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It’s felt like summer in San Diego over the last few weeks, and where better to celebrate that feeling than at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve?
On a clear day this week, the view of the ocean from the reserve’s flower-covered cliffs was almost unreal. And since the weather has been genuinely warm, verging on hot, I envisioned taking a jump in the ocean at the beach below. The water temperatures are still in the low 60s, though — a reminder that it’s not quite summer yet.
Excellent weather aside, I wonder if Torrey Pines were showing off for its reopening. The reserve has been closed for months due to a multi-phase project to upgrade and repair its facilities, including replacing its aging sewer system and making the reserve more accessible to people with disabilities. More work is expected later this year, but California State Parks hasn’t yet said how it could affect access to the reserve.
But as of last weekend, the main trails are open, and they had clearly been missed. Even on a Tuesday morning, there were dozens of visitors out enjoying the reserve.
I hiked two loops at the reserve, following the Guy Fleming and Parry Grove trails, for a 2.5-mile trip. I wish the hiking at Torrey Pines was more challenging, but how could I possibly complain, when the scenery from the trails is so dramatic?
Further east, Pacific Crest Trail hikers are soon starting their 2,650-mile trek from Mexico to Canada, but the start of their hike by the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego County might look a little different this year. A new militarized zone near the trailhead now prohibits hikers from touching the border fence when starting or ending their hike — a longstanding tradition for many hikers. I explained more about the militarized zone — one of several sections of the border now controlled by the U.S. military as part of expanded immigration enforcement — in a recent story.
And for a more lighthearted look at the PCT, you can read my story from a few years ago about the hikers who set out to complete the epic thru-hike.
Plus, a new proposal from Assemblymember David Alvarez intends to return ancestral land to the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians. Tribal leadership says they want to use the land, which is now the 50-acre San Pasqual Battlefield State Park, to teach younger generations about their history.
That’s all from me this week.
—Maura
Torrey Pines Natural State Reserve in La Jolla now open after phase 1 construction
For PCT hikers, a new militarized zone on the U.S.-Mexico border challenges a longstanding tradition
The great journey north: Thousands arrive in San Diego County for an ultimate hiking challenge
Hike of the week: Start the new year with a quiet exploration at the Torrey Pines Extension
Outdoors: Speaking the language of Baja California tree frogs
San Pasqual Battlefield would be returned to tribe under state bill