|
Author:
|
Backpacker Magazine
|
|
Activity:
|
Hiking
ActivitySearchHiking
|
|
State:
|
California (CA)
|
|
Distance:
|
3.93 mi
|
|
Difficulty:
|
5 / 10
|
|
USGS Topo Map:
|
Santa Rosa Island South
|
|
Rating:
|
Unrated
|
This 4.3-mile loop is best hiked counterclockwise, and kickstarts with 650-foot climb promising long-stretch views above Santa Rosa Island, the Pacific Ocean, and nearby Black Mountain. At the corner of Coastal Road and Wreck Road (marked as Waypoint 1), swing S onto Wreck Road. From here, the trail heads away from the beach over a mixed of windswept grasslands and hardy chaparral. Turn east off Wreck (Waypoint 2) after 1.2 miles. At mile 2.2, pass through Torrey Pines, one of two places in the world where these rare stunted pines grow. Take photos. Descend the Torrey Pines Trail to Coastal Road, turn left, and return to the pier. Overnighters: Camp at Water Canyon campground located off Coastal Road on the Cherry Canyon Trail.
TO TRAILHEAD: From Ventura Harbor, take Island Packers Ferry (805-642-1393) to Santa Rosa Island. From the ferry drop-off point, head 1.4 miles southeast on the Coastal Road (the island restricts cars to rangers and holders of special permits) to Waypoint 1.
| Position Format: |
Datum: |
|
|
|
Torrey Pines Trail
| Dist: 3.93 mi |
Points: 312 |
Calories: none |
| Time: none |
Speed: 0.0 mph |
Pace: 0:00 / mi |
Trail
Location: 33.980579°, -120.041573°
© Gail Steele-Moyer
Location: 33.993374°, -120.039314°
Pelicans scour the coastline for food. © Gail Steele-Moyer
Location: 33.986794°, -120.029953°
Cool clear water wraps around the island. © Gail Steele-Moyer
WPT001
Location: 33.992241°, -120.040955°
Continue straight at 4-way junction onto singletrack and quickly begin a 650-foot climb.
WPT002
Location: 33.980644°, -120.041145°
Veer left at 3-way with Wreck Road and traverse the ridgeline as you approach the Torrey Pines Loop Trail. To the east is Skunk Point, home to the threatened Snowy Plover, a fist-sized coastal bird which makes their home on sandy beaches and sand dunes.
WPT003
Location: 33.981937°, -120.021812°
Turn left onto Torrey Pines Loop Trail and begin a series of switchbacks back to Bechers Bay. Around you stand Torrey Pines, one of the rarest pines in the world (they live here and near San Diego). These plants are believed to be the ancestors of a 10,000-year-old coastal forest. Harsh winds coming off the ocean stunt their growth.
WPT004
Location: 33.985447°, -120.026436°
Turn left onto Coastal Road and return to starting point. The road parallels Water Canyon Beach where pelicans and gulls scrounge the coastline for food.
