Overview
Deriving its name from the offshore rocks at Punta de los Lobos Marinos, Point of the Sea Wolves, Point Lobos State Reserve offers hiking, photography, painting, nature study, and picnicking, and is very popular for SCUBA diving. On nice days, prospective visitors should try to arrive early, as the park fills rapidly. The park entrance is located three miles south of Carmel on Highway One. Phone 831-624-4909.
Picnic Area
Whaler’s Cove: The picnic area has one accessible table on a new firm, stable surface. The parking lot and route of travel are generally accessible. Restrooms: A generally accessible comfort station is nearby. The path of travel is accessible.
The Piney Woods area has an accessible table on dirt surfaces that may be usable in dry weather. A new accessibly designed restroom is available in the parking area.
The picnic area at Bird Island has four accessible tables including accessible parking and restroom.
Trails
Cypress Grove Trail is accessible for 0.25 mile and offers excellent views of the cove. The trailhead, accessible parking and a new accessible comfort station are located in the Cypress Grove parking area.
Sand Hill Trail, also called Sea Lion Point Trail, is a paved accessible loop trail about 0.40 mile long leading to great views of the cove (see photo below) and perhaps the occasional otter and/or sea lion. Parking in Sea Lion Point lot. Trailhead is 200 feet beyond lot on road.
Carmelo Meadow Trail, Begins at the entry station and provides accessible trail linkage to the Granite Point Trail (also accessible). The trail winds through native Monterey Pine forest and terminates at Whalers Cove. Accessible parking is available at the park entrance. The trail is .3 miles in length and is surfaced with compacted soil.
Granite Point Trail, The trail is accessed by way of the Carmelo Meadow Trail. The route hugs the Whalers Cove bluff offering spectacular views of the coastline and its abundant wildlife. Accessible parking is available at the park entrance. The trail is .36 miles in length and is surfaced with compacted soil.
Bird Island Trail This accessible trail begins at the Reserve's southern most parking lot and is approximately 1 mile long. The trail provides views of Bird Island and China Cove where visitors can watch harbor seals nursing new born pups.
Other Information
The Cypress Grove area has an information kiosk with park-related publications and other small items of interest. Accessible parking and restoom are nearby.
Definitions & Terms
Accessible
Meets all or most of the current accessibility standards; most visitors with disabilities will not need assistance
Generally accessible
Meets many current codes and has few barriers, but some visitors with disabilities may need assistance
Usable
Meets some current codes but has some barriers; many visitors with disabilities may require assistance
Designated accessible
Describes facilities that have been set aside and usually signed or “designated” accessible because they met accessibility codes when built. Such facilities may vary from newer suggested guidelines in specified ways, and improvements may be planned or ongoing. Minor variations from guidelines are not usually described. This term is often used for parking spaces that are reserved for visitors with disabilities even though there may be minor issues with slope, signage, or size.
