(Thomas Guide: 1207 J1&H3 / GPS: 32.930831,-117.242137)

Rating: Moderate (Paved & dirt trails, may be on trail with elevation or sand)

Directions

Since there is a $15/vehicle parking fee, carpooling is suggested. We will meet at a nearby Park & Ride (Lot 7) and carpool from there. From I-5, take the Carmel Valley Road exit and drive a short distance west to the first stoplight @ Pointe Del Mar Rd. Turn left into the Park & Ride parking lot. There are no public restrooms.

Initially, we will bird along the freeway frontage road south to the wastewater pump station. Later, returning to our cars at the parking lot, we will drive west to the Reserve entrance on Carmel Valley Road.

There are restrooms neat the Reserve parking area, but none on the trails.

Torrey Pines State Reserve is located within the San Diego City limits and yet remains one of the wildest stretches of land on our Southern California coast. Its 2000 acres of land are as they were before San Diego was developed with the chaparral plant community, the rare and elegant Torrey Pine trees, miles of unspoiled beaches, and a lagoon that is vital to migrating seabirds.

Please Note: Summer birding can be very warm so be sure to bring sunscreen and sufficient water on walks.

Photos: Torrey Pines

Further Information on Location: http://www.torreypine.org/