Cypress Grove Trail Point Lobos
Explore the 'crown jewel' of California's parks, featuring ancient cypress groves, dramatic cliffs, and abundant marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, weather is mild
Cypress Grove Trail Point Lobos
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, weather is mild
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the 'crown jewel' of California's parks, featuring ancient cypress groves, dramatic cliffs, and abundant marine life.
"Point Lobos offers some of the most beautiful hikes in California with incredible ocean views. "
🎯 Arrive Before 8 AM
Gates open at 8 AM. Get there early to snag parking inside the preserve! :car:
🚶♀️ Easy Loop Trails
Cypress Grove Trail is a short, rewarding 0.8-mile loop with stunning views. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cypress Grove Trail
Cypress Grove
Wander through ancient Monterey cypress trees with dramatic ocean vistas. A must-see for nature lovers and photographers.
Whalers Cove
Whalers Cove
Spot sea otters and enjoy calm waters. Ideal for early morning visits when the sea is most serene.
China Cove
China Cove
Marvel at the stunning emerald-green water and picturesque beach. A short walk to an unforgettable view.
+1
Bird Island Trail
Bird Island
Discover tide pools and potential wildlife sightings. An accessible option for those with mobility concerns.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Parking
Accessibility for All
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before 8 AM
Gates open at 8 AM. Get there early to snag parking inside the preserve!
🚶♀️ Easy Loop Trails
Cypress Grove Trail is a short, rewarding 0.8-mile loop with stunning views.
🦦 Otter Spotting
Whalers Cove is a prime spot for sea otter sightings, especially in the morning.
📸 Capture the Views
The dramatic coastline and unique cypress trees offer incredible photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before 8 AM
Gates open at 8 AM. Get there early to snag parking inside the preserve!
🚶♀️ Easy Loop Trails
Cypress Grove Trail is a short, rewarding 0.8-mile loop with stunning views.
🦦 Otter Spotting
Whalers Cove is a prime spot for sea otter sightings, especially in the morning.
📸 Capture the Views
The dramatic coastline and unique cypress trees offer incredible photo opportunities.
♿️ Consider Mobility
Bird Island Trail is a good option for those with limited walking ability. :wheelchair:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the breathtaking beauty of Point Lobos, often calling it the 'crown jewel' of California's parks. The Cypress Grove Trail is a standout, praised for its unique trees and stunning coastal views. While parking can be a challenge, most agree the effort is well worth the unforgettable experience. +1
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is located just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. You can drive directly to the preserve entrance. Parking inside fills up quickly, so arriving early is highly recommended.
Public transportation options directly to Point Lobos are limited. It's best to drive or consider ride-sharing services. Many visitors opt for a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway.
The park has a network of well-maintained trails. The Cypress Grove Trail is a popular loop, and other trails like Bird Island Trail and Point Lobos Trail offer diverse scenery.
Absolutely! Point Lobos is a fantastic stop on a California road trip, especially along the Pacific Coast Highway. It's a perfect day trip from Monterey or Carmel.
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the trails or beaches within Point Lobos State Natural Reserve to protect the wildlife and natural environment.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has an entrance fee per vehicle. While there isn't a separate ticket for the Cypress Grove Trail, you'll pay the park entrance fee upon arrival.
The park typically opens at 8 AM and closes at sunset. It's crucial to arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots fill up quickly.
The entrance fee is subject to change but is generally around $10 per vehicle. Check the official Point Lobos State Natural Reserve website for the most current pricing.
Parking cannot be reserved in advance. Your best bet is to arrive early, ideally before the park opens at 8 AM, to secure a spot inside the preserve.
Pedestrians and cyclists typically have a reduced or no entrance fee, but it's best to confirm this at the park entrance or on the official website.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Cypress Grove Trail is a short loop, approximately 0.8 to 0.9 miles, and usually takes about 18-40 minutes to complete, depending on how often you stop to admire the views.
You can spot sea otters, seals, sea lions, various seabirds, and sometimes even whales during migration season. Keep an eye out for deer along the trails too!
Yes, restrooms are available at various points within Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, including near the main parking areas and trailheads.
Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. Layers are recommended as coastal weather can change quickly. A light jacket is advisable even on sunny days.
Yes, the Cypress Grove Trail is generally suitable for children due to its short length and relatively flat terrain. It's a great way to introduce kids to nature.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The Cypress Grove Trail offers iconic shots of the Monterey cypress trees against the rugged coastline. China Cove's turquoise waters and Whalers Cove with sea otters are also highly photogenic.
Early morning light provides soft, beautiful illumination and fewer crowds. Golden hour (late afternoon) can also offer stunning light for dramatic coastal shots.
Drone usage is generally prohibited in California State Parks, including Point Lobos, to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check park regulations before flying.
The end of the Cypress Grove loop on the left-hand side offers a particularly stunning viewpoint.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery and cypress groves. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The relatively easy terrain of most trails makes it manageable for little legs, though always supervise children closely near cliffs and water. Consider bringing snacks and water, as amenities are limited within the park. The Bird Island Trail is a good option if you need a more accessible route.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To maximize your visit without extra costs, focus on enjoying the hiking trails and wildlife viewing. The Cypress Grove Trail and Bird Island Trail offer immense scenic value without requiring additional spending.
Arriving early to secure free parking inside the preserve is key to avoiding any potential parking fees outside the park. 📸 Photographers
+1 Look for the gnarled, wind-swept forms of the trees and experiment with different angles to highlight their character. China Cove provides stunning shots of its vibrant turquoise waters, especially on a clear day.
For wildlife photography, Whalers Cove is excellent for capturing sea otters and other marine life. Early morning light offers soft, diffused illumination perfect for landscapes, while the golden hour can create dramatic, moody scenes. +1 Remember to bring a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens for wildlife. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Monterey Cypress
+1 The trail winds through these groves, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the Pacific Ocean. It's a photographer's dream and a nature lover's paradise. These cypress trees are incredibly resilient, having adapted to the harsh coastal environment. Their presence is a testament to the unique ecological conditions of this part of the California coast. Visiting this grove feels like stepping back in time, experiencing a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Remember to stay on marked trails to protect these fragile trees and their habitat. The short loop of the Cypress Grove Trail makes it accessible for most visitors, allowing everyone to appreciate the majesty of these iconic trees.
Wildlife Encounters at Point Lobos
Visitors also frequently spot seals and sea lions basking on the rocks or swimming in the ocean. Beyond the marine life, the park's trails offer opportunities to see deer grazing peacefully in the meadows and cypress groves.
Birdwatchers will be delighted by the variety of seabirds, including pelicans, cormorants, and gulls, that frequent the coastline. During migration seasons, whales can sometimes be spotted offshore, adding another layer of excitement to a visit. To maximize your chances of wildlife sightings, visit during the early morning or late afternoon. Always maintain a respectful distance from all animals and never feed them. Remember that Point Lobos is a protected habitat, and observing wildlife in its natural environment is a privilege.
Exploring the Coastal Trails
+1 It's often described as one of the most beautiful hikes in California. Other popular trails include the Bird Island Trail, which leads to a viewpoint where you might see nesting seabirds and offers a more accessible route for those with mobility challenges.
For a more secluded experience, Gibson Beach is a short walk from the parking area and offers a sandy cove. These trails are generally well-maintained and offer a moderate level of difficulty, making them suitable for a wide range of visitors. The combination of forest paths, cliffside overlooks, and beach access makes exploring Point Lobos a truly unforgettable experience.
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