How much time do you need at Point Lobos?
2 h 41 minExperience this 6.7-mile loop trail near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 41 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
Do you need a reservation for Point Lobos?
over 21 ft long is not allowed to drive or park within Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Exceptions may be made for school field trip buses with a permit for drop off and pick up of students. ALL TOURS AND BUSES MUST HAVE A SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT TO ENTER. ALL SCHOOL GROUPS MUST HAVE A RESERVATION TO ENTER.
Does it cost money to get into Point Lobos?
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is managed by the Parks & Recreation Department of California and visitors must pay $10 per vehicle.
How long of a hike is Point Lobos?
about 4-5 milesThis hike is located in the Point Lobos State Reserve. This is a must-do hike if you are ever in this area. It's about 4-5 miles of flat, easy, family friendly trails. It takes about 3-4 hours depending on how much time you spend exploring and taking photos.
What do you wear to Point Lobos?
Your walk at Point Lobos will be very easy and you won't need much preparation. Just check the weather, bring water, wear comfortable clothes, wear trail shoes, and bring some trail snacks and/or food for a picnic. You can print out the trail map beforehand here or buy one at the entrance.
What is there to do at Point Lobos State park?
CaliforniaPoint Lobos State Natural Reserve / State
Can you walk into Point Lobos?
Can you walk into Point Lobos? Yes, you can walk into Point Lobos State Reserve. Parking is available in designated areas on the side of Highway 1, and you can walk in from there. There will be a good walk from the main entrance to the highlights of the park.
Where does the 17 mile drive start?
From the south, the 17-Mile Drive starts at the Carmel Gate and ends at the Sunset Drive/Pacific Grove Gate. 17-Mile Drive is also accessible from California Highway 1 which traces the coast from the Los Angeles area all the way to the greater San Francisco area.
Can you swim in Point Lobos?
Kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming are all permitted (barring any other circumstances) just about anywhere in Point Lobos.
Can you watch sunset at Point Lobos?
This is a lovely shoreline park just moments from Carmel. We visited during the day and again at sunset. We saw Harbor Seals and lots of birds in addition to the rocky shoreline and ancient cedars.
Where are tide pools Point Lobos?
The park is located just south of Monterrey Bay between Carmel and Big Sur.
Can you walk into Point Lobos?
Can you walk into Point Lobos? Yes, you can walk into Point Lobos State Reserve. Parking is available in designated areas on the side of Highway 1, and you can walk in from there. There will be a good walk from the main entrance to the highlights of the park.
Can I swim at Point Lobos?
Kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming are all permitted (barring any other circumstances) just about anywhere in Point Lobos.
Can I Kayak at Point Lobos?
Point Lobos is a protected marine reserve which promises few people and lots of hidden coves that no other small craft can access. Prior kayaking experience is required, and exposed ocean paddling is necessary. This is an advanced beginner/intermediate trip. Offered May-October.
Where are the seals at Point Lobos?
Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are the quiet marine mammals resting on near shore rocks along the Point Lobos shoreline.
When is Point Lobos open?
Point Lobos is open:Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMBuy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hour...
Do you need to book in advance to visit Point Lobos?
We recommend booking Point Lobos tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your t...
What hotels are near Point Lobos?
Hotels near Point Lobos: (0.11 mi) GATED, PRIVATE, ONE ACRE BY THE SEA (0.49 mi) Tickle Pink Inn (0.41 mi) Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Overlooking Big...
What restaurants are near Point Lobos?
Restaurants near Point Lobos: (0.42 mi) Pacific's Edge (0.40 mi) Sunset Lounge (2.47 mi) Mission Ranch Restaurant (2.76 mi) From Scratch Restaurant...
What attractions are near Point Lobos?
Attractions near Point Lobos: (0.11 mi) Granite Cyn Bridge (0.38 mi) Point Sur Light Station (6.81 mi) 17-Mile Drive (2.16 mi) Scenic Road Walkway...
What time does Point Lobos open?
Point Lobos State Reserve is located along Highway 1, about 3 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea in Central California. The Reserve opens at 8 a.m. year round, and generally closes at 7 p.m.
Where to see fish in Point Lobos?
Check out the forest of kelp below water, and the ridges and valleys of the marine sanctuary.
Why is Point Lobos named after the sea lions?
Called Punta de los Lobos Marinos, or Point of the Sea Wolves, by the Spanish explorers that came to this spot a few centuries ago, Point Lobos is named for the sea lions that love to laze on its many rocky outcrops.
What is the most mesmerizing sight in Point Lobos?
The emerald waters of China Cove is undoubtedly one of the most mesmerizing sights in Point Lobos. The sheltered cove is surrounded by rocky walls, and beyond is the blue of the ocean. Truly the stuff of picture postcards!
What birds are at Point Lobos?
The acorn woodpecker with its bright red cap, and the California scrub jay with its showy blue wings and tail are common, but keep this list of birds at Point Lobos handy to identify others you spot!
Where is Point Lobos State Reserve?
Point Lobos State Reserve comes up on your right, about 3 miles south of Carmel.
Is Point Lobos State Reserve a reservation?
Point Lobos State Reserve is super popular. So popular that the State of Califor nia was looking into a reservation system for the park.
Where did Point Lobos get its name?
Deriving its name from the offshore rocks at Punta de los Lobos Marinos, Point of the Sea Wolves, where the sound of the sea lions carries inland, the Reserve has often been called "the crown jewel of the State Park System". Point Lobos has offered many things to millions of people who have visited it over the years.
What are the animals that live in Point Lobos?
In the subdued light of the 70 foot-high kelp forests, divers can explore a world of vibrant color and an array of animals such as lingcod, rockfish, harbor seals and sea otters.
How far is Point Lobos from Carmel?
Point Lobos is 4 miles from Carmel-by-the-Sea. It is a quick 10-minute drive.
Where is Point Lobos State Park?
Point Lobos State Park is just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea on Highway 1. It is about 30 minutes north of Big Sur. If you are coming from Monterey, it is a 15-minute drive to Point Lobos State Reserve.
How far is the trail from Gibson Beach to Point Lobos State Reserve?
This is the fastest way to get from the park entrance to the southern shore near Gibson Beach. If you are parking on Highway 1, you can take this .7 mile (one way) trail to start exploring the coastal area of Point Lobos State Reserve.
What animals are in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve?
Seals, sea lions, otters, seabirds, and whales are common in the area. Nature in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is deeply fulfilling and edifying because it is so beautiful and abundant. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve hiking is a highlight of this section of the coast.
What animals did the rangers see at Point Lobos?
When we visited, rangers had spotting scopes set up so we could see the sea lions and otters out in the ocean. There was also a whale out that day as well. We loved visiting with the rangers about the wildlife in the area and learning more about the ecosystem in Point Lobos State Park.
What are the best apps to visit Point Lobos?
Use the Point Lobos Apps: There are two apps, Dive into Point Lobos and Discover Point Lobos, that are free and will help you learn more about the park’s geology and wildlife. It is a great way to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of this beautiful part of the California Coast.
Where to start the loop in Point Lobos?
You can start the loop anywhere in the park where you can find parking. The parking lot near Bird Island or the first parking lot are good places to find parking. Once you have found parking, the trail won’t be too far away because the trail goes throughout the entire Point Lobos State Park.
