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So beloved is this region of the
Central Coast located south of Carmel at the northern point of Big Sur, that it
garners not one, but two official web sites that provide hiking
trails information. Be sure to check out http://pt-lobos.parks.state.ca.us/
and http://www.parks.ca.gov/ for current
information about one of California's most scenic parks.
From Highway 1, you cannot see the
beauty of this stretch of coast. Traveling three miles south of
Carmel, there's a park entrance sign and usually plenty of folks to tip
you of that you have arrived at the parking lot. Weekends and summer
days, you can even experience a Carmel-style traffic back up when nature
lovers and explorers head into the park to hike, picnic and scuba dive.
In fact, scuba diving provides the most extensive views and opportunities
to explore this protected region with diving only permitted at Whalers and
Bluefish Coves. Proof of certification is required and permission to dive
is given when entering the reserve. Reservations are recommended and a
must for weekends and holidays.
Divers explore a realm of beauty
that until this century was inaccessible except to a handful of pioneers.
In the subdued light of the 70 foot-high kelp forests, animals without
backbones and plants without roots create a world of vibrant color. Lingcod,
cabezone and rockfish swim in and out of view. The unexpected appearance
of a seal, a sea otter, or whale quickens the heart.
Point Lobos contains headlands,
coves and rolling meadows with wildlife viewing of seals, sea lions, sea
otters and migrating gray whales. Thousands of seabirds also make the reserve
their home. Hiking trails follow the shoreline and lead to hidden coves.
The area used to be the home of a turn-of -the-century whaling and abalone
industry. A small cabin from that era still remains on Whaler's Cove, near
Carmel. A schedule of guided walks for the month is posted at the entrance
station and the cabin museum is open on occasion, as staffing is available.
The offshore rocks at Punta de los
Lobos Marinos, Point of the Sea Wolves, where the sound of the sea lions
can be heard at what many consider "the crown jewel of the State Park System,"
gave rise to the name, Point Lobos.
Point Lobos State Reserve is outstanding
for sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, SCUBA
diving, and jogging. In addition to the spectacular beauty, nearly every
aspect of its resources is of scientific interest. There are rare plant
communities, endangered archeological sites, unique geological formations,
and incredibly rich flora an fauna of both land and sea. Remain on the designated
trails within the wire guides, and stay away from the rocky cliffs. Rock
climbing is absolutely prohibited. And that's the facts, provided by California
State Parks.
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