Hiking the Point Lobos Loop is an amazing adventure through one of California’s most stunning coastal spots! As you stroll along, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, sparkling ocean waters, and beautiful coves full of wildlife. You can hear the waves crashing against the rocks and seabirds flying overhead. Take moments to pause and soak in the natural beauty surrounding you.
Every twist and turn on the trail brings something exciting, whether it’s a playful sea otter chilling in the ocean or a colorful patch of wildflowers dancing in the breeze. With every step, you’re drawn deeper into the magic of this coastal paradise, making it a perfect escape for hikers and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous day out, the Point Lobos Loop has something special waiting just for you!
Let’s embark on an unforgettable adventure along one of California’s most breathtaking coastal trails! Dive into this guide to discover tips and highlights for this stunning hike in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Get ready to experience jaw-dropping views, unique wildlife, and the serene beauty of this coastline. This is a hike you won’t want to miss!
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is often hailed as “the crown jewel of the California State Park System,” a title that reflects its breathtaking beauty and rich history.
Originally known as “Isxhenta” to the indigenous peoples, Point Lobos was revered as a sacred sanctuary, a place to be honored and protected. Today, it draws visitors from around the globe, eager to be inspired by its stunning landscapes and vibrant ecosystem.
This remarkable reserve offers a wealth of experiences, from breathtaking sightseeing and photography to painting, nature study, picnicking, and SCUBA diving. The surrounding waters, part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, are teeming with life and are considered some of the richest underwater habitats on the planet. On land, explorers can discover rare plant communities, striking geological formations, and an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, all waiting to be admired and explored.
Important Information
- The reserve is strictly for Day Use and all visitors must exit by closing time. It is open from 8 AM to 7 PM with the last entry at 6:30 PM.
- Bikes are prohibited on all trails in the reserve but are welcome on the pavement. Skateboarding is not allowed anywhere within the reserve.
- Drone photography is prohibited within the reserve.
- Any vehicle (commercial, motorhome, live-in van, etc.) over 21 feet 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.
- Check out the official California State Parks website for updates and more information about Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles to help keep Point Lobos pristine for future visitors.
Day Use Entrance Fees
An entrance fee is required in order to drive into the reserve. The CA Explorer and Golden Poppy Annual Passes are accepted at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Vehicle: $10
Senior: $9
Disabled (with Discount Pass): $5
CA Explorer Annual Pass: $195
Golden Poppy Annual Pass: $125
Bus (10-24 passengers): $50
Bus (25+ passengers): $100
Permit required for buses!
⚠️ You can avoid paying the entrance fee by simply parking alongside Highway 1 and walking in. This is legal, but make sure to park on the paved sections!
Wildlife
First and foremost, please do not feed any animals! The little chipmunks running up to you may be adorable and it can be hard to resist their cute little paws begging for your trail mix, but feeding wild animals can have a devastating effect. Do your part and keep the wildlife safe by not feeding them!
As you are hiking along the Point Lobos Loop, you may encounter lots of wildlife. On our trip to Point Lobos in 2023, we saw sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, lots of birds, and hungry chipmunks (again, don’t feed!). We didn’t see any whales, but Point Lobos is a great spot for watching the whales migrate.
In November, California gray whales kick off an amazing migration, leaving the chilly waters of Alaska to head down the coast to their breeding lagoons in Baja California. These massive creatures make a round trip to their feeding grounds in the Bering Sea every spring. It’s a staggering journey of over 10,000 miles, the longest migration of any mammal! At Point Lobos, you can catch sight of these whales swimming south in late December and January, then heading back north from March to May.
Adding to the lively scene are the California sea lions, which can be found barking away at Sea Lion Point. Their noisy calls reminded early Spanish settlers of barking wolves, so they named the area “Punta de Lobos,” or “Point of the Sea Wolves.” When California officially established the reserve in 1933, it kept that playful name in honor of its boisterous residents.
You might also spot the adorable southern sea otter, diving for sea snacks or just floating on its back in the kelp beds. These playful animals bring a fun vibe to the reserve, making every visit a delightful wildlife-watching experience!
Point Lobos Loop: Overview
Point Lobos Loop is located in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.
Length: 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 650 feet
Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
Route Type: Big loop with several small loops and out-and-back sections
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Pet-friendly? No
Points of Interest
Below is a list of all the amazing spots you will see while hiking along the Point Lobos Loop. It’s a lot, so make a list or find a map with these spots listed so you know which spot is which! Have fun and enjoy all the beauty Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has to offer.
Starting from the parking lot at Whalers Cove and going counterclockwise
- Point Lobos Trail
- Whalers Cove
- Cannery Point
- North Shore Trail
- Bluefish Cove
- Big Dome Cove
- Cypress Grove Trail
- Cypress Grove
- Cypress Cove
- Middle Cove
- Pinnacle Cove
- Headland Cove
- Sea Lion Point Trail
- Sea Lion Point & Sea Lion Cove
- Sandhill Trail
- Sandhill Cove
- South Shore Trail
- Whale Trail
- Weston Beach
- Hidden Beach
- Bird Island Trail
- China Cove
- Gibson Beach
- Bird Island
- South Plateau Trail to Carmelo Meadow Trail
- Granite Point Trail
- Whalers Cove
- Coal Chute Point
- The Pit
- Granite Point
- Whalers Cabin Museum
Directions and Parking
There are several places where you can begin the Point Lobos Loop hike. There are a few major parking areas along with some smaller parking lots within the reserve.
List of major parking areas in Point Lobos:
Best Time to Hike Point Lobos Loop
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a fantastic destination no matter the season! With average temperatures ranging from the high 50s to mid-60s (Fahrenheit), it’s a comfortable spot to explore year-round.
Winters bring mild weather with the occasional refreshing rain shower, perfect for keeping the landscape vibrant and lush.
As spring unfolds, expect chilly yet sunny days where wildflowers burst into color, transforming the scenery into a stunning tapestry of blooms.
Summers can be a bit foggy, with cool mornings and evenings, but don’t worry, the sunshine quickly warms things up during the day.
Finally, fall greets you with crisp, warm days bathed in golden sunlight, making it a delightful time to soak in the breathtaking views. Every season at Point Lobos offers its own unique charm!
Point Lobos is a beloved destination that draws crowds, especially during the summer months and holiday weekends. To maximize your chances of snagging a parking spot, aim to arrive early or visit later in the day. By timing your visit right, you can enjoy the beauty of Point Lobos without the hassle!
🌄 READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors
What to Bring
Layers of clothing – The ocean breeze can cause chilly conditions on a warm, sunny day.
Hiking shoes – Our favorite hiking shoes are the Altra Peak Lone Peak Trail Running Shoes.
Small backpack – Having a backpack will allow you to easily carry extra layers, snacks, and water.
Water bottles – There are water fountains at picnic areas, Sea Lion Point parking area, and near the entry kiosk where you can refill your water bottles. Plastic water bottles are not sold within Point Lobos.
Binoculars – As mentioned above, Point Lobos has lots of wildlife, and seeing them with binoculars will give you an even closer look from a safe distance.
Camera – Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture all those beautiful moments as you explore along the Point Lobos Loop. We currently use a Sony A7c (along with our phones) to take pictures.
Trail Directions
Whalers Cove / Cannery Point
You can begin this hike from anywhere in Point Lobos since it is a loop trail. For the purpose of this blog post, we will begin from the Whalers Cove Parking Area. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you hike along this scenic trail!
Begin ascending along the trail to the top of Cannery Point.
Northshore Trail
Follow the trail and you will soon merge onto the Northshore Trail. You will see beautiful views of Bluefish Cove.
You will reach a junction in the trail where it splits into the Northshore Trail and the Whaler’s Knoll Trail. We chose the Northshore Trail, but it doesn’t really matter which trail you choose! The Whaler’s Knoll Trail will quickly merge back onto the Northshore Trail.
Let’s pretend you remained on the Northshore Trail. You will reach a scenic overlook of Big Dome and its cove.
You will eventually reach a parking lot. This is the Cypress Grove and Sea Lion Point Parking Lot. There are restrooms here!
Cypress Grove Trail
Take the Cypress Grove Trail and be prepared to be enchanted by this native Monterey cypress grove. It is one of two native Monterey cypress groves in California. The second one is located at Pebble Beach.
Along the Cypress Grove Trail you will see the Cypress Cove plus the Middle, Pinnacle, and Headland Coves.
Sea Lion Point Trail
Once you return back to the parking lot, hop onto the Sea Lion Point Trail for another small loop within our big loop hike.
When we went, there was a park ranger who set up two telescopes so you could get a closer look at the sea lions chilling on Sea Lion Rocks.
Sand Hill Cove
The trail will merge from Sea Lion Point Trail to Sand Hill Trail. You will see Sand Hill Cove along the way.
Southshore Trail
You will reach another junction in the trail. Get onto the Southshore Trail.
You will pass several other parking lots and Weston Beach as you follow the Southshore Trail. During our trip in 2023, this section of the trail was closed so we had to take a little detour by taking the Pine Ridge and Mound Meadow Trails which reconnected to the Southshore Trail.
Towards the end of Southshore Trail, don’t miss the Hidden Beach! There should be sign to lead you to the beach so you don’t pass it. It’s a cute little spot!
Bird Island Trail
Next you will reach the Bird Island Trail Parking Lot. Hop onto the Bird Island Trail. This was one of our favorite sections of the Point Lobos Loop!
Follow the steps for a short ascent then it will open up to another cove known as China Cove. You might see harbor seals laying out on the beach in this area. Please be respectful and stay quiet as you observe the marine wildlife from a safe distance.
Continue following the Bird Island Trail until you reach a junction. Take a right to remain on the Bird Island Trail. You will walk over a boardwalk and see Gibson Beach to the left.
Follow this short loop trail towards a spectacular spot known as Bird Island.
As you return back to the junction in the trail, keep straight to merge onto the South Plateau Trail.
You will eventually reach the road where the entrance of the reserve is located. Cross the road and get onto the Carmelo Meadow Trail.
Granite Point Trail
You will reach another junction in the trail. Take a right onto Granite Point Trail.
You are back at Whalers Cove now, but this time we are walking in the opposite direction of the Whalers Cove Parking Lot.
Follow the Granite Point Trail until you reach another junction. This time take a left for a small loop towards Coal Chute Point.
This is another beautiful vista point with views of The Pit and the Pacific Ocean.
Return back to the junction in the trail and take a left to continue along the Granite Point Trail.
Follow the trail and keep straight at the next junction. You will follow the Granite Point Trail to reach Granite Point. The waves here are rough! Please do not climb down to any lower rocks as the waves could potentially sweep you away.
Granite Point is a beautiful spot with great views all around! Retrace your steps back down the Granite Point Trail until you reach the Whalers Cabin Museum.
The Whalers Cabin was built by Chinese fishermen in the 1850s. The cabin is now a cultural history museum.
You’re almost there! Follow the road until you reach the Whalers Cove parking lot.
Congrats, you did it! 🥳
Conclusion
Hiking the Point Lobos Loop is like stepping into a postcard. From stunning ocean views and dramatic cliffs to hidden coves and peaceful cypress groves, this trail has it all. Keep an eye out for playful sea otters and, my personal favorite, harbor seals basking in the sun on a beach. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a whale spouting in the distance. For anyone who loves marine life and coastal beauty, Point Lobos is an absolute dream come true!
If this guide inspires you to hike the Point Lobos Loop, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!
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