Less-known Torrey Pines extension offers stunning vistas

Torrey Pines State Reserve is one of the most beautiful hiking areas in the urban core, and as such, it's well-known and well-traveled. Far fewer hikers venture a short distance north to Torrey Pines State Reserve Extension, which is well worth exploring. TORREY PINES STATE RESERVE EXTENSION Before you go: Rules prohibit pets, bikes or picnics. Entrance into the extension is free. Find trail maps at the Web site torreypine.org. Trail head: At cul-de-sac end of Del Mar Scenic Parkway, off Carmel Valley Road west of Interstate 5. Length: Varies from 1 to 2 miles round-trip. Hours: 7 a.m. to sunset. The extension is across the Los Peñasquitos Lagoon from the main reserve. Though access is through Del Mar neighborhoods, once you enter the extension's pristine lands, you see very few people and very few houses along the upper... [read full story]