| S.F. Bay Area — California
Carmel Attractions
Point Lobos State Reserve
Point Lobos State Reserve
Hwy 1
South of Carmel, CA
831-624-4909
WOW! Wait until you see the
breathtaking views from the hiking trails
here — the magnificent coastline,
Cypress trees and ocean views are almost beyond description. They
are without doubt, some of
the most amazing views
in the world.
During our visits to Point Lobos, we've seen sea otters, sea lions,
whales, whale bones, birds and even
encountered a family of deer.
Location
Point Lobos State Reserve is located on the
central coast of California in Monterey County. The entrance
is approximately three
miles south of
Carmel
on
Highway
1.
Recreational Activities
The reserve is a great place for
Hiking and Guided Nature Walks. Other recreational activities include
sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, scuba-diving,
and jogging.
Whaler's Cove
Whaler's Cove (photo above) — once the site of a whaling station, abalone
cannery and granite quarry — provides a favorite habitat for the California
ground squirrel. The picturesque cove is surrounded by trees and features various
birds, sea otters, and harbor seals.
Registered scuba divers can enjoy that part of
the underwater reserve open to them in Whaler's and Bluefish Coves.
Whaler's Cabin Museum,
Whaling Station Museum,
and Whale Bones
Click here for more
information and photos of Whaler's Cabin Museum, The Whaling Station
Museum,
and Whale Bones
Hollywood Movies at Point Lobos
Click here for more information
and photos of Hollywood Movies featured at Point Lobos State Reserve
Point Lobos Admission
Vehicle with Map $9;
Small coach or van $50
(10-25 passengers);
Large Bus $100
Annual Day Use Pass: $125
(pass valid for one year
from date of purchase)
No Dogs allowed
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Point Lobos Hiking Trails
Most of the hiking trails at Point Lobos are easy-moderate and take
about 30 minutes — 45 minutes to an hour with stops along
the way. Here are a few of our favorites. Be sure to give the deer
the "right of way" on all hiking trails!
Cypress Grove Trail
Named for all of its beautiful Cypress trees, this is one of the most popular
and scenic trails at Point Lobos — after hiking it you'll see why.
It
is also one of only two places in the world where wild Monterey
Cypress trees
can be found — the other is in Del Monte Forest. The 17-Mile
Drive is the main road through the Del
Monte Forest
(and the Lone Cypress Tree is along that
route). 
This
amazing hike takes you through coastal scrub and woods
to cliffs with dramatic and spectacular ocean
views.
Sea Lion Point Trail
This fun trail includes cove overlooks and offers the best
view of sea lions on the offshore rocks
— you'll no doubt
hear them
before you see them.
Point Lobos Info Station
831-624-4909
An Information Station at the Sea Lion Point parking area is staffed
by Docents from 9am to 4pm.
Bird Island Trail
Bird Island trail gives you access
to two sandy beaches — China Cove
and its beautiful emerald waters (photo below) and Gibson Beach. Note: Swimming
and wading are
allowed, but the water is icy-cold all year.
The trail offers spectacular views
of Bird Island
(you'll know it when you see it) and China Cove. Bird Island and
its hundred of birds reminded us of a scene in "Marching
with the Penguins" —
it's quite spectacular, especially
for bird-lovers. Bird Island becomes a large sea bird colony in
Spring and Summer. Look for sea otters too!
Point Lobos Hours
Open Daily 9am to 5pm —
no admittance after 4:30pm
Summer Closing Time:
No admittance after 6:30pm,
all visitors must exit by 7pm.
Trail Map & Descriptions
Point
Lobos Trail Map and Trails
Point Lobos Hollywood
Movies
Point Lobos State Reserve Photos
Whaler's
Cabin Museum
More Info
Point Lobos State Reserve
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