Point Lobos State Reserve, California
“The crown jewel of the California State Park System.”
The 2,426-mile coastline of California is diverse and extensive, stretching from the long sandy beaches of southern California to the rugged coast of the northern region. Aside from the stunning coastline, California is also home to a wide array of state parks and reserves. However, if you only have one day to experience the California Coast, Point Lobos State Reserve is the place to go. It seems that I am not the only one who shares this thought. The California State Park website states:
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has often been called “The crown jewel of the California State Park System.” Landscape Painter Francis McComas called Point Lobos “the greatest meeting of land and water in the world.”
Point Lobos is a small peninsula that juts into the Pacific Ocean, located just south of Carmel-By-The-Sea along the famous Pacific Coast Highway (CA Route 1). Its unique position allows the reserve to have both northern and southern exposure to the sea. Situated on California’s central coast, Point Lobos offers a concentrated display of the state’s diverse coastal terrains. In this compact area, one can experience a condensed version of California’s stunning shoreline in one easily accessible location.
Point Lobos State ReserveDo not let the map mislead you; this reserve covers only approximately 550 acres (220 hectares), and you can easily hike the entire reserve in one day.
Weather
Our trip to this region took place in June. During this month, the weather is often unpredictable, with equal chances of encountering fog, clouds, and chilly winds — precisely the conditions we faced on our initial visit. However, by closely monitoring the forecast and flexibly adjusting our plans, we were fortunate to experience ideal conditions on our second attempt. This time, we were greeted by clear skies, an absence of fog, and a mild ocean breeze, making for perfect conditions to go exploring.
Monastery Beach
Traveling south from Carmel-By-The-Sea along Highway 1, we encountered Monastery Beach.
While not officially part of the reserve, this crescent-shaped beach with its deep white sand is representative of many beaches in southern California. From this vantage point, you can see the northernmost point of Point Lobos.
The Reserve
After spending time at the beach, we drove to Point Lobos State Reserve, parked our truck in the lot at the base of the Sea Lion Trail, and began exploring the many trails the preserve offers.
The Sea Lion Trail is a gentle ascent up Sand Hill. As we made our way up the trail, we were mesmerized by a continuous stream of pelicans flying overhead, flying in tight formations towards the north.
Continuing along the trail, I could hear the California Sea Lions barking in the distance. Upon reaching the top of Sand Hill, we were treated to a 360-degree view of the reserve. Looking southwest, we could see the sea lions basking on rocks. Ahead of us was the Devil’s Cauldron, a cluster of steep rock formations rising from the sea. This area resembles California’s Lost Coast, which is located 400 miles to the north. It’s hard to believe that this rugged coastline is only 2 kilometers from Monastery Beach.
Following the trail, turning north, we arrived at Sea Lion Cove.
Sea Line Cove
Sea Lion Cove offers one of the most breathtaking views along the California coast. From the overlook, you can take in the small cove and see the vastness of the Pacific Ocean to the north. The turquoise blue waves reaching the black sand beach of the cove create a stunning sight.
During our visit, we were lucky to witness the blooming of numerous native wildflowers in Point Lobos. In this photo, the yellow flowers of Golden Yarrow in the foreground contrast with the red ice plants and the blue of the ocean.
Cypress Forests and Meadows
Point Lobos State Reserve offers more than just rocks and waves. The Lace Lichen trail takes you through the center of the preserve, where you can walk among Monterey Pine and Coast Live Oak trees with grass underneath, along with various shrubs in the open areas. While on your hikes, be cautious of Poison Oak, which we encountered in several spots on the trail edges.
You can access the Cypress Grove trail from the Sea Lion Trail parking area, leading you to one of the last naturally growing stands of Monterey Cypress trees on Earth. This trail provides the opportunity to walk among trees that have stood for centuries, representing one of the rarest forest types in the world.
At the end of the trail, you’ll arrive at Pinnacle Cove, named for the large rock formations that rise from the water just offshore.
From this vantage point, you can feel the power of the ocean as the waves strike the rocks head-on, sending ocean spray into the air. This location is perfect for getting a good view of groups of pelicans that always seem to be in motion.
This particular group is heading south from their roosting area just north of this location. Pinnacle Cove marks the outer edge of the preserve, so the pelicans need to make a left-hand turn to follow the coastline. As they bank to make the turn, we are treated to an incredible view of the birds, rocks, and waves.
If You Go
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, this is a must-visit location. If you’re planning to visit the San Francisco, Santa Cruz, or Monterey Bay areas, make sure to include Point Lobos in your itinerary. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind when planning your visit:
Limited Parking: Point Lobos State Reserve has limited parking, and the parking lots fill up quickly. Once full, visitors are turned away at the entrance. However, there is plenty of parking available along Highway 1, both north and south of the main entrance. You can easily walk into the reserve from these spots.
No Dogs Allowed: Point Lobos strictly prohibits dogs. Many visitors have been turned away because they brought their canine companions. To avoid disappointment, please make arrangements for your pets before visiting.
By planning ahead and being aware of these restrictions, you can ensure an enjoyable visit to this remarkable natural treasure.
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About the Author:
Keith Peters, co-owner of T&K Images, is driven by a passion to explore and capture the world's beauty through light and lens. Our mission is to bring the extraordinary essence of Earth into your space through breathtaking art.
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