Pt Lobos, CA

Rocky beach, looking southward to Carmel Highlands

At the southern end of Carmel Bay is Pt Lobos State Reserve. A natural gem of the Monterey Bay and Carmel region, I tell visitors that if you wanted to see Big Sur but can not fit it in your trip, then go to Point Lobos. This place is that good.

China Cove, seals resting

Zoom-in of seals, adults and youths

You can do a drive-through scenic tour, or do hikes on trails that range from flat easy to staircase-like strenuous. There are woodlands, meadows, rugged cliffs, rocky beaches, hidden coves, and a historic whalers house that now serves as a museum. On weekends and holidays, the parking lots fill quickly and earlier in the day.

Wildflowers in late May. Varieties in bloom depend on the season.

I am a California state park volunteer, inspecting and monitoring trail and archeological site conditions. On this occasion, I revisited Pt Lobos with a friend, also named Jane, who was my unofficial assistant serving as photographer.

The state reserve status gives Pt Lobos additional special protections compared to a state park. For visitors, that means eating only in designated picnic areas, and no collecting of natural items like seashells beach pebbles and driftwood.

Challenge: What is the name of a California college that is also the name of the indigenous Indian tribe that seasonally camped at Pt Lobos?

Answer (spelled backwards): enolho

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