Point Lobos Hike: One of The Best Hikes on The California Coast!

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is often called the crown jewel of California’s state parks, and after hiking it twice, we totally get it. Just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea and a short drive from Monterey, it packs hidden coves, turquoise water, twisted cypress groves, and tons of wildlife into one small, wild peninsula.

The best way to see it is on one big loop that strings together the reserve’s best trails. Here’s exactly how to hike Point Lobos, plus how to deal with the (very real) parking situation.

The reserve is home to hundreds of plant and animal species, and you’re almost guaranteed to see harbor seals, sea lions, and seabirds. Sea otters are common too, and whales pass by offshore in winter and spring.

How to Get to Point Lobos

Point Lobos is right off Highway 1, about 10 minutes south of Carmel-by-the-Sea and 15 to 20 minutes from Monterey. The entrance is on the ocean side of the highway, and it’s well signed.

Parking at Point Lobos

Let’s be honest: parking here is rough. The lots inside the reserve only hold around 150 cars, and once they’re full, a “lot full” sign goes up at the entrance and often stays there most of the day.

If you miss out, you can park along the shoulder of Highway 1 and walk in (entry on foot is free). Just pay attention to the no-parking signs, park fully off the road, and be careful walking along the highway. We did this on our first visit and learned our lesson: get there right when the gates open.

Once you’re parked, leave your car where it is and use the trails to get around. If you move it midday, you probably won’t find another spot.

The Point Lobos Loop Hike

Distance: 6.4 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 680 ft

This loop links together almost every trail in the reserve. It’s mostly flat, with some stairs, and it’s one of the best hikes in Monterey, maybe even in all of California. Plan on 3 to 4 hours with stops (and you will stop a lot).

You can start anywhere you find parking and go either direction. Below, we’re going counterclockwise from the main entrance, starting on the Carmelo Meadow Trail toward Whalers Cove.

Carmelo Meadow Trail

This short, flat, shady trail starts near the entrance and winds through Monterey pines to your first view of Whalers Cove. Easy warm-up!

Granite Point Trail

From near the Whalers Cabin, the Granite Point Trail heads out along the bluffs above Whalers Cove, through meadows that fill with wildflowers in spring and summer. It’s an out-and-back spur, but the views are worth every step.

Stop at Coal Chute Point and the Granite Point overlook, then loop around the point itself. On a clear day, you can see across Carmel Bay to Pebble Beach. Watch the water for otters and dolphins.

Whalers Cabin and Whalers Cove

Back at Whalers Cove, step inside the Whalers Cabin, a tiny museum in a cabin built by Chinese fishermen in the 1850s. It covers the area’s fishing, whaling, and abalone history, and we spent way longer in there than we planned.

Whalers Cove and Bluefish Cove are the only places in the reserve where you can snorkel, dive, or kayak, and you need a reservation from the reserve to get in the water. The marine life here is some of the richest in California.

North Shore Trail

The North Shore Trail is one of our favorite stretches. It winds through pine forest along the cliffs, with views down into dramatic coves like Bluefish Cove, and some steep stairs along the way.

Don’t skip the Cannery Point viewpoint, or the short side path to the Old Veteran, a gnarled Monterey cypress clinging to the cliff edge. Want a forest detour instead? The Whalers Knoll Trail climbs to an old whale-spotting lookout.

Cypress Grove Trail

This short loop (under a mile) is the star of Point Lobos. You’ll walk through a grove of twisted Monterey cypress trees on a rocky headland, with ocean views on all sides.

Monterey cypress only grow naturally in two places on Earth, here and at nearby Pebble Beach. The bright orange on the branches isn’t moss. It’s a kind of algae that thrives in the coastal fog.

Sea Lion Point Trail

You’ll probably hear Sea Lion Point before you see it! Sea lions pile onto the offshore rocks here, barking away. This 0.6-mile loop passes Headland Cove and Sea Lion Cove, and it’s a great spot for harbor seals and sea otters too.

Look for the Devil’s Cauldron, a churning whirlpool of white water below the point, but stay well back from the edge.

South Shore Trail

The South Shore Trail runs for about a mile along the southern coast, past little beaches and tide pools, with big views out to sea. It’s a great stretch for birding and whale watching.

Weston Beach is the highlight, with some of the best tide pooling in the reserve at low tide. Watch for sneaker waves.

Bird Island Trail

For a lot of people, this 0.8-mile trail is the best part of Point Lobos. It passes China Cove, with its glowing emerald water (and harbor seal pups in spring), then Gibson Beach and Pelican Point.

The trail ends at the Bird Island overlook, where the rocks are packed with Brandt’s cormorants, gulls, and other seabirds. Bring binoculars. And fair warning, it can be a little stinky!

Short on time? The Bird Island Trail is close to the entrance. Head left from the entrance, walk out to Bird Island and back (about 2 miles round trip), and you’ll see some of the best of the reserve.

South Plateau Trail

Finish the loop on the South Plateau Trail, a bumpy, wooded path through pine and oak back to the entrance. In spring, the forest floor fills with wildflowers.

Shortcut Trails

• Mound Meadow Trail: A quiet trail from near the entrance down to the south shore near Weston Beach.
• Lace Lichen Trail: A short shortcut through the middle of the reserve, with trees draped in lace lichen. It’s a quick way to get to Sea Lion Point and Cypress Grove.

Beaches in Point Lobos

These aren’t really sunbathing beaches, but they’re gorgeous to explore. Swimming isn’t a great idea here: the water is cold and the surf can be dangerous.

• Weston Beach: Pebbly, with amazing tide pools at low tide.
• Gibson Beach: The sandiest beach in the reserve, down a set of stairs off the Bird Island Trail.
• Hidden Beach: A small pebble beach down some steps off the South Shore Trail.
• The Pit: A sheltered little beach off the Granite Point area, with calm water and lots of wildlife.
• China Cove: Emerald water and a tiny white-sand beach, but you can only admire it from above.

Where to Stay Near Point Lobos

Carmel-by-the-Sea is the closest town, just 10 minutes away, and it’s full of cozy inns and cottages. Monterey has the most hotel options, and the Carmel Highlands put you right on the coast near the reserve.

Best Time to Hike Point Lobos

• Spring: Wildflowers and harbor seal pups. Expect some chilly, rainy days.
• Summer: Busiest season, and mornings are often foggy. Wildflowers can last into July.
• Fall: Often the clearest, sunniest weather, with thinner crowds. Our pick!
• Winter: Quiet trails, migrating gray whales, and beautiful sunsets on clear days.

Tips for Visiting Point Lobos

• Arrive at opening: It’s the only real way to beat the parking problem and the crowds.
• Wear real shoes: The trails are mostly easy, but there are roots, rocks, and stone steps.
• Bring water and snacks: There’s nothing for sale inside the reserve.
• Stay on the trails: It protects the habitat, and there’s poison oak off-trail.
• Bring binoculars: You’ll want them for the birds, seals, and otters.

FAQs About Hiking Point Lobos

Final Thoughts

Point Lobos is one of our favorite places on the entire California coast. Get there early, take your time on the loop, and keep your eyes on the water. Then keep driving south for even more things to do in Big Sur.

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