Most folks know Big Sur for its breathtaking cliffs and exquisite shoreline, however few understand it’s additionally dwelling to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Point Lobos Natural State Reserve is a well-liked vacation spot for its lovely surroundings, mountain climbing, and wildlife. Hikers, photographers, and naturalists make their strategy to discover its distinctive and distinct magnificence.
I visited Point Lobos State Reserve on many events and regarded it one of the photogenic locations for seascape and panorama pictures.
What is Point Lobos Natural State Reserve?
Point Lobos is a protected marine reserve, dwelling to a few of the finest coastal surroundings on the West Coast. The park has rocky cliffs, sandy seashores, cypress, and pine forests, making it a preferred vacation spot for hikers, photographers, birdwatchers, and scuba divers. It is one in all California’s most often visited state parks.
Point Lobos State Reserve was established in 1934 and encompassed about 5.36 sq. miles.
The identify “Lobos” means “wolves,” given to the realm by early Spanish explorers for a big inhabitants of sea lions bobbing at sea.
Where is Point Lobos State Reserve Located?
Point Lobos State Reserve is situated in Northern California, solely 3miles (4km) south of Carmel-By-The-Sea. And it’s the northernmost level of Big Sur’s coastal drive. If you do Big Sur from north to south, you begin the drive from Point Lobos.
Here is the official handle of the Point Lobos:
Point Lobos
62 California 1
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
How Far Point Lobos from San Fransisco?
It is 125miles (200km) from San Francisco to Point Lobos; principally freeway driving, so you can also make it beneath 2h 30min.
How Far Point Lobos from Monterey?
It is barely 7miles (10km) from Monterey to Point Lobos. Monterey Peninsula is a wonderful place to ascertain your headquarters when visiting Big Sur, Point Lobos, and Carmel.
How Far Point Lobos from Los Angeles?
It is 300miles (500km) from Los Angeles to Point Lobos. It is a lovely drive which makes a improbable highway journey. I did it twice, and I might not thoughts doing it once more.
Usually, I do it in 2 legs. First, I drive from Los Angeles to Morro Bay and spend an evening there. The subsequent day, I drive to Monterey and spend a few nights exploring surrounding areas. And I at all times dedicate a complete day to Point Lobos.
What is the most effective time to go to Point Lobos?
The finest time to go to Point Lobos is actually simply throughout any time of 12 months. Point Lobos has very delicate temperatures all year long. It just isn’t too sizzling in summer season and never too chilly in winter. I like to recommend that you just make the most of the seasonal climate and see when it’s the warmest and least windy.
Also, the state park is inside driving distance from densely populated areas such a San Francisco, San Jose, and Silicon Valley. It is widespread follow for residents of the city areas to arrange day-long driving journeys to Point Lobos. As a end result, it may be very crowded on good climate weekend days in Point Lobos.
If you wish to escape the gang and spend time exploring Point Lobos in relative solitude, I like to recommend avoiding weekends and holidays similar to Memorial Weekend.
My favourite time to go to the park is throughout winter, when it’s chilly and windy. It ensures that I’ll have the park to myself with out anyone blocking my pictures.
Weather in Point Lobos
The climate in Point Lobos is much like the coastal areas of Northern California.
The summers are delicate, with the best temperature round 20-22C throughout the day. The warmest months are September and October.
The winters are heat, with the bottom temperatures round 14-15C throughout the day. The coldest winter months are January and February.
Point Lobos Opening Hours
Point Lobos State Park opens at 8 am. The official closing time is 5 pm, with the final customer entry at 4:30 pm.
How Much Is Point Lobos Entry Fees?
There are not any entry charges in Point Lobos State Park. You solely pay for parking ($10) when you determine to drive into the park.
Can you stroll into Point Lobos?
You can entry Point Lobos State Reserve on foot. You park your automobile on the aspect of Highway 1 after which stroll in from there. You must stroll for a mile to achieve the park’s primary space from the doorway.
Parking in Point Lobos
Parking charges are $10 per automobile.
If you verify the official Point Lobos map, you will discover 8 or so parking areas. Plus, you possibly can park on the aspect of the roads in sure locations contained in the park. But it’s deceptive. If I needed to guesstimate, I might say that there are lower than 80 parking spots in your entire park.
It signifies that if you’re planning to go to the park on the weekend, by 9 am the parking tons can be full and also you gained’t be capable of enter the park by automobile.
But as talked about earlier, you possibly can nonetheless park on the aspect of Highway 1 and stroll into the park.
Best Point Lobos Hikes
Point Lobos has in complete 16 official trails. They provide numerous surroundings from open coastal areas, coastal cypress forest trails, and inland pine woods.
The great thing about the Point Lobos hikes is that you just wouldn’t have to decide to any of them. You can combine and far, beginning on one path, transitioning to a different, and ending on a wholly completely different one.
But if you’re a first-time customer, it may be difficult to pick out the most effective mountain climbing trails to higher discover Point Lobos.
1. Point Lobos Loop Trail
- Dstnabce: 10.8km (6.7miles)
- Elevation Gain: 225m (740ft)
- Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Easy to average
- Trailhead: You can begin it anyplace within the park
If you verify the official Point Lobos mountain climbing path map, you’ll not find the Loop Trail. Because the Loop Trail is the mix of 9-10 shorter trails that means that you can discover all of the areas of the state reserve in a single go to.
If you go to Point Lobos for the primary time and have at the least 4-5 hours to spend, the Point Lobos Loop Trail is your only option. After finishing the Loop Trail, you may be conversant in your entire park, and once you go to Point Lobos the following time, you’ll know precisely which a part of the reserve you want essentially the most. So you possibly can dedicate your entire time you must your favourite half.
It is exactly how I began. After finishing the Loop Trail on my first go to, I spotted that the Bird Island and Cypress Grove trails are essentially the most thrilling areas from panorama pictures views.
How Long Is the Point Lobos Loop Trail Hike?
The Point Lobos Loop Trail is 10.8km (6.7miles) lengthy. But the great thing about it’s that if you’re quick on time or count on climate change, you possibly can at all times shorten the hike.
Where Does Point Lobos Loop Trail Start?
The Loop Trail could be began anyplace inside the park the place parking is out there.
Once you might have parked, you gained’t have problem discovering the path because it runs all through the park.
I want beginning the Point Lobos Loop Trail on the tiny parking zone close to the Tide Pools on South Shore Trail. But like I discussed earlier, you possibly can start the Loop Trail from any location within the park.
2. Bird Island Trail and China Cove
- Dstnabce: 1.3km (0.9miles)
- Elevation Gain: 23m (74ft)
- Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: Bird Island parking and picknic space
I think about the Bird Island Trail essentially the most picturesque path within the park. It is by far essentially the most rewarding hike for photographers of any degree.
The hike to Bird Island is a straightforward, family-friendly outing that provides unbelievable coastal views.
The Bird Island Trail could be accessed from the park’s southern finish. It begins on the Bird Island parking and picnic space, simply 0.9 miles from the park’s primary parking and 1.7 miles from the doorway.
The primary points of interest of the Bird Island Trail are China Cove, Bird Island, and Gibson Beach.
China Cove in Point Lobos
China Cove is an enthralling cove with a slender seaside surrounded by tall rock partitions.
If you climb right down to the seaside, you can see tide swimming pools with starfish and different ocean creatures in them.
Sometimes the entry to the seaside is closed for preservation and restoration functions, but it surely gained’t spoil your expertise as a result of the views from the path are spectacular.
During low tide, you possibly can spot a small arch on the south aspect of the cove.
3. Cypress Grove Trail
- Dstnabce: 1.2km (0.8miles)
- Elevation Gain: 20m (70ft)
- Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: Sea Lion parking space
Cypress Grove Trail is my second most favourite hike in Point Lobos reserve.
The starting of the 0.8 mile path is printed by cliffs with dramatic and spectacular ocean views the place you will discover loads of picture alternatives.
The path leads by means of the coastal cypress forest and presents sweeping views of the cliffs and shoreline.
The hike begins on the Sea Lion Point parking space.
4. Sandhill and Sea Lion Point Trails
- Dstnabce: 0.6km (0.2miles)
- Elevation Gain: 10m (33ft)
- Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: Sea Lion parking space
The Lion Point Trail and Sandhill path hike is the shortest in Point Lobos. It begins close to Lion Point parking space, then goes across the south aspect of the Headlands to a distinguished rocky outcrop.
The path climbs the bluff and presents views of the ocean and the shoreline. It is the preferred path in Point Lobos and is usually crowded. The primary attraction of the Sea Lion Point Trail is the ocean lions and their antics. You can spot lots of of sea lions lounging on the rocks under the path.
Also, it’s the preferred and spectacular spot for observing sunsets in wintertime. It can get fairly crowded on sunny winter days simply earlier than park closure.
5. South Shore Trail
- Dstnabce: 4km (2.5miles)
- Elevation Gain: 13m (45ft)
- Type: Out and again
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: Sea Lion parking space or Bird Island parking and picnic space
The South Shore Trail follows the shoreline, beginning at Sandhill path not removed from the Sea Lion Point parking space. It ends on the Bird Island trailhead.
The path is totally open, not providing shelter from the solar or wind. It is very nice for the ocean and coastal views, because it hugs the coast all through its course.
See additionally: Best National Park Scratch Off Maps
The path’s primary attraction is Weston Beach, the most effective tidepooling location within the park. You can spot loads of sea creatures within the swimming pools of seawater throughout low tide.
The path presents a number of quick access factors to the seashore all through your entire size.
6. North Shore Trail
- Dstnabce: 5km (2miles)
- Elevation Gain: 45m (120ft)
- Type: Out and again
- Difficulty: Easy to average
- Trailhead: Sea Lion parking space or Whale Cove parking space
The North Shore Trail might be essentially the most difficult hike in reserve. But I might nonetheless price it as simple to average.
The path winds by means of the rocky pine forest with a number of vista factors, providing putting views of Carmel Bay.
It is completely value your effort and time.
Point Lobos Hiking Trail Map
Official Point Lobos Hiking Trail Map (PDF)
Download Point Lobos Hiking Trail Map (PDF)
Point Lobos Photography Tips
There are loads of challenges when visiting Point Lobos as a photographer.
The primary problem right here is you’re just about out of luck with sunsets and dawns.
Let me clarify.
The reserve is situated on a peninsula with the Pacific Ocean on the west, north, and south. Behind the park, on the east, resides a mountain vary. The vary shields the solar throughout the dawn.
When Monterey Bay is having fun with the nice and cozy early morning daylight, the Point Lobos remains to be at midnight shadows. And when the solar lastly seems over the mountains, it’s already too excessive. You can neglect concerning the golden hour gentle.
And as a result of the Point Lobos Reserve closes at 5 pm, you possibly can solely catch sundown gentle in winter when the times are quick.
It means you must be extra inventive with out counting on dawn and sunsets.
Another problem is cloud cowl in California. It is far poorer than on East Coast or in Canada. It just isn’t unusual to have a complete week with clear skies with out clouds. You want to determine the best way to take care of the tough noon gentle.
Here is my tip on approaching completely different climate situations in Point Lobos.
When it’s sunny, and the sky is obvious, I search for picture alternatives within the park areas with the forest.
My favourite hikes in sunny climate are Cypress Groove Trail and North Shore Trail. The cypress and pine bushes defuse the tough daylight making it softer.
When it’s cloudy and even stormy, I choose to hunt for thrilling images in open areas of the reserve. My favourite hikes are South Shore Trail and Bird Island Trail.
And the final tip. Bring UV or clear filters to guard your lenses. The saltwater mist is at all times within the air due to the robust winds alongside the coast. Constantly wiping the entrance factor of any lens can simply trigger injury, particularly when salt residue is current.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: FAQ
Are canine allowed in Point Lobos?
Dogs should not allowed anyplace in Point Lobos. It just isn’t even permitted to go away canine within the automobiles in parking areas.
Are Bikes Allowed in Point Lobos?
All trails inside the reserve are off-limits to bicycles, however bikes are permitted on the paved roads contained in the park.
Which is the most effective path in Point Lobos?
There are 16 official mountain climbing trails in Point Lobos State Reserve, and I hiked alongside all of them. And from the attitude of panorama and seascape pictures, I think about the Bird Island and Cypress Groove trails are the most effective and most spectacular hikes.
How many trails does Point Lobos have?
Point Lobos State Reserve has 16 official trails. But as a result of the reserve just isn’t giant and you’ve got primary park points of interest shut to one another, you possibly can design your personal hikes combining the present trails.
- Cypress Grove Trail
- Sea Lion Trail
- Sand Hill Trail
- South Shore Trail
- Bird Island Trail
- North Shore Trail
- Moss Cove Trail
- Camelo Meadow Trail
- Granite Point Trail
- Cabin Trail
- Whales Knoll Trail
- South Plateau Trail
- Mount Meadow Trail
- Lace Lichen Trail
- Pine Ridge Trail
- Old Veteran Trail
Can you swim in Point Lobos?
Yes, you possibly can swim in Point Lobos. The finest place for swimming is Gibson Beach, situated on the southmost finish of the park.
But you must keep in mind that it’s North Califonia, and water by no means will get hotter than +15C, even throughout the summer season.
What Is the Water Temperature in Point Lobos?
You have the identical sample as in the remainder of Northern California with the water temperatures. The water is chilly, and there may be nearly no seasonal change.
The highest water temperature in Point Lobos is in September, and it’s only 59°F (15°C). The coldest water in March and April is about 54°F (12°C).
Are there Waterfalls in Point Lobos?
There are not any waterfalls in Point Lobos State Reserve. The solely waterfall in your entire Big Sur is the spectacular and common McWey Falls, situated in Julia Pfeffer Burns State Park. It is barely 34 miles (55km) from Point Lobos.
Do you want a reservation for Point Lobos?
Because of the elevated recognition of the Point Lobos State Reserve, in 2018, there have been plans to implement reservations for visiting the reserve. I consider the pandemia interrupted the undertaking, and the reservation has not been carried out but. But it might change sooner or later.
Is there cell service at Point Lobos?
Point Lobos State Reserve is near city areas (Carmel, Monterey) and, in consequence, has no downside with the cell service.
Is there Camping in Point Lobos?
There is not any tenting in Point Lobos. It is a day-only park. If you’re searching for a campground, you will discover a number of choices alongside Highway 1 within the Big Sur space. If you’re searching for a motel, the Carmel and Monterey areas are your finest choices.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Conclusion
I hope my information to Point Lobos will make it easier to to find one of the thrilling and visually beautiful locations not solely in California however in your entire southwest.