Point Lobos Guide: Hours, Fees, Parking, Rules & Best Trails
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: hours, fees, parking, rules, and the best short trails
Point Lobos sits on Highway 1 just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Carmel Meadows neighborhood, and California State Parks calls it the crown jewel of the state park system. It’s a day-use reserve with strict rules, short trails, and big views. Here’s what to know before you go, from State Parks and the Point Lobos Foundation.
The short version: The day-use area is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with last entry at 6:30 p.m., and vehicle day use is $10 (special rates may apply on peak days, holidays, and weekends). There are no general day-use reservations listed; school groups, tours and buses need advance permission, and divers need proof of certification plus a dive reservation. Dogs aren’t allowed anywhere in the reserve, even in parked cars, and neither are drones, bikes on trails, alcohol, or fires. Vehicles over 21 feet can’t enter. Start with the Cypress Grove Trail (0.8 mile) or the Bird Island Trail (0.8 mile round trip).
Day-use hours
Last entry at 6:30 p.m.
Vehicle day use
Special rates may apply at peak times.
Anywhere
Not even left in a parked car.
Vehicle length limit
Longer vehicles can’t drive or park inside.
Hours, fees, passes, and getting there
From the California State Parks page for the reserve, checked Nov 2, 2026.
Hours
Day-use area 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., last entry at 6:30 p.m. It’s strictly day use, and everyone must leave by closing.
Fees
Vehicle day use $10. Small buses $50 and large buses $100. State Parks says special rates may apply for peak season, holiday periods, and weekends.
Passes
The reserve accepts California State Parks passes including the California Explorer and Golden Poppy vehicle day-use annual passes, the Golden Bear and Senior Golden Bear passes, the Disabled Discount Pass, the Distinguished Veteran Pass, and the California State Library Parks Pass.
Getting there
The entrance is on Highway 1, which State Parks describes as three miles south of Carmel. Call (831) 624-4909 for current conditions.
Parking inside
The Point Lobos Foundation’s trail guide names parking at Whalers Cove, Piney Woods, Sea Lion Point, and the southernmost lot by Bird Island. Trailheads start at each.
Weather
State Parks describes dry summers moderated by fog from July through September, with occasional winter rain. Bring layers. More: Carmel-by-the-Sea weather by month.
What isn’t allowed, and why it matters
Point Lobos is a State Natural Reserve, so the rules are stricter than at most parks.
No dogs
Dogs aren’t allowed anywhere in the reserve and can’t be left inside parked vehicles. For dog-friendly walks nearby, see best hikes in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
No bikes on trails
Bikes are welcome on the paved roads but prohibited on all trails. No skateboards anywhere.
No drones
Drone photography is prohibited within the reserve.
No collecting
Shells, rocks, wood, plants, animals and every other feature are protected by law.
No smoking, fires, or alcohol
Smoking and fires of all kinds are prohibited, including small cookstoves, and so is alcohol.
Groups and buses
All tours and buses need a special event permit, and school groups need a reservation. Vehicles over 21 feet, including motorhomes and live-in vans, can’t drive or park in the reserve.
The short trails worth walking first
Distances from the Point Lobos Foundation’s trail guide.
Cypress Grove Trail · 0.8 mile
Starts at the Sea Lion Point parking area and loops through mostly cypress forest along cliffs with dramatic ocean views. A trail guide is available at the trailhead information station.
Bird Island Trail · 0.8 mile round trip
From the southernmost parking area, with stairs down to sandy Gibson Beach and views of Bird Island and China Cove. Other than Gibson Beach, the foundation lists it as fully accessible.
Sea Lion Point Trail · 0.6 mile round trip
Cove overlooks and the best view of the sea lion rocks offshore. The upper part joins the Sand Hill Trail for a fully accessible loop.
Granite Point Trail · 1.3 miles, about 60 minutes
From the Whalers Cabin through meadow and woods to a panoramic view, accessible as far as the Pit.
North Shore Trail · 1.4 miles
Whalers Cove to the Sea Lion Point parking area through pine forest above the coves. Rocky ground, roots and stairs; the foundation recommends it for strong walkers.
Whalers Knoll · up to 0.5 mile
A climb of about 180 feet for views over the reserve. Not suitable for people with limited mobility.
Whalers Cabin marks a whaling station that operated from 1862 to 1879; an abalone cannery once stood where visitors now park. Point Lobos Foundation trails
Diving and wildlife
The reserve extends offshore into the Point Lobos State Marine Reserve, inside the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Where you can dive
Only at Whalers Cove and Bluefish Cove. Proof of certification and a dive reservation are required, and permission to dive is given when you enter.
What’s down there
State Parks describes kelp forests up to 70 feet high, with lingcod, rockfish, harbor seals, sea otters and sea stars.
Give animals space
State Parks points to NOAA Fisheries guidelines: at least 100 yards from whales and 50 yards from dolphins, seals, sea lions and turtles.
Volunteer days
State Parks lists habitat restoration volunteer days on November 11 and 18 and December 9, 2026.
Homes near Point Lobos
The neighborhoods closest to the reserve.
Carmel Meadows
West of Highway 1 above Carmel River State Beach, with views toward Point Lobos and a path down to the sand. Carmel Meadows homes.
Carmel Highlands
South of the reserve along the open ocean, with homes from oceanfront to high on the ridge. Carmel Highlands homes.
The Carmel area
The nine neighborhoods around the town, most in unincorporated Monterey County. Buying a home in Carmel.
Big Sur, farther south
For the longer drive and bigger trails, see the Big Sur trail guide.
Want to live near Point Lobos?
Carmel Meadows, Carmel Point and the Carmel Highlands are minutes from the reserve. I’ll show you what’s for sale, what’s coming, and what each spot is like through the seasons.
Carmel homesCarmel market statsWhy work with me
Looking for a home near the coast?
Call or text 831-747-0310, or book a 30-minute call.
Before you rely on this
- Hours, fees, rules and events are from the California State Parks page for Point Lobos, last checked Nov 2, 2026. Hours can change seasonally; call (831) 624-4909 before you go.
- Trail distances and accessibility notes are from the Point Lobos Foundation’s trail guide (page dated Dec 2025).
- This page is local information, not an official State Parks publication.
Point Lobos: quick questions
What are Point Lobos hours?
The day-use area is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with last entry at 6:30 p.m., per State Parks as of Nov 2, 2026.
How much does it cost to visit Point Lobos?
Vehicle day use is $10. State Parks says special rates may apply for peak season, holidays and weekends.
Do you need a reservation for Point Lobos?
State Parks doesn’t list day-use reservations for general visitors. School groups need a reservation, tours and buses need a special event permit, and divers need a dive reservation.
Are dogs allowed at Point Lobos?
No. Dogs aren’t allowed anywhere in the reserve and can’t be left in parked vehicles.
Can you fly a drone at Point Lobos?
No. Drone photography is prohibited within the reserve.
What is the best trail at Point Lobos?
For a first visit, the Cypress Grove Trail (0.8 mile) and the Bird Island Trail (0.8 mile round trip) are short and scenic. The Sea Lion Point Trail has the best view of the sea lion rocks.
Can RVs park at Point Lobos?
Not if they’re over 21 feet. Vehicles longer than 21 feet, including motorhomes and live-in vans, can’t drive or park in the reserve.
Can you scuba dive at Point Lobos?
Yes, at Whalers Cove and Bluefish Cove only, with proof of certification and a dive reservation.
How far is Point Lobos from Carmel-by-the-Sea?
The entrance is on Highway 1, which State Parks describes as three miles south of Carmel.
Updated November 2026 · Facts checked Nov 2, 2026 against California State Parks and the Point Lobos Foundation
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