Hiking Pines with an Ocean View
Being able to walk among such a rare species of giants was a serene experience. The way they seem to ground you, but also lift your head up to see the sky. These giants are trees, Torrey pines to be specific.
Torrey pines are an endangered species in the United States that grows along the Southern California coastline. The only places it grows is in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, coastal northern San Diego county and Santa Rosa Island. I went to the natural reserve to hike because of the beautiful trails, but there is history here too. There is a little discovery center at the top of the hill where visitors can learn more information about the area.
The first people in this area were the Kumeyaay, who still live in parts of San Diego. Also, this specific area was called the Point of Trees (Punto de Los Arboles) by the Spanish explorers. The trees were named Torrey Pines after a leading botanist of the times. Over the years, the park was established and the trees were protected, but the history is a long and interesting one. More information can be found on the reserve's website.
My best friend and I hiked around the reserve this past Saturday. It was the perfect day to hike. The sun was shining with a slight breeze, making it easy to hike for hours.
When you get there, there are cliffs dropping off into a crashing ocean. Trails wind up and around on the cliffs, creating beautiful scenery.
A couple of the trails include steep stone stairs, but most of them are gentle slopes. Everything is so calm and peaceful you won't even realize how much you are hiking.
It goes without saying, but the views are incredible. They make the hike special and unique.
As you hike, you can hear the crash of the waves and see paddle boarders out on the sea. Sometimes you can spot paragliders flying around too.
Whether it is the clear open skies, the quirky old trees, or the sandy steps, the whole environment is serene. You can breathe deep and let your mind wander as you walk.
Sometimes we get so caught up in life that little excursions like this is important. A hike outdoors in a unique place that I have never been to is all I need. Plus, I love trees.
Torrey pines are an endangered species in the United States that grows along the Southern California coastline. The only places it grows is in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, coastal northern San Diego county and Santa Rosa Island. I went to the natural reserve to hike because of the beautiful trails, but there is history here too. There is a little discovery center at the top of the hill where visitors can learn more information about the area.
The first people in this area were the Kumeyaay, who still live in parts of San Diego. Also, this specific area was called the Point of Trees (Punto de Los Arboles) by the Spanish explorers. The trees were named Torrey Pines after a leading botanist of the times. Over the years, the park was established and the trees were protected, but the history is a long and interesting one. More information can be found on the reserve's website.
My best friend and I hiked around the reserve this past Saturday. It was the perfect day to hike. The sun was shining with a slight breeze, making it easy to hike for hours.
When you get there, there are cliffs dropping off into a crashing ocean. Trails wind up and around on the cliffs, creating beautiful scenery.
A couple of the trails include steep stone stairs, but most of them are gentle slopes. Everything is so calm and peaceful you won't even realize how much you are hiking.
It goes without saying, but the views are incredible. They make the hike special and unique.
As you hike, you can hear the crash of the waves and see paddle boarders out on the sea. Sometimes you can spot paragliders flying around too.
Whether it is the clear open skies, the quirky old trees, or the sandy steps, the whole environment is serene. You can breathe deep and let your mind wander as you walk.
Sometimes we get so caught up in life that little excursions like this is important. A hike outdoors in a unique place that I have never been to is all I need. Plus, I love trees.
