This peak was added as a replacement for Peak 4156. Since I had to drop my daughter off at school for a very late start, I thought I would head over to Torrey Pines and get a quick hike in.
I found parking along the coast and headed south along the Coast Highway. The “trail” follows the road to the top of the bluffs. Tourists, joggers, and bikers were making their way up and down (not the bikers, new rules for them – one-way only now).
Leaving the western parking lot, I followed a well-maintained trail for a bit. Most will continue on down toward the beach or an overlook, but to reach Red Butte, you make a right turn. The trail passes through a nice short shaded section (this might be a precursor to a portion of Agua Tibia).
The butte is a small area, with a few folks atop it admiring the view. I snapped a few photos and head back down (that work thing…). I opted to take the other trail back, making it a small lollipop hike.
I wanted to go to the top of the Torrey Highland and photograph the benchmark, but that trail was closed for maintenance. Coming down the road, you are rewarded with some lovely views of the Los Penasquitos Marsh.
I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. In 2019, I became the third person to complete the San Diego 100 Peak Challenge. Not stopping with that accomplishment, I set my sights on the harder San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list, which I completed in 2021. In addition, I have conquered several Six-Pack of Peaks challenges (SoCal, San Diego, Central Coast, and Arizona-Winter). Beyond attempting the San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list a second time, I am looking forward to exploring new summits and new adventures across the southwest.