POINT LOBOS STATE NATURAL RESERVE
Point Lobos Loop | Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
★★★★★
Stunning ocean blues and incredible wildlife, accessible to hikers of all levels. A must-visit spot!
Last hiked 4/1/21
Length: 4.6 mi.
Gain: 780 ft.
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Low
Crowds: High
Dogs: No
THE RUNDOWN
We usually try to avoid crowds, but the mesmerizing nature views on this coastal loop are worth wading through the crowds of tourists for. This loop takes you to all of the best spots in the park in one go.
Parking is available for a fee at the main entrance of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Alternatively, if you arrive early enough, snag a spot along Highway 1, but pay close attention to signage.
Park Hours: 8am to 7pm. Last entry at 6:30pm.
Fees: $10 to park in the parking lot; free if you are lucky to snag a spot along Highway 1.
Trailhead: Roadway to Point Lobos
Restroom: Yes
We took a counterclockwise loop via Granite Point and China Cove. Because this hike is mostly flat, a clockwise loop would be just as enjoyable.
The elevation changes shown are highly exaggerated. Besides a few hills, this hike is practically flat.
Park along Hwy 1 (be mindful of the signage). Alternatively, park at any of the lots inside for $10.
STEP BY STEP
↑ Proceed through the main entrance of the park, past the fare station.
→ Make a right onto Carmelo Meadow Trail.
→ Make a right onto Granite Point Trail and follow the coast until you reach Granite Point.
Tip: Explore the small trails that meander around the area, one of which leands to Granite Point Beach.
↓ Double back on Granite Point Trail, towards Cannery Point.
↑ Proceed past the Point Lobos State Reserve Parking Lot up the steps onto Point Lobos Trail.
← Make a left onto North Shore Trail. Follow the coast.
Tip: Make an optional detour onto Cypress Grove Trail before you reach the next parking lot.
↑ Take Sea Lion Point Trail to connect to South Shore Trail.
↑ Continue along South Shore Trail to reach China Cove.
← Make a left onto South Plateau Trail to return to the trailhead.
The beauty of Point Lobos lies in its countless coves and hidden beaches.
As a momma harbor seal supervises her rambunctious pup, dad enjoys a nice beer and falls asleep in front of the TV.
Granite Point affords beautiful views with relatively few crowds.
MUSINGS
We'll try to keep this one short since the photos of this hike speak for themselves. Point Lobos is a very popular park, and for good reason - winding trails take you along a delightful coastal escapade that shows off some of the best flora and fauna that California has to offer.
From the harbor seal pups who enjoy playing in the sheltered coves throughout the park, to the flocks of turkey vultures that reign over the park from the tops of tall cypress trees, there are plenty of opportunities to experience wildlife aplenty.
Long story short, follow the coastal trails here, and you won't be disappointed. In particular, make sure to stop by China Cove at the southwest end of the park where the water is uniquely turquoise and crystal clear. It's also a great spot to spot harbor seal mamas and pups in the spring.
MORE INFO
Some Reminders
We highly recommend visiting on a weekday, and arriving early! We came early on a Thursday, yet couldn't avoid brushing shoulders with some crowds due to the park's massive popularity.
Beware of poison oak. We quite literally came upon walls of poison oak that lined large portions of the trail.
Helpful Resources
Official park page here
Good Eats
We recommend visiting the deli counter of Bruno's Market & Deli to pick up some of the best sandwiches in the area. Build your own sandwich, or try their specialty hot pastrami sandwich. Take it to go, and enjoy it on Mara Beach, which is much less crowded and even more beautiful than Carmel Beach.