MAJESTIC TORREY PINES RESERVE
UCSD Guardian University of California, San Diego
“Take a Break at Torrey Pines” By Greg McCormack
Step into Torrey Pines State Reserve and discover and strange, fantastic place where one of earth’s rare trees grows.Pines State Reserve (henceforth TPSR) is the perfect getaway for those seeking solace from the Torrey Pines State Reserve
The 1,750-acre park contains 10,000 of these particular maritime pines: Ice-Age relic restricted to this particular coastal headland (between La Jolla and Del Mar) and Santa Rosa Island off of Santa Barbara- 280 km north of San Diego. In 1850, the year California was admitted into the union, Dr. C.C. Parry, a botanist for the Mexican-American Boundary Survey, described the “Soladad Pine” as a possible new species. He sent samples to his teacher, Dr. John Torrey (an eminent botanist and taxidermist), with the stipulation that if the tree was indeed a new species, Parry would name it in his honor. It waswithin the park there are many trails to hike: some head westward toward the undulating Pacific, others inward to more quiet peaceful areas.
For the visitor the choice of the trail depends on how she/he feels at the moment (and how much time they have to spare). For the first0timer the Guy Fleming Trail is an excellent ice-breaker. This flat, looped trail takes about half an hour to hike and boasts to outstanding overlooks; twisted wind-swept trees can be observed at either one. Some, clinging to cliffs and distorted by wind and dry weather tell of never ending conflict between land and sea. High Point Lookout Knoll has an incredible 360 degree panorama of the park and nearby points of interest. Quite a few weddings are celebrated here and on sunny days visitors will spend hours surveying the area. To the south, beneath a reaching, cerulean sky, one can see the glistening waters of La Jolla Bay. To the north, one can make out Los Penasquitos Lagoon and Salt Marsh with the magnificent mountains of the Peninsular Range in the far distance. At the foot of the cliffs is a fine beach for jogging, sunbathing, surf-fishing, viewing shore birds, and bare bottom Black’s Beach bums. If you plan to stroll along the beach it is best to consult a tide book (available in most sporting goods stores).
The Broken Hill Trail is a strenuous one for those who are not in top physical condition. The strange formations on this trail are all a part of a thick sequence of sediments, mostly marine, that were deposited during the Tertiary and Quaternary periods. For the edification of those interested in the flora and fauna species it may be interesting to note that in the entire reserve there are 144 birds, 110 invertebrates, 85 plants, 39 mammals, 28 reptiles, 23 fishes, and 7 amphibians.
Your time might be best spent reading, writing or meditating underneath a wind-whistling Torrey Pine. If you bring a friend be assured that the time spent together chewing-the-fate or witnessing fantastic panoramas is conducive to more meaningful relationships. Absorb the overwhelming tranquility and strength of the Reserve. The peacefulness soothes tensions and stirs the creative juices. The “strength” is everywhere and many people who visit experience religious feelings or a sense of the supernatural.
The few hours spent here and TPSR are enhanced by personal discoveries. It is truly a delightful experience, not to be missed.
Visit the Torrey Pines State Reserve site for more information and current trail conditions