Crowds pack Torrey Pines as reserve reopens Sunday

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is fully open after a four-month closure due to construction and nesting season, drawing large crowds eager to get back on the trails Sunday.

The popular San Diego destination reopened following months-long upgrades to make the park ADA-compliant. Parking lots quickly filled to capacity, and traffic slowed near the entrance, but that did not stop visitors from enjoying the ocean views and coastal cliffs.

“Oh my gosh, that is cool.”

Hikers said the reopening was worth the wait, even with warmer-than-usual temperatures.

Ulises Martinez, who was hiking with friends, said his favorite part of the day was taking in the scenery.

“My favorite part has been the entrance, there’s a cliff, the view of the cliff, there’s a beach right next to it, it’s amazing.”

Temperatures climbed higher than usual for this time of year, prompting some hikers to comment on the heat.

“Ah, it’s hot”

Martinez said the warmer weather did not dampen his experience.

“It is a little hot but it doesn’t bother me, no”

Karina Santillan and her family also spent the day hiking, unaware that it was reopening day.

“No, we didn’t, so I guess we got lucky.”

Despite the larger crowds, both groups said they enjoyed seeing so many people outside.

“I like that. There’s people are coming out here. It’s it’s nice. Um, it doesn’t make you feel alone either,” Martinez said.

“It was more crowded than usual. Yeah, but it’s nice that everybody’s out walking,” Santillan said.

Additional construction for infrastructure repairs and new restrooms is expected to begin this fall.

Visitors planning a trip during opening week should be aware that restriping will take place Wednesday on the park road and upper parking lots. The visitor center will be closed that day, but parking will remain available in the lower lots.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.