La Jolla Bluff, Beach and Town hike - 10 miles - 800 feet gain

RSVP only if you're going. Do not RSVP not going, it clogs up the organizer's email.

Anyone that wishes to car pool should meet at the Park and Ride in Temecula, behind Carl's Jr., near the intersection of Winchester Road and Ynez road at 41195 Winchester Rd., Temecula at 10:15 am.

Distance: ~10 miles RT

Gain ~800 feet down and then up

Pace: Moderate = a bit slower than I usually hike, making sure we stay together

Time: ~6-9 hours total, depending on how long we hang out in town and if we stay to watch the sunset from the bluff.

Foggy, drizzly May gray weather will NOT cancel this event.

Route: We'll hike down the 500 foot high bluff on the very steep, sometimes sandy "staircase" (some steps are more than 18 inches down) to the beach and head south towards La Jolla. Right at the bottom of the "staircase" is the southern edge of the nude Black's Beach. So we may see some full nudity, but we'll walk immediately south on the beach away from it. After a long mile on the beach, we'll walk for about a half mile across rocks, large and small, to La Jolla Shores beach. The tide will be coming in, about half way between low and high, but should be low enough to cross the rocks and on to La Jolla Shores beach.

We'll walk another long mile across the beach and stop at some restrooms on La Jolla Shores Beach, before heading into some homes for a half mile around La Jolla Cove. Then we will walk a quarter mile on a trail along the edge of the cove to Sunny Jim cave. We'll wait for anyone that wants to pay the $4 for a 5-10 minute cave exploration. We'll walk another long mile around the cove all the way past the Children's Cove, past the seal rocks and pelican and other sea birds roosting areas to Wind and Sea Beach. Next, we'll walk up into La Jolla Village and enjoy an early dinner at Su Casa Mexican Restaurant at 6738 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037. Be careful not to have too many margaritas, since we will still need to walk the 5 miles back to our cars.

On the way back, we'll retrace our steps to the pier in La Jolla, but then walk up the steep, paved La Jolla Shores Blvd, turn left on the equally steep, uphill N. Torrey Pines Road through UCSD, turn left again on Torrey Pines Scenic Drive and back to our cars. This is a little longer, but is easier and avoids the rocks, which are underwater at high tide. The Gliderport, where we are parked on top of the bluff, is one of the most beautiful places to sit and watch a sunset, so some may choose to linger awhile and experience the sunset on the bluff, before driving home to Temecula. If this is your choice, car pool with someone who wants to stay and bring a chair, jacket, beverage and some snacks to share.

Wear shoes with grippy soles for the loose, sandy steep "staircase"

Bring at least 3 liters of water, layers and a wind/rain jacket, plus some snacks.

Dogs are not allowed on this hike. Not my rules, it's the beach.

Disclaimer: When you RSVP YES, all members agree with this disclaimer. They assume any risk, take full responsibility and waive any claims of personal injury, death or damage to personal property associated with this Meetup activity. We are not professional guides and do this purely for our personal enjoyment. You are personally responsible for you and your guests at all times. Do you agree?"