Is Torrey Pines open right now?

Torrey Pines is one of the most-recommended hikes in San Diego, and a lot of travel guides and itineraries don't know it's closed. If you drive up North Torrey Pines Road expecting the Guy Fleming or Razor Point trails this fall or winter, you'll find a closed gate. Here's what's shut, what isn't, and where to go instead.

“The reserve will be closed to all visitors, including pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles. The closure includes all trails, the Beach Trail Staircase, the Lodge and both upper parking lots.”

California State Parks, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Why the whole thing, and why March

Phase I of the utility project worked around partial trail closures because the work was underground. Phase II builds above ground — a new restroom and an accessible path from the upper lot to the Lodge — which State Parks says can't be done safely with the trails open. The March 1 deadline isn't arbitrary: the reserve is habitat for the California gnatcatcher, protected under federal wildlife law, whose nesting season typically runs from late February into August, so heavy work has to wrap up before then.

If you came for a coastal hike

• —Cabrillo National Monument's Bayside Trail in Point Loma — $20 per vehicle, valid seven days (NPS).
• —Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, a few miles inland — creek, oak woodland and a small waterfall.
• —Batiquitos Lagoon Trail in Carlsbad — flat and stroller-friendly.
• —Or simply walk Torrey Pines State Beach north toward Del Mar at low tide.