Torrey Pines Natural Reserve, California

8 April 20253 May 2025

Having lived on the coast of California, I was determined to watch the sunset each night in San Clemente. I would walk down to the pier, take a stroll along the beach until the last flicker of light disappeared into the horizon. I vowed never to take the experience for granted and wanted to continue my tradition on a recent visit to San Diego. I was so excited to meet my friend Kristi with whom I had hiked so many times. I thought about all of the SoCal hikes we had done as I drove into Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. This is absolutely one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world and I couldn’t wait to take in another Pacific Coast sunset.

We decided we would hike the Guy Fleming Trail because it has the most scenic overlooks. Measuring a short two-thirds of a mile loop, this hike is also known for its wildlife and wildflowers. There are several trails within the reserve including a beach trail. This one is most popular with the locals during the evening hours because it is easy and in good condition as well as provides the most beautiful views of the sunset from here.

Torrey Pines surprisingly reminds me of the Badlands. Approaching the trailhead, we walked up the hill along the paved roadway, but soon turned into a dirt trail. Parts of the hike were somewhat unstable due to water erosion from a previous rain, so we knew to tread carefully and stay away from the edge.

Shortly into the hike, we noticed the berries along the path and the diversity of plant life that grows in Southern California. The best time to see the blooms are during the spring season but there is always some type of vegetation to see throughout the year.

It became clear that we were nearing the edge of the cliff as we caught glimpses of the ocean through the thick vegetation. I was looking forward to the scenic views once I arrived closer to the shore where we could look out into the horizon, or count the number of people strolling the beach below. Ghoulish rock formations hiding between the trees appeared as we continued heading west towards the coast.

Along the path were Mojave Yucca plants growing along the trail and we began to hear the crashing of waves along the Pacific Coast. Looking down towards the beach we noticed the sculpted sandstone canyon. The rocks and vegetation were an interesting desert-like contrast against the ocean and beach below.

The Mojave Yucca plants looked like scarecrows standing along the trail. Adding to the interesting landscape, they appeared as fireworks sprouting out from pillars of hay. The yucca bloom between the months of April to May exhibiting green capsules with white flesh that eventually dry up in the late summer months.

This area is home to the rarest tree in North America, the Torrey Pine, for which the preserve is named. Indigenous to southern California, these pines also grow in Santa Barbara, but only in these two locations. It is for this reason, the Torrey Pines Preserve was designated to protect these trees from further city development.

Along the trail were several scenic lookouts where we stopped to admire the coastline. Looking towards the north, I was able to see Del Mar’s Peñasquitos Marsh which is a part of the preserve. The name is Spanish for little cliffs and forms a natural border between San Diego and Del Mar.

Growing among the rocks were pink sand verbenas that added vibrant color to the clay hues of the sandstone.

Off in the distance, I could see La Jolla Cove as I looked south from the trail. On a clear day, San Clemente and Catalina Island can be seen from here as well.

Peering down from the trail towards the parking lot and entrance station, we were looking up the coast towards the north. From here, we could once again see a small section of the Los Peñasquitos Marsh Natural Preserve and Lagoon.

We began to travel back inland on the trail through a small forest of Torrey Pines. Looking closely at the pines we noticed that their needles grow in bundles of five which is unique to its species. The Kumeyaay Indians collected the pinon nut from the Torrey Pine as food while the needles were used to make baskets.

We were hoping to come across some of the local wildlife on the trail because there were not many hikers that day. The only encounter we had was a small bunny hopping across the path, but foxes and mountain lions have been spotted on the preserve.

We returned to where we had first started our hike and happened to notice shafts of sunlight creating shadows on the rock formations. We had eventually reached the paved road with only a ten minute walk to the entrance gate up the steep Torrey Pines Park Road. With plenty of time to arrive at the beach, I was on schedule to watch the glorious sunset.

What trails have you hiked in Southern California? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my hike through Torrey Pines and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Torrey Pines Natural Preserve
12600 North Torrey Pines Road
San Diego, CA 92307
Telephone: 858 755 2063

Admission Fee: The facility use fee depends on which parking lot you use. South Beach parking during high season (starting at Spring Break until the end of September) costs $15 from Monday – Thursday and $20 from Friday – Saturday. Low season begins in October until Spring Break where fees are $12 from Monday – Thursday and $15 from Friday to Sunday. Note that high season prices may be charged during holidays, so be prepared. For parking on the North Beach, high season (from Spring Break to end of September_ are $10 from Monday – Thursday and $15 from Friday – Sunday. Payment is accepted at the Automated Pay Machine if no staff is available at the kiosk. Low season rates are $3 from Monday – Thursday and $10 from Friday – Saturday. Annual passes are available for $195.
Hours: Open all year from 7:15AM to sunset
Amenities: Visitor center, museum shop, guided nature walks, fishing, parking
Scenic View: Gorgeous views of the coast from the hiking trails and this is the perfect place for watching the sunset.
Length of Visit: 3 – 4 hours, but there are hikes that will take under 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: This is a popular location for sunset and holidays can be extremely busy. Bring water especially if you are hiking. Food and drink (with the exception of water) is not permitted on the Reserve, but are permitted on the beach. No alcohol on the Reserve and the beach. Dogs are not permitted and there is no smoking allowed. Drones are also banned from the Reserve and beach.

Where to Stay:

San Diego Marriott La Jolla
4240 La Jolla Village Drive
La Jolla, CA 92037
Telephone: 858 587 1414

Where to Eat:

Nozomi La Jolla
4150 Regents Park Row #190
La Jolla, CA 92037
Telephone: 858 452 7778

I absolutely LOVE Nozomi’s Famous Chirashi Salad!

What to Eat:

Burritos at Fred’s on Pacific Beach
Ceviche at Karina’s Ceviches & More
Fish Tacos at Wahoo!
Uni at Pacific Beach’s Sushi Ota

What to Read:

From What I Remember, by Stacy Kramer
Beat, Slay, Love by Thalia Filbert
The Tombs, by Clive Cussler
How to be an American Housewife, by Margaret Dilloway

Photo Guide for La Jolla:

La Jolla Cove
La Plaza La Jolla
The beautiful architecture of La Valencia Hotel
View from the Park Bench at the Museum of Contemporary Art
Salk Institute
Scoops Ice Cream
Scripps Pier and La Jolla Shores

The Sun Setting in Torrey Pines

The Sunset from the Beach at Torrey Pines

Dusk at Torrey Pines State Preserve

BCheck out more photos of Torrey Pines State Preserve in the Gallery below

Great Smoky Mountain National Park: Visitor Center

3 December 202022 September 2024

Did you know that the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a World Heritage Site?

These beautiful mountains, known as the Great Smokies, are located in both North Carolina and Tennessee, a part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and a segment of the Appalachians. This land, measuring nearly half a million acres, became a national park in 1940 and a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1983.

The national park’s Visitor Center provides an overview of life in the Great Smoky Mountains from its flora and fauna to the wild animals that make their home here. We decided to make a stop with my nephew, Nolan to learn more about the animals we may encounter during our visit.

The Red Fox resides in the Northern Hemisphere and is one of the largest of all foxes. Able to adapt in all environments, the red fox is usually found in pairs or in small families feasting on smaller rodents. They can survive at various elevations. The red fox has a white tip on its tail, a face that resembles a dog. and its legs may me darker than its coat.

The Grey Fox, although similar to the Red Fox, is usually grey in color and is specifically adapted to climb trees to escape predators. Rather than a white tip on their tail, they will have a black stripe down its tail, a strong neck and the face similar to a cat.

I have only seen a mink once in the wild near a wetlands trail. They are such an elusive creature, growing to be about 12 – 15 inches and weighing a little over 2 pounds. Their coats are brown and may have white markings on their chests and bellies. They travel independently and find their food near water. It is certainly an amazing feeling when you see one in the wild.

Bobcats are a rare sight throughout the Smokey Mountains as they are nocturnal and solitary in nature. Covered in spots, they have stubby tails and short ears and they only grow as long as three feet. The females give birth to up to six kittens during the winter.

Skunks are the animal that you can smell before you see them due their scent glands, used as a defensive weapon. Known for their black coat with white stripes, they are in abundance throughout the park while the lesser known skunk is black with white spots. Skunks give birth to a litter of four to seven babies, usually in the month of May.

While there are populations of wild hogs within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, they are not often spotted within the mountains. The female will usually have around six piglets in a litter and breed twice a year.

The Woodchuck, or Groundhog, is found in open fields, on the side of the road and streams where they find their food. They can measure up to 26 inches and weigh between five and 13 pounds. The females give birth to up to nine babies living up to six years in the wild.

There is an abundance of raccoons within the Great Smoky National Park. While they may make a rare appearance during the day, they are nocturnal and most active at night. A fully grown raccoon will live up to seven years old and weigh between eight to 14 pounds. Most raccoons live near streams to feed on crayfish and frogs.

Chipmunks are also another Smoky Mountains animal that are easily spotted throughout the park. On the ground collecting nuts or racing up trees to store them, Eating nuts, seeds and fruits, they can store their food in their cheek pouches that can reach the size of their bodies when full.

Several species of owls can be found within the Great Smokey National Park. From the medium-sized barn owl to the smaller great horned owl, they are a rare sighting as they are most active at night. They feed off of small rodent animals within the park and make their homes in the many trees throughout the park.

What animals did you see while visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Did you have a favorite one? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my amazing adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 436 1200

Where to Stay:

Firefly Chalet
Highway 321 North
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: www.vrbo.com

Where to Eat:

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
Telephone: 865 429 2200

What to Eat:

Barbecue

A Sunday Along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Michigan

30 April 201921 September 2024

The 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located off of M-109. The road was built by Pierce Stocking, a local lumberman who spent his childhood exploring the area. Great for driving or biking, the scenic route’s first stop is the Covered Bridge, which was also constructed by Stocking, adding additional charm to the drive.

Along the route are designated numbers that coordinate with the guided tour.

Stop number two is the scenic overlook of Glen Lake. The lake, divided in half by the M-22 bridge, is known as Little Glen to the south and Big Glen Lake to the north. The ridge that runs along the north side of Little Glen is appropriately named Alligator Hill as the outline of the alligator’s long snout can be seen near the bridge, to the right. Can you see it?

The Dune Overlook is our next stop and we exited the car to enjoy the scenic view. Stepping onto the platform, we were surrounded by water and sand. The beautiful blue of Lake Michigan could be mistaken for a Caribbean shoreline endlessly disappearing out into the horizon.

The nearby Cottonwood Trail is a 1.5 mile loop through the sand.

Checkpoint five explains the ecological traits of the dunes including the flora and fauna, the effect of the weather and its soil.

Leaving the sand dunes, we entered the Beech-Maple Forest and an amazing panoramic view greeted us at marker number eight.

The landscape was created by glaciers carving their way through the land, leaving behind scenic inlets and incredible coves.

As our scenic drive was coming to an end, we approached our ninth stop and exited the car. Heading towards the platform, we learned that we were approximately 450 feet above Lake Michigan. Excellent visibility allowed us a gorgeous panoramic view of Sleeping Bear Dune.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive was a great way to spend our Sunday afternoon. In addition to exploring our surroundings, we learned so much about Sleeping Bear Dunes and its beautiful lakeshore.

Have you visited Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore? What activities did you enjoy? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my experience on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sleeping Bear Dunes
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Empire, MI 49630
Telephone: 231 326 4700

Where to Eat:

Joe’s Friendly Tavern
11015 W. Front Street
Empire, MI 49630
Telephone: 231 326 5506

Michigan is known for its cherries, and this restaurant offered Empire wings sweetened with dark sweet cherries, so I had to try them!

Trailhead for the Cottonwood Trail

Nolan in the sand

The Petrified Forest National Park is a Scientific Phenomenon

8 May 201431 August 2024

Located in northeastern Arizona, the Petrified Forest National Park hosts over 800,000 visitors each year. Words cannot explain this surreal environment where scattered logs cover 170 square miles. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect on my visit, but what I witnessed was truly an interesting phenomenon.

Throughout the park, fragments of wood seem to have been strewn about for no apparent reason. At first glance, it seems impossible to understand exactly what took place here but scientists seem to have an explanation. They believe that the area was once abundant with trees which had become fossilized and learned that there were other fossils to be found. Paleontologists have been studying this area unearthing such fossils as large amphibians, phytosaurs (reptiles), Buettneria (amphibians) and early dinosaurs.

And if the geology of the park is not fascinating enough, there is also evidence of human life with over 600 archaeological sites and petroglyphs. The petroglyphs are dated between 650 to 2000 years old.

Although seemingly barren, the park is also home to a number of protected mammals which include bobcats, coyotes, black-tailed jackrabbits, prairie dogs, foxes, squirrels, mule deer and pronghorn as well as deer mice.

I suppose the biggest question is, how did the wood become petrified. Most of the explanations that I found in my research were way above my head, so I am making an attempt to explain it in laymen’s terms. Throughout the area there were river channels in the park. Trees that grew up near the channels, fell down, and ended up in the water. Over time and on several occasions, residue that contained volcanic ash would bury these trees. The water would dissolve the silica (silicon dioxide, a chemical) from the ash and would end up inside of the logs. From here, the silica would form quartz crystals that would replace the living parts of the inside of the tree. Some of this material would also remain on the outer layer of the tree, giving it its fossilized exterior. Other substances, such as iron oxide would combine with the silica to create the various colors that appear in the petrified wood.

In addition to learning more about the Petrified Forest, there are many activities available for visitors in the park to include hiking and backpacking, photography, sightseeing and driving through the park. There are seven hiking trails that range from a half a mile to close to three miles in length. The trails are named Agate House, Blue Mesa, Crystal Forest, Giant Logs, Long Logs, Painted Desert Rim and Puerco Pueblo.

While humans are the major threat to the park, there are strict rules and warnings for the removal of petrified wood. It is estimated by the park service that approximately “12 short tons of the fossil wood is stolen from the Petrified Forest each year”. It would be a shame for future generations to miss out on such an interesting site, but lucky for us, the park was designated a National Park in 1962.

Have you visited the Petrified Forest? What did you think of it? I would love to hear about your experience in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

To further plan your visit to Petrified Forest National Park, visit their website at https://www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm. It is open every day of the year with the exception of Christmas, but has a variation in its schedule depending on the time that you visit. Information about the Painted Desert is available at this website as well.

What to See and What to Do:

Petrified Forest
1 Main Street
Petrified Forest, AZ 86031

Admission Fee: Petrified Forest Entrance fees: $20 for auto seven-day pass; $10 per person arriving by bike; $15 flat fee for motorcycle; annual pass is $40.
Hours: The park is open daily with the exception of Christmas Day. From September 15 – April 13: 8AM to 5PM; from April 14 to May 11: 7AM to 7PM; from May 12 to August 3: from 7AM to 7:30PM; from August 4 to August 31: from 7AM to 7PM and from September 1 to September 14: from 7AM to 6PM.
Amenities: Museum and bookstore
Length of Visit: 2 – 3 hours
Scenic View: Photograph the colorful desert and petrified forest during the golden hours for spectacular photos
Tips for Your Visit: Bring water and sunscreen as the site is in the middle of the desert. Check out the petroglyphs and eight of the sites that are located on the National Register and don’t forget to make a stop at the Visitor’s Center for souvenirs, exhibits and other amenities. A schedule of tours is also available at the Visitor’s Center. You can easily find Petrified Forest National Park along I-40. Don’t forget that your entrance fee also includes the Painted Desert!

Where to Stay:

La Posada Hotel & Gardens
303 E. 2^nd Street (Route 66)
Winslow, AZ 86047
Telephone: 928 289 4366

Where to Eat:

Fred Harvey Diner
1 Main Street
Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028

Order the Navajo taco….it is huge!

What to Eat:

Avocado Fries are sliced avocados dipped in spiced bread crumbs and deep fried.
Chiltepin Peppers….very hot!
Cholla, a cactus found in the area, that is boiled and the gooey acid is removed to eat directly or added to salsas.
Cochinitos are a puffy, doughy cookie usually found in the shape of a pig. This light dessert is seasoned with molasses and cinnamon.
Prickly Pear Cactus which is made into a candy and a sweet syrup
Sonoran Hot Dog, popular in Phoenix and Tucson, this Mexican creation is topped with beans, onions, and tomatoes along with mayonnaise and mustard.
Tamales!

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