Self-Guided School Program

The Self-Guided Program is a good choice for teachers that would like to lead their class around the Reserve on their own.  All K-12 groups visiting the Reserve must watch our Introduction Video before hiking (sent to you after booking), both for their own safety and for the protection of the Reserve. Check out the field trip guide here!

*Please note, we are no longer offering topic-based programs/naturalists talks before the hike. Please have your own topic/lesson for your class*  

Grades: K -12 

Group size: Maximum 70 students, split into groups of 9 or fewer on the trail; 20 or fewer in the museum at one time. 

Program length:  2 hours total for hiking and exploring the Reserve. 

Days/Times offered: Monday mornings, 10 a.m. – Noon from March – May.  This program is not available during summer months (June, July and August) due to high visitor volume. 

Fees: Free to K-12 schools. Donations to the Docent Society are appreciated and help keep programs available. Approved groups will receive a pass at the entrance kiosk. If the kiosk is not staffed, you must contact staff at the Lodge/Ranger HQ, located in the Visitor Center to receive a vehicle pass for your dashboard. No photocopied passes will be accepted. 

Preparation:  An introduction video is sent with date confirmation email (required to watch before arrival). No food is allowed in the upper reserve area; plan to eat lunch at the picnic tables near the beach. 

Booking: Bookings are now self-serviced. Sign-ups for the 2025-2026 school year will open on Monday, September 8th. Please book 3 weeks in advance of your preferred date, if available.  

Cancellations: Teachers are responsible for using the same scheduling website to cancel or reschedule a field trip. If a change is needed within one week of the originally scheduled field trip, then please contact torrey.pines@parks.ca.gov 

*Please Note* Poor weather conditions, i.e. heavy rain, may lead to the cancellation of your appointment. Any trail closures and cancellations typically happen in the morning depending how trail conditions look. We will send a follow up email that same day to work to reschedule your visit. 

Looking for more California State Parks Field Trip options? Check out our wide variety of virtual on-demand programs at https://ports.parks.ca.gov/.