Point Lobos State Reserve, CA
Visitor Services

Service Description Service Description
Fees Fees

Day Use Passes: cars: $8; seniors: $4; disabled: $3; trail maps: $1 (supports docent program)

Information Information
There is an authoritative information center here.

NOTE: The America's Byways® website is federally funded and cannot promote commercial businesses. This data may not be complete or up to date. The National Scenic Byways Program is not responsible for the quality of your travel experience. See the right column on the Byway Overview page for local contact information.

Special Considerations

This information is provided by the CA State Park System. Please be familiar with this information before your visit.

A state reserve is an area embracing outstanding natural or scenic characteristics of statewide significance. The purpose of a state reserve is to preserve native ecological associations, unique animal and plant life, geological features, and scenic qualities in an undisturbed condition. To help ensure the protection of the Reserve and for your safety, these rules are strictly enforced.

Don't Bet Your Life! Respect the power of the ocean. Help avoid a disaster and keep at a safe distance. Remain on the designated trails within the wire guides, and stay away from the rocky cliffs. Rock climbing is absolutely prohibited.

Vehicles

The speed limit is 15 mph. To protect vegetation, park head in, NOT PARALLEL, and in designated areas only. There are 9 parking areas in the reserve. If a lot is full, please drive to another parking area. Bicycles are not permitted on the trails.

Collecting

Do not collect, remove, or even disturb any natural objects. This includes flowers, wood, rocks, shells, tidepool life, kelp, etc.

Fires and Smoking

Stoves, fires, and barbecues of all types are prohibited. NO SMOKING on the trails or beaches. If you wish to smoke, do so only on the paved roads, parking lots, and in picnic areas.

Picnicking

Permitted only in areas with tables. There are tables at Whalers Cove parking area, Piney Woods parking area, and the Bird Island parking area.

Wildlife

All animals within the reserve are wild. DO NOT FEED any animals including squirrels (they bite) and birds. Protect their health and yours.

Marine Reserve

Fishing is prohibited in reserve waters. Diving access is limited to Whalers and Bluefish Coves. Diving regulations are posted at the ranger station.

Pets

You may not bring a dog or any other pets into, or permit a dog or other pets to enter or remain in any portion of the reserve. (Seeing eye, service, or signal dogs are the only permitted exception).

Games

Frisbee, softball, kite flying, etc. are not compatible with the purpose of a reserve and are prohibited. These activities are welcome at Carmel River State Beach north of the reserve.

When the Reserve is Full:

Visitors may wait in line to enter on a one-vehicle out, one-vehicle in basis regardless of previously scheduled walks or prior entrance that day.

Vehicles over 20 feet may enter the reserve when traffic is light, but not during weekends, school vacations, holidays, or during the summer from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Trailers or motorhomes towing vehicles are not allowed, and the number of buses per day is limited.

Diving (SCUBA and free):

Diving is permitted only at Whalers and Bluefish Coves. Proof of certification is required. Permission to dive is given when entering the reserve. Reservations are recommended and a must for weekends and holidays. Reservations can be made by telephoning 831-624-8413, E-mail at ptlobos@mbay.net or visit the Dive page..

Guided Walks and Whalers Cabin Museum:

A schedule of guided walks for the month is posted at the entrance station. The museums are open as staffing permits, generally from 11 am until 3:00 pm. Requests for nature walks, cabin tours, and slide programs led by rangers or docents for schools and private groups require advance written application.

Restrictions

Please See 'Special Considerations' for essential information about visiting California State Reserves.