Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - located in Carmel-By-The-Sea, slightly north of Big Sur

First hike of the New Year, 2017. Honestly, before looking in a California hiking guide book on Christmas, I had never heard of this State Park before even after being down to the Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur area many, many a time. I don't know how that happened, as it truly is a real gem, especially if you like seeing coastal wildlife.

We went on New Year's Day. Weather was overcast with slight wind. Hike is mostly exposed coastal track so it was pretty windy. You do get some shelter from the trees when the path bobs and weaves slightly inland during some parts of the walk.

The 2 trails that we hiked were the: Cypress Grove Trail & North Shore Trail

Both trails offer exquisite views of the Carmel Bay and the Point Lobos State Marine Reserve coastline. There are a plethora of Cypress trees that drape the landscape and it is quite interesting to see how they have grown and survived in the habitat. There is an abundance of marine life that can be seen from the hiking paths along the coast, it is quite amazing and entertaining to watch the animals in their natural habitat. We got the pleasure of seeing pelicans, otters, egrets, a Great blue heron and seals. If you hike by Whalers Cove, along the North Shore Trail, you'll get to see some preserved whale bones and other historical artifacts at the Whaler's Museum. The park ranger that was there when we hiked by had a telescope set-up and we were able to get an up-close look at the Blue Heron, it was awesome. They are some BIG birds..I nicknamed him 'Father Time' because he looked old and wise. :)

Aside from these 2 hiking paths, there are several other paths to meander on that will walk through the forests or over to Sea Lion Cove for more great views along the coastline.

I highly recommend checking this out!! Easy to moderate walk/hike. You can make good time at a leisurely pace, stopping to take pictures and enjoy the scenery.

Headland Cove and Coastline - view from the Cypress Grove Trail

Jagged coastline rocks and colorful vegetation

Cypress tree grove - growing in the direction of the wind

A lone pelican, hurrying to catch up with the rest of the flock

An Egret fishing in the low tidal waters at Bluefish Cove

Preserved whale bones at Whalers Cove

A Great Blue Heron chillin' on a rock at Whalers Cove 

An otter eating some shellfish at Whalers Cove