Home ⎜ Hikes & Wanderings ⎜ California  ⎜ Black’s Beach to La Jolla Shores

This hike begins at Black’s beach, descending the cliffs to the beach, then becomes a coast walk as it meanders from Black’s through Scripps Insitute, looping around to the Torrey Pines Gliderport by way of La Jolla Shores Drive and North Torrey Pines Road.

Distance: 7 miles

Time: 3.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 350 feet

Dog Friendly: Yes. Before 9am and after 6pm (summer); before 9am and after 4pm (October-April).

Trail Notes: 7 miles

Trailhead Directions: 4 hours

Hike Directions: From the Torrey Pines Gliderport, walk to the southwestern end of the parking lot. As you follow the ridge, you’ll see steps leading down to the ocean. Take these an descend to beach level then turn left. You’ll reach the surfer’s beach, and continue straight to a mushroom-shaped building. This area is known as “Mushroom Beach.” Great for taking photos, but remember the structure itself is private property. As you continue beyond the Mushroom, the trail becomes narrower and quite rocky. You’ll pass through a field of boulders on the beach. I’d recommend bring waterproof shoes with good traction just in case it becomes too rocky. And if you’re completing this hike toward the evening, the crabs start to climb out onto the rocks on the beach as the sun sets, so shoes might help avoid a painful encounter. The beach looks like it ends a few hundred feet beyond the Mushroom but it actually turns a corner in the cliff and continues along the beach. The trail opens up now and it’s back to walking on a wide and soft sand beach. Next you’ll pass through Scripps Pier and continuing beyond it, you’ll reach La Jolla Shores Beach about 3.5 miles from the Torrey Pines Gliderport parking area. From La Jolla Shores, leave the beach and walk east toward the street on the other side of the park, La Jolla Shores Drive. Hang a left here and start walking uphill enjoying beautiful views of the coastal area as you ascend the hill. At the top of La Jolla Shores Drive, turn left onto North Torrey Pines Road and walk for 0.9 miles to Torrey Pines Scenic Drive where you’ll make another left. Walk to the end of the road where you’ll find the gliderport parking area and your car.

Scenery: 9/10