(For the expanded version of this entry, see my blog)
This entire area is called Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and boasts majestic cliffs, breathtaking bluffs, scenic canyons and a true labyrinth of trails that are all interconnected and well distributed.
Ran through Broken Hill, North Grove, Parry Grove, Razor Point, down/up the Torrey Pines Hill, through Guy Fleming Trail and repeated a lot of it. You cannot get enough of these trails as they are hard packed with a tiny layer of soft beach sand on top, making them the softest natural padding I've ever run on. This entire area is called Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and boasts majestic cliffs, breathtaking bluffs, scenic canyons and a true labyrinth of trails that are all interconnected and well distributed.
The trails are clearly defined although at times its edges of natural desert shrubs and low lying trees are tall and overgrown giving the ominous appearance that they will swallow you at will. As you run to the sounds of the sea below and your own rhythm creating the only noticeable other noise, you'll occasionally get startled by a scampering cottontail, jack rabbit, hare or gopher...possibly running for its life from a predator like the one below.
However no words can accurately describe the rolling trails...sometimes smooth, sometimes rocky, but always rich in character. At times those trails take on steep natural slopes like ladders leading straight up into the sky, or they become deep gorges with jagged rocks protruding from the sand like broken steps getting ready to give way into the abyss. I love Torrey Pines and it's definitely one of my favorite places in the whole world.- JARRIN
4 comments:
Jarrin,
Thanks for the photos. I am a big fan of San Diego.
I flew to San Diego and La Jolla last summer, having time for just one run. Despite being there for less than 24 hours, I encountered my first rattlesnake while running. Needless to say, signs like the one above aren't just for show! I high-tailed it in the other direction there faster than any jackrabbit ever could.
That area is one of the most scenic places in the country. Torrey Pines is a trail running and golf mecca all in one place: it doesn't get much better than that. Enjoy it out there!
There are definitely some fantastic trails in SoCal.
Torrey Pines is pretty sick, Balboa Park is nice too for some running/xc races. I was surprised though, I thought the area would be a little nicer, but there's a lot of rundown places. And that's coming from someone who lives in Baltimore.
Balboa park was always an interesting place. We ran the SDSU Aztec invite there every year. You would be running through this beautiful park and then suddenly see homeless guys emerging from the bushes half-dressed, awakened by the stampede of runners.
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