photo of Point Lobos State Reserve

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
— 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


Although the wonder and beauty is everywhere at Point Lobos, the Cypress Grove Trail surrounding Allan Memorial Grove is the heart of the Reserve.  Please join me as we explore the six habitats we will encounter-exploring wildlife, plant life, and geology unique here.  The Allan Memorial Grove invites a look into the history of P.L. and the Monterey Bay.  Docent Doug

— 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! 

— Cypress Grove Treasures walk at Information Station

Greatest Meeting of Land and Sea; Stroll around the beautiful Cypress Grove Loop trail, as we discuss the flora, fauna and cultural history of Pt Lobos.

— 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.

— Women walk at Whalers Cabin

Take an easy one-mile round trip walk along the Granite Point trail in Whaler’s Cove to learn about the lives of nine extraordinary women whose efforts shaped and preserved this land.  During our 1 ½ hour stroll, we’ll revel in the beauty of the reserve as we celebrate the vision, labor and passion of those in the past who made it all possible.

— General walk at Whalers Cabin

Take a stroll around Whaler’s Cove with our eyes on the animal, plant and bird life along the shore as we discuss the natural habitat and human history of Pt Lobos

— 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.

— General walk at Information Station
— 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.

— Birds walk at Bird Island Parking Area

Birdability Field Trip with Amanda Preece 
Date: Friday, October 11, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM - noon
Leader: Amanda Preece 

This field trip will include a guided trip around the Bird Island Trail loop, one of two ADA accessible trails at the Reserve.  While we'll be mostly on the coastline, forest birds such as Pygmy Nuthatches and Chestnut-backed Chickadees may make an appearance as we make our way through the Monterey pines. 

Heavy rain cancels. 

— 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.