Carmel - Point Lobos State Reserve

This unusual coastal region in the south of Carmel Bay lies only a few miles from Carmel, and the harshness of its granite cliffs and caves forms a stark contrast to the civilized township. As a result of the constant movements of the waves over many millions of years a gradual erosion of the rock has taken place, producing some strange formations. Along signposted trails through this 1,250 acre/500 hectare-tract, declared a nature reserve since 1933, (more than half of which lies under water), you can admire its beauty from close quarters: the numerous rocks lying off the coast, the caves, the rock-enclosed ponds which continually re-form, the fish in the clear waters and - with luck - sea-otters and sea-lions. Walks

Point Lobos is also a good point from which to observe the whales swimming not too far from the coast, on their way north or south, depending on the time of the year. You can cover the whole area, but this rather difficult stretch, almost 6mi/10km long, starts at the entrance to Point Lobos on the CA 1 and will take some three to five hours.

If you have less time to spare you should at least walk along the Cypress Grove Trail (many Monterey cypresses) and the North Shore Trail.