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| A cove along South Shore Trail |
Landscape artist Francis McComas claimed that Point Lobos is "the greatest meeting of land and water in the world." This headland off Coast Highway One, just south of Carmel, California, is truly beautiful. A walk or jog here hits all the senses: you feel the breeze and moist air, you smell the sea and saltiness, you see amazing wildlife and geology, you hear the waves, the birds, the seals and sea lions.
Check out the pictures, then at the bottom get more details about visiting this spectacular mosaic of nature.
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| Headland Cove, seen from Sea Lion Point Trail, looking over to Allen Memorial Grove |
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| Deer were not skittish, seen from Cypress Grove Trail |
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| Red Algae on the trees near Cypress Cove |
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| Cypress Cove, seen from North Point |
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| East Grove Trail offers many stunning views |
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| Poison Oak is everywhere - stay on the trails! |
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| Shoreline across from Mount Meadow, South Shore trail |
Hikers - Most trails are easy, flat and wide, perfect for a slow trek with children, or for a nice jog to get in some training with a view. All along South Shore and Cypress Grove the trails are mostly flat. The more challenging trails, with some stairs and hills, are the East Grove and the North Shore Trail.
Photographers - Scenery, wildlife, your family - everything shows up nicely here in photos!
Writers/Readers - The trails are peppered with benches, perfect for sitting and recording your thoughts or reading a book.
Wildlife Viewers (all of the above would fit this category, I'm sure!) - Sea Otters can be seen playfully floating around from South Shore trail. Seals and Sea Lions hang out on rocky areas near shore. BRING BINOCULARS TO POINT LOBOS!
Children - They will love to stop and examine the pebbles, the wild flowers, and the pine cones. A highlight will be for them to spot the sea otters or seals or sea lions, and to check out the Information Station at Sea Lion Point where they can pet the animals' pelts.
To Know Before You Go:
- 2 ways to get in - drive in & pay $10, OR park out on the side of Highway One and walk in, giving $1 donation.
- No dogs, not even in the car, are allowed inside the reserve
- No fires, barbecues, or stoves. Smoking only in picnic areas
- No collecting, removing, or disturbing any natural objects
- There is poison oak, as well as ticks - stay on trails all the time
- Wear layers, it can be chilly and moist year round
- Don't forget your camera, binoculars, and water & snacks
- Point Lobos State Reserve (831) 624-4909
