Torrey Pines State Reserve
State reserves have outstanding or unusual natural or
scenic values. Torrey Pines State Reserve is a wilderness island in an urban
sea. This fragile environment is the home of our nation's rarest pine tree - Pinus
torreyana. Once this tree covered a larger area. It now grows only
here and on Santa Rosa Island off the coast near Santa Barbara. The park
preserves not only the trees, but also the last salt marshes and waterfowl
refuges in Southern California. The reserve features high broken cliffs and deep
ravines on headlands overlooking the ocean. Hikers can follow trails through
stands of wind-sculpted pines. A picturesque, pueblo-style structure that served
as a restaurant when it was built in 1923 houses the visitor center, featuring
interpretive displays. Picnicking and camping are prohibited in the reserve. The
reserve's rich plant community features wildflowers in the spring and visitors
can see the California quail gathered in coveys in the early mornings of fall
and winter. (taken from)
Torrey
Pines SRFor other sources of information select from the following
Torrey Pines State Reserve Park Features