Mission Statements

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS

To provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

Docent volunteers serve as a visible representative of California State Parks at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve promoting the California State Parks mission.  These four simple words -- preserve, protect, educate and interpret -- sum up the docent experience. 

POINT LOBOS FOUNDATION

Our mission is to protect and nurture Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, to educate and inspire visitors to preserve its unique natural and cultural resources, and to strengthen the network of Carmel Area State Parks.

Upcoming Public Guided Walks

— General walk at Information Station

The walk will include discussions of the cultural history and the natural wonders of Point Lobos.

— General walk at Information Station
— Easy-Access Adventure walk at Sea Lion Point Trail

Between 10am and 12noon, visitors of all abilities are invited to experience our accessible, Sea Lion Point trail. Docents with scopes, binoculars, marine mammal pelts and information will be stationed along the trail for all to go at their own pace. As well as enjoying our beautiful, flat coastal trail, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters and migrating whales may be seen! 

— General walk at Information Station
— General walk at Whalers Cabin

Join docent Randy for a walk from Whalers Cove to Coal Chute Point and Granite Point, breathtakingly beautiful but relatively little-traveled areas of our Reserve.  This is an area where human history and our natural environment are intimately connected, and as we look for birds, animals and flowers, you will also learn about human activities that have come and gone over time.

— General walk at Information Station

Join docent Randy for a guided walk around the Cypress Grove trail.  We will keep a close eye out for marine mammals, shore birds and other wildlife while appreciating the lush plant life and stunning scenery all around us.  Learn how sea otters have come and gone from the central coast, and how our deep marine canyons support the animals you see on the surface.

— General walk at Information Station

The walk will include discussions of the cultural history and the natural wonders of Point Lobos.

— Cypress Grove Treasures walk at Information Station

Discover the treasures of the Cypress Grove Trail.  Less than one mile loop.

— General walk at Information Station

This walk will cover the plants, animals, cultural history, and geology of the Cypress Grove trail.  

— General walk at Information Station
— General walk at Whalers Cabin

Join docent Randy for a walk from Whalers Cove to Coal Chute Point and Granite Point, breathtakingly beautiful but relatively little-traveled areas of our Reserve.  This is an area where human history and our natural environment are intimately connected, and as we look for birds, animals and flowers, you will also learn about human activities that have come and gone over time.