Hiking in Torrey Pines, California

by - July 09, 2017


Granted, my outfit wasn't really hiking-appropriate, but we went to the beach afterwards so I kind of got my priorities sorted.

The first time I discovered to the Torrey Pines Natural Reserve, my boyfriend's mum took us there for a hike. I didn't take my camera with me and just wanted to enjoy our little walk, but when I saw the place I promptly asked that we come back again. A couple days later, in the middle of a heatwave, apparently (didn't feel that hot though, Paris in the heat feels far worse) we were there again to walk one of the numerous trails and enjoy some beach time. 
The first thing you see when you arrive there is the beach, but don't stay there. The more you walk, the better the views get and I highly recommend you climb the paths leading to the hiking trails. It's a bit of a steep walk, especially on warm days, but absolutely worth it. And you don't need to be a hike afficionado to do it. A pair of walking shoes and some water and you're ready to go.


From there the views are already great, but it's when you reach the hiking trails that it gets really exciting. They are very easy to follow and the paths are delimited by rope so as to avoid dangerous routes. Walk all the way to the top and you'll have an incredible view over the whole Reserve.


The bright blue of the sky clashes with the deep red of the rocks, reminding you that yes, this is a desert. This landscape is unlike any other I had ever seen before, and pictures fail to capture how beautiful and colourful the whole place is.


Resuming our walk, we took the path to the Yuca Viewpoint, which leads directly onto an extensive view of the Pacific. That part was my favourite, because walking along these trails allow you to see the whole area. If you're lucky, there won't be many people around and you'll have the place to yourself.


On one side, the red, sandy rocks, on the other, the sparkling blue ocean. Which one would be your favourite?


Still deciding on which one to choose. 
After admiring the view, it's time to get up close to that deep blue ocean. Just follow the sign...


A few steps down, and you are rewarded for all the hiking by a wonderful, almost empty part of the beach, hidden by the cliffs. We put our towels down and enjoyed the light breeze, hoping in the water and looking for sand crabs. 


My boyfriend got some pretty, colourful stones from the ocean that I am going to bring back to my mum. He then proceeded, on my request, to try and take photos of me in water, but that didn't turn out so well. However there's one that sums up quite well my feeling and the constant facial expression I had that day.


A happy bunny.
Oh, and I've finally made my choice between the sea and the rocks.

... I pick his silly face over everything else. 


Do you like hiking? Or do you prefer a lazy afternoon on the beach?

Lots of love,
Julia x

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20 commentaires

  1. I prefer hiking, but if the hike ends at the beach, I am very happy. And you look very, very happy, dear Julia. That is the most beautiful in all these pictures.

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

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    Replies
    1. The beach is like the reward for hiking all the way! Thank you so much Anne, I really am and it's great if it shows, we all need a bit of positivity :D xx

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  2. Oh wow, spectacular views - and such gorgeous weather too! Your outfit actually looks ideal for wandering around before hitting the beach :) Enjoy the sunshine!

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x

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    Replies
    1. Oh yes the weather is amazing, not deadly hot as I thought it would be, it is actually bearable! Thank you for reading Gabrielle! xx

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  3. I have to agree with you! The views from above are breath taking!!! The rock formations are my favorite! :)

    xoxo,
    SHAIRA
    www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Rocks and cliffs like that are so fascinating, just thinking about how long it took for it to look that way! xx

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  4. Aww, the views are stunning. The weather was great too, lovely bright sky, just perfect for the beach.

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    1. Views like that make you want to be out and about all the time! xx

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  5. These views are absolutely stunning! I quite enjoy hiking as long as the path's not too steep hehe.

    Andini xx | Adventures of an Anglophile 

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    Replies
    1. Oh yes steep paths are a nightmare, especially when it's really warm! xx

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  6. Such a stunning place and you look absolutely gorgeous!

    Ash | www.mstantrum.com

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  7. Ooh wow, there were some gorgeous views whilst you were on your hike!
    Aleeha xXx
    http://www.halesaaw.co.uk/

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    Replies
    1. Yes, definitely worth the effort! xx

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  8. These photos look stunning!!

    Have an amazing day!
    xx Kris

    https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com

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  9. These photos look so good!! I want to go hiking now hahah x

    Ariadna || RAWR BOWS

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    Replies
    1. You totally should, hiking is fun and it's easy exercise! xx

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  10. This place looks lovely and you two look so cute together!

    Sarah | What Sarah Writes

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