Scripps Coastal Reserve is an outdoor lab and classroom managed by the UCSD Natural Reserve System
Scripps Coastal Reserve is one of four areas managed by UCSD for the UC Natural Reserve System. It comprises protected terrestrial and marine habitats located in the La Jolla Shores area. The mesa-top area is not open to the public except for guided walks on the FIRST Saturday of each month, 9-11 am.
04/03/2024
Our public guided walks will be offered as usual this coming first Saturday of the month, April 6, from 9-11 am. Please join us for the 1/4-mile gentle loop. The Sea Dahlias and Rattlesnake W**d are in full bloom, and the Coast Sunflowers are not far behind. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes and bring your cameras and binoculars! Park on the street and find the entrance at 9400 La Jolla Farms Road.
Are you a "grunion greeter" or do you want to become one? Grunion come ashore during the full- and new-moons between March and August on sandy beaches between Ventura and Tijuana. Which beaches is up to us to discover, because their runs are very unpredictable from night to night and month to month. Want to learn more? Check out http://www.grunion.org!
And if you are up for a late night adventure to check for them at the Scripps Coastal Reserve (SCR), look out for an invitation here to join us as the right times approach. (Note: No grunion may be caught at any time in the SCR or the adjacent Marine Protected area to the south, the Matlahuyl Reserve.)
02/02/2024
The Biodiversity Trail guided walk usually scheduled for the first Saturday of the month is postponed to the second Saturday. Please join us this day, February 3, for Love Your Wetlands! Day at the -Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve.
Habitat restoration activity normally-scheduled for Fridays is cancelled for February 2 due to site conditions. See you next week!
10/15/2023
Walter Munk Day at La Jolla Shores (south end) was celebrated by a wide range of ocean- and science-related organizations and with blessings and bird songs by the Kumeyaay. Two tule boats were built by many hands and successfully navigated through the small waves towards the end of the day.
06/02/2023
Guided walks around the Scripps Coastal Reserve Biodiversity trail are available on the first Saturday of the month, 9-11 am. The next one is Saturday, June 3. If you plan to join us, please wear closed shoes and dress for the weather. Trail is mostly level but rough in places, so not suitable for small children, unsteady walkers, or wheelchairs. No dogs allowed. No restrooms available. No beach access. No reservations necessary; signature on liability waiver required at sign-in.
05/06/2023
Welcome! Our monthly First Saturday guided walk around the Biodiversity Trail is coming up tomorrow, Saturday, May 6, from 9-11 am. If you bike, you may park inside the gate; 2 hr street parking is available close by for motor vehicles. Come and see some very happy flowers! 9400 La Jolla Farms Rd., 92037.
01/06/2023
Monthly guided tours happening this coming Saturday, January 7, 9-11 am. Visitors must wear closed-toed shoes and be able to walk half a mile on uneven, muddy, or slippery ground. Registration and waiver signing required at entry.
12/22/2022
December 23, 2022
7:30 am - 9:00 am: King High Tide observations at Black's Beach, La Jolla Farms
Join University of California Scripps Coastal Reserve Manager Isabelle Kay for a walk to the Black's Beach overlook to observe the high tide and talk about anticipated effects of sea level rise on the famous surf break and the 400-foot high bluffs. Bring phone/camera to document and share your observations. Meet at the top of Black's Canyon (Intersection of La Jolla Farms Road and Black Gold Road: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1xAduClRyDNr5k9M91wbH582i022ztMGR&usp=sharing
). Wear walking shoes for 1/2 mile walk down (and back up) paved road. Two-hour parking is available along the nearby streets. No registration necessary, but a signed waiver is required. For more information, email [email protected] or text Isabelle at 858-229-4677.
SCR base map - Google My Maps SCR base map
12/02/2022
The monthly First Saturday Biodiversity Trail walk is this Saturday, December 3, from 9-11 am. No need to pre-register; just stop at the sign in table and scan the QR code! A docent will walk with you around the trail, pointing out seasonal changes. Look for lots of new seedlings! If you are inspired to join our weekly Friday weeding effort (8-10 am), indicate when you sign in or let one of our docents know.
11/03/2022
Hello friends of the Scripps Coastal Reserve! This Saturday, November 5, we have our First Saturday guided tours of the reserve from 9-11 am. Find us at 9400 La Jolla Farms Road in La Jolla. Please wear closed shoes for the dirt path.
Text 8582294677 if you plan to attend the weeding event on 10/21.
| 9am - 11am |