean views, wildlife, intricate cliff erosion

EXPOSURE: Mostly exposed to sun, but with some shady areas

TRAFFIC: Moderate to heavy

TRAIL SURFACE: Puddles after rain, well-maintained sandy soil paths

HIKING TIME: 30 minutes to 1 hour

ACCESS: Day-use fee to park ($6 weekdays, $8 weekends for automobiles; senior and disabled discounts; additional fees for buses); open daily 8 a.m. until sunset (visitor center opens at 9 a.m.)

MAPS: Download at www.torreypine.org/activities/hiking-trails.htm or obtain at the park.

FACILITIES: Restrooms located in the upper parking lot

SPECIAL COMMENTS: No food or pets are allowed in this serene, coastal clifftop setting above the ocean. Trails are reserved for foot traffic only. Arrive in time to see the sun slipping into the horizon, painting the sky brilliant orange, dusky purple, or flamingo pink. To extend this easy hike, you may opt to park in free stalls along the beach (as crowds permit), or in the lower lot behind the ranger booth, then walk the approximate 1 uphill mile to the Guy Fleming trailhead.

SNAPSHOT

No hurrying allowed—fill your senses with the serenity of nature’s power and beauty during an easy stroll along the Guy Fleming Trail. Puffy, gilt-edged clouds drift overhead, and a refreshing breeze guides you along the meandering path to ocean overlooks. Bring binoculars—you can often spot dolphins in the waters below. Also watch for migrating whales during the winter viewing season, or just let your mind wander as you sit on one of the many benches, letting the roar of the ocean lull you.

CLOSE-UP

Enter the Guy Fleming Trail just as Torrey Pines Park Road curves sharply west. You’ll find a kiosk with information just a few short steps into the trail, and the loop opens to the right or left. Either way is fun. Go right to follow along with this description. The trail moves northwest at a very slight climb, quickly passing by a drinking fountain and rounding the bend into shade, where northeast views offer glimpses through the pines of Los Penasquitos Lagoon far below. The water stretches out amid the marshy land like dark, abstractly shaped mirrors reflecting the sky. On the right, you’ll catch glimpses of La Jolla, etched against the sky and sea.

As the path curves to the west, you may need to duck in places. Twisty limbs of mature Torrey pines hang over the trail. At 0.25 miles, the path moves out of the forest, and an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean rolls out before you: glassy, foamy-green, gray, or blue, the water’s ever-changing (yet always beautiful) nature makes frequent visits to this easy path a must. Step down to the northernmost overlook point, where a bench perches you cliffside for a gull’s-eye view.

From here, surf and sea mesmerize. Drink in the clear salt air, ponder the ocean’s ominous power, or reflect on the softest whisper of a gentle breeze against your cheek. Benches rest at regular intervals along this western ridge, leading to another lookout point down some wooden steps to the right of the trail. You’ll have come about 0.5 miles at this point, so reward yourself with a long pause … the ocean calls, its roaring rhythm like calming white noise.

North and south, the shore stretches for miles. Beachcombers move along like ants on the sand far below, and the waves decorate the shore with lacy foam they leave in their wake.

Eventually, perhaps as the fiery sphere of the sun dips beyond the horizon, head back up the stairs, and to the right on the trail, moving east, away from the coast. You may see quail, curious squirrels, or perhaps a raven or two. Regardless, you’re sure to wear a relaxed and ready smile—returned by passersby as you continue along the path, closing the loop back at the kiosk and returning the way you came on this magical little trip into nature’s beauty.

TO THE TRAILHEAD

From I-5, exit on Carmel Valley Road and drive west for about 1.5 miles till you reach the Coast Highway 101 (US 101). Turn left and proceed along the beach for about 1 mile. The park entrance is on your right just before the highway begins to climb the Torrey Pines grade. Parking choices include a small roadside area just outside the Guy Fleming Loop, a larger upper lot near the visitor center, the lower lot, or free parking along the beach (which adds to your hike; see Special Comments).