A Torrey Pines Picture Album
Photos © 1997 by Bill Evarts
The Torrey pine is one of North America's rarest pines. Only two native stands exist; one in coastal San Diego, California, and the other on Santa Rosa Island near Santa Barbara, California. The sea seen through a Torrey pine tree.
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Cliffs reflected in the sea. The 45-million-year-old cliffs at Torrey Pines have undergone many changes. These sandstone layers record a period when the shore migrated back and forth in response to fluctuating sea level and intermittent uplift. |
California poppies, the state wildflower, and coast cholla flourish at Torrey Pines. Over four hundred species of native flora grow within the 2,000-acre Reserve. California poppies and cholla cactus.
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Broken Hill Uplifted, ancient coastal dune deposits are slowly eroding at Broken Hill, one of numerous overlooks. Eight miles of Reserve trails loop around mesas and canyons and descend to the beach. |
Pinus torreyana is characterized by large dense cones and long needles in bundles of five. Coastal fogs bring temporary relief to the pines' semi-arid environment, which averages only ten inches of rain annually. A gnarled Torrey pine clings to a steep cliff. |
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Flat Rock at sunset. The Beach Trail descends from the headland and ends on the beach at Flat Rock, which occasionally is inundated by high tides. |
Los Peñasquitos Marsh Natural Preserve is an integral part of the Torrey Pines ecosystem. Over 235 species of birds can be seen in and around this rich wetland. Torrey Pines headland from across the lagoon. |
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