Torrey Pines State Reserve is an area located on the coast between La Jolla and Del Mar, north of San Diego. This area was formed by uplift, changing sea levels, sedimentation and erosion. Some of the sedimentary rocks in the park are over 48 million years old. The hard, reddish rock seen at the top of the cliffs is called the Lindavista formation. It was deposited as the ocean retreated less than a million years ago. It became cemented with iron oxide, giving it a red color.

Another layer of rock found at Torrey Pines is called Torrey Sandstone. This type of rock was once an ancient sandbar that became cemented by calcite when water flowed through the sand. Torrey Sandstone is often a white color because it is made of quartz and feldspar. This rock is softer than the Lindavista formation and more erosive.

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La Jolla | Scripps | Sunset Beach | Torrey Pines

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