Point Lobos State Reserve
Coastline Loop Trails
📍Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a gem! That’s why it’s often been called “The crown jewel of the state park system.” Visitors come from all over the world to see “the greatest meeting of land and water in the world”. Its spectacular views, ecological diversity and rich history blend, both above water and below the seas surface, to create a sacred place, one worth preserving for future generations and worthy of the State Natural Reserve designation.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This idyllic destination captivates visitors with its rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush coastal landscapes. Exploring the Reserve's network of hiking trails, you'll encounter breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and encounter an array of diverse plant and animal species. Whether you're an avid hiker, photographer, or simply seeking a tranquil retreat, Point Lobos offers something for everyone.
Point Lobos is open from 8am to 5pm with the last visitor entry at 4:30pm. There is a $10 per vehicle day use fee charged at the gate house kiosk. Point Lobos is often very busy, especially on weekends and daily during the summer. Parking inside the Reserve is currently limited to 75 spaces, which often fill up very fast. There is plenty of space to park outside the gate, along Hwy 1. Please do not block traffic, use EXTREME caution when exiting vehicles, walking towards the gate and keep a very close eye on children. Walking along Hwy 1 to enter the park on foot can be VERY dangerous.
⛰There really is so much to see at Point Lobos so plan to take your time. The trail we hike is generally the perimeter trail along the coastline around the park. All trails are very well travelled, many are dirt single track trails. As you can see below, there is not much ascent or descent, roughly 300’, depending on which way you decide to hike. From the gatehouse, walking counter-clockwise, the trail is fairly flat with a few steep but short rises above the oceans bluffs. Many of the trails have steps built into the rises to ease the climb. Including the walk from and back to the car, parked outside of the gate on Hwy 1, expect to hike about 6.5 miles around the perimeter of the Reserve. Dogs are NOT allowed in the Reserve. Learn more about the Reserve, rules, regulations and see many brochures by visiting the Point Lobos NSR Website and the Point Lobos Foundation website.
🥾Point Lobos can be very busy. Get there early! Parking can be very difficult and fills up quickly. We choose to start our hikes outside the gate and walk in. Walking in is free, just be careful when walking along the Highway.
If you arrive early, just as the gate opens at 8:00am, the sun will be peaking over the hills to the north east and shining its morning rays on the north side of the Reserve. Take the first trail on your right, Carmelo Meadow Trail and walk towards Moss Cove and Granite Point on the Granite Point Trail. Here you’ll capture views of Monastery Beach and the Carmelite Monastery, Carmel Meadows and the Carmel River Beach. Enjoy a short walk around Granite Point and Coal Chute Point, take in more views of Carmel Bay and the north facing cliffs of Point Lobos as well as Whalers Cove, your next stop.
As you walk around Whalers Cove keep an eye out for Harbor Seals. The cute playful seals like to pop their heads out of the water to see the visitors and may pose for pictures atop a rocky perch. Don’t confuse the seals for scuba divers. Whalers Cove offers a rich and diverse underwater park used by many underwater enthusiasts. You may see more scuba divers getting ready to enter the Reserves underwater sanctuary as you continue to walk around Whalers Cove.
But first, stop at the Whalers Cabin and Whaling Station Museum. The Whalers Cabin is a museum containing an interesting and diverse collection of artifacts. Its contents represent hundreds of years of occupation of Whalers Cove by indigenous peoples, Chinese fishermen, Japanese abalone fishermen, Portuguese whalers, and others. The Whaling Station Museum contains several interpretive panels which inform visitors about whales, as well as a collection of artifacts from the whaling industry. It’s a good stop to learn more about the rich history of Whalers Cove, Granite Point and Coal Chute Point, some of the areas you just visited.
Continue to walk on the road to the parking lot at Whalers Cove. Here you’ll find restrooms, picnic benches and you may see some scuba divers getting geared up to enter the water. A short walk up the steps takes you to Cannery Point where you’ll see great views of Coal Chute Point and Granite Point as well as views across Carmel Bay to Carmel River Beach. Continue around Cannery Point and stay on the trail closest to the water. Follow the North Shore Trail along the rugged cliffs of Bluefish Cove, Guillemot Island around to Cypress Cove. The North Shore Trail ends at the Cypress Grove Trail. Here you’ll find restrooms and a drinking water faucet, a parking lot and maybe some friendly docents who are more than happy to answer any of your questions.
Don’t skip the Cypress Grove Trail. It will take you out through the Cypress Grove to the rugged shoreline of Pinnacle Point and South Point. Two very popular spots for whale watching and picture taking. You may get a glimpse of sea otters in the Headland Cove and more seals in the ocean near the rocks. Once you get back to the parking lot take the Sea Lion Point Trail to Sea Lion Cove where you may get another glimpse of sea lions resting on the rocky cliff or rocky beach. You’ll also likely hear them barking at each other.
Follow Sea Lion Point Trail to the South Shore Trail. You’ll walk along the cliffs and see the waves crashing into the rocks, get to look at some of the unique geology that has formed Point Lobos and catch views south down the Big Sur Coast. The South Shore Trail gives way to Weston Beach. Weston Beach is a great place for “tide pooling”. During low tide the ocean eases away from the immediate coastline leaving pools of water in the rocky ground uncovering an ecological treasure trove of sea life. This is a great place to look for starfish, hermit crabs, sea urchins and many other underwater sea creatures. It’s also a nice place to let children roam and explore the tide pools. Be careful and don’t venture out too far. “Sneaker” waves have been known to catch many adventurous people off guard and get them a little wet, at the least.
The South Shore Trail ends just past Hidden Beach, see if you can find it. At this point you’ve probably been on the trail for a few hours. The sun should be higher in the sky enhancing the next dramatic view Point Lobos has to offer. Continue to follow the Bird Island Trail past the parking lot. The trail winds around to unveil the deep blue ocean transitioning to the shallow crystal blue waters and white sandy beach of China Cove, one of the most beautiful picturesque locations in Point Lobos NSR. If you’re lucky you’ll get to see more seals napping on the beach. Don’t forget to look for the sea caves and arches. Follow the trail around China Cove to Gibson Beach, the southernmost point of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. The trail continues out the bluff past Pelican Point to a different view of China Cove and towards Bird Rock. Don’t mind the smell, it’s a short trail. Here’ you get a good look at the Carmel Highlands, a unique enclave that sits on the cliffs of the Pacific, home to the Highlands Inn and many rich and famous.
Follow the Bird Rock Trail back around to the parking lot. Walk the road towards Weston Beach and look for Mound Meadow Trail, a short walk through the trees back to the gate house at the entrance to the Reserve. You’ve completed the walk around Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
🍔🍺I’m sure you’re probably ready for a bite and a drink. The Highlands Inn, about a mile south on Hwy 1, is a beautiful stop for a fancy lunch and drink. Dine at the Pacific’s Edge Restaurant or get drinks and appetizers at the Sunset Lounge. Both offer incredible views, food and drinks. Looking for something a little more leisurely? Head back towards Carmel. The Crossroads Carmel and The Barnyard Shopping Village Carmel offer many options, as does Carmel-by-the-Sea.
With its enchanting natural beauty and abundant wildlife, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve promises a rejuvenating and unforgettable experience for all who visit. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit.
Next is a great hike in Carmel Valley featuring a good climb, great views and a beautiful river. Be sure to check back for more “Dirt” on our Trails.
