Located at the seaside, having a hilly topography and occupying 7 miles (11 kilometers) of coastline, La Jolla is a place that offers mesmerizing scenic views, great beaches, unique hiking trails and an abundance of natural resources. A few of the most popular attractions in the area are the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Kellogg Park, Stuart Collection, Map and Atlas Museum, and Scripps Coastal Reserve. Hiking is one of the most sought-after activities in La Jolla. It allows you to get good exercise all the while enjoying the scenic views, the fresh breeze, and fun company if you decided to hike with friends or family.
There are dozens of hiking trails in La Jolla. Some trails are better than others. If you are planning to hike the area, having some knowledge about the trails should help you figure out which ones are worth hiking and which is not. Below are the top hiking and trekking spots in La Jolla, San Diego. Scroll down to find out more.
1. La Jolla Trail
La Jolla Trail is an easy to intermediate 3.4-kilometer (2.11-mile) trail with a constant ascent all throughout the trail. The trail starts at a 14-meter (45-feet) elevation above sea level and peaks at 216 meters (708 feet), with ascents up to 216 meters (708 feet) and descents as low as -8 meters (-26 feet). The trail will start at the Ray Miller Trailhead, heading to the fire road, then ending at the intersection with the La Jolla Loop trail. People who choose to hike this trail will be awarded views of the lake, river, waterfall, and lots of wild birds and plants along the hike.
La Jolla Trail
Address: La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037
2. Saigon Trail
Saigon Trail, also known as Ho Chi Minh Trail, is a short but rugged 0.9-kilometer (0.6-mile) trail that is only recommended for experienced hikers open to the task of maneuvering through the canyon. The people taking on this challenging trail will be rewarded with the best views of the beach, wild birds, as well as the canyon trail itself. The trail quickly elevates to up to 78 meters (259 feet), with big obstructions on a rugged path with a couple of slippery areas.
Saigon Trail
Address: Saigon Trail, San Diego, CA 92037
3. Scripps Coastal Reserve Biodiversity Trail
The Scripps Coastal Reserve Biodiversity Trail is a 0.8-kilometer (0.5-mile) loop trail that awards its hikers with beautiful views of the beach. The trail ascends as high as 8.8 meters (29 feet), with an easy, mostly flat path, throughout the hike. The Scripps Coastal Reserve Biodiversity Trail is a great option for those new to hiking, as the path is straightforward, short, has great views of the surrounding area, and can be as long as you want since it is a loop.
Scripps Coastal Reserve Biodiversity Trail
Address: Whitecliff Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
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4. North Fork Trailhead
North Fork Trail is a part of the Torrey Pines Trail, using the North Fork Trailhead to start the hike near the highway. The entire trail is only 0.6 kilometers (0.4 miles) in length, with the trailhead elevated at 112 meters (369 feet) above sea level, with elevation gains of up to 29.5 meters (97 feet). People hiking this trail will have great views of birds and other wildlife, as well as many different species of endangered wildflowers. The path is moderately obstructed with rocks and bushes and it is easy and short enough for first-time hikers to try.
North Fork Trailhead
Address: N Fork Trail, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
5. Blacks Beach Trailhead
Black Beach Trail is a 1.7-kilometer (1.1-mile) intermediate level hiking trail in La Jolla. Elevation starts at only one meter above sea level and goes up to 100 meters (329 feet). The trail can be identified as moderately obstructed by rocks and bushes, has a fairly flat path for the majority of the hike, with a few uphill areas. It is also a good thing to note that the black beach is a nude beach, which means that it might not be the best trail for adults to bring their little children to go hiking. Hikers will have a spectacular view of the beach as well as flora and fauna along the trail.
Blacks Beach Trailhead
Address: 9601 La Jolla Farms Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
6. South Fork Trailhead
The South Fork Trailhead is a 4.2-kilometer (2.5-mile) trail with moderate obstructions and very little shade. The trail head’s elevation is at 129 meters (423 feet) above sea level, which is also the highest point of the entire hike. The area is home to over 300 species of endangered plants, as well as some wildlife. Hikers of the trail will have great views of the area, where they will see birds and other wildlife, wildflowers, cliffs, and unique rugged land formations.
South Fork Trailhead
Address: S Fork Trail, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
7. San Clemente Trail
San Clemente Trail is an easy 6.1-kilometer (3.7-mile) trail with a mostly flat path throughout. The path can be identified as a constant ascent with the exception of a few shallow descents, and it has little to no obstruction. The trail’s elevation starts at 31 meters (101.7 feet) going upwards to 114 meters (374 feet), with ascents up to 87 meters (285 feet) and descents as going as low as -4 meters (-13 feet). Hikers of the trail will pass through magpies, swallowtail butterflies, and the river. Dogs are also allowed on the trail as long as they are leashed, perfect for family hikes.
Marian Bear Memorial Park
Address: 5491 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92117, United States
Website: San Clemente Trail
Opening hours: 5am - 8pm (daily)
8. Torrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines State Reserve Loop is a popular 3.9-kilometer (2.4-mile) trail that is great for anyone who would like to start hiking. The trail starts at an elevation of only one meter above sea level going up to 101 meters (328 ft) at its peak, with ascents up to 100 meters (328 feet) and descents as low as -100 meters (-328 feet). The trails start at a constant ascent a quarter of the way then descends until hikers are walking on a flat beach. Hikers are rewarded with beautiful views of the beach, birds, and flora and fauna along the path, as well as the fresh breeze coming from the ocean.
Torrey Pines State Reserve
Address: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
Website: Torrey Pines State Reserve
Discover La Jolla
La Jolla, San Diego, has many forests with great trails leading to the coasts. Although all leading to the same general direction, each trail has its own unique angles and views of the surroundings. Some trails can be much more difficult than others, while some are easy and short enough for anyone to try out as their first hike. Discover not only the beautiful beach and canyons of the trail but also the wildlife and wildflowers that many of the trails have in abundance.
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