Torrey Pines beach

Torrey Pines is well known, I understand, in golfing circles as a very fine course on the cliffs about the Pacific Ocean. Perhaps lesser known but more important is the Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve which is adjacent to the golf course.

We’ve been here at least a couple of times, the last some years ago. The reserve is a valuable coastal ecosystem representing just a very small remnant of a landscape that has been all but lost through human development. The reserve comprises of maritime chaparral, the rare Torrey pine, miles of unspoiled beaches and marshy lagoons.

Even though the area is protected it is under pressure as climate change has, for example, left the pines vulnerable to native boring beetles which in the past would have been killed by tree snap. With drought the trees are producing less sap and as a result the beetles are getting the upper hand and hundreds of trees have been lost.

Passing through the chaparral trails lead down through some spectacular rock formations to an equally spectacular beach backed by towering cliffs as shown in the extras.

We were able to visit the reserve as Chris had a dental appointment nearby and was happy to work in a local Starbucks before and after his visit.