Note: click the photograph for a larger view.

While spending a few nights at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, we were pleased to discover that adjacent to the Torrey Pine Gold Course was the beautiful Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

The Torrey Pine, the natural reserve’s namesake, is the rarest pine species in the United States and is found only in San Diego County and one neighboring island.  In order to protect this rare species of pine, San Diego’s city fathers set aside an original 364 acres that would ultimately grow to 2,000 acres and offer a safe haven for the Torrey Pine as well as a fabulous day park for locals and visitors to enjoy.

The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has 12-miles of hiking trails that vary in difficulty from easy, moderate, to challenging. With our limited time schedule, we hiked the short Broken Hill Trail, and if you look behind Carol you can see that the trail is aptly named and offered us breathtaking views of not only the ocean, but also of the Torrey Pines Golf Course across a deep ravine.

If you find yourself in La Jolla, we highly recommend that you enjoy this stunningly beautiful nature reserve.  You’ll be very glad you did!

Link: Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve

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