Pt Lobos in Carmel
 

Looking to find out the best and most scenic trails to take in Pt Lobos that would be considered fairly easy trails. Just don't like it steep.

Point Lobos is one of my favorite places on the planet. I don't think that any of the trails are too taxing...there are some slight grades but nothing that I'd consider steep. The Cypress Grove Trail is a classic and while not steep, it does have a section that runs close by some sea cliffs and careful stepping is in order. You can go out and, if you find it too much, turn around. That way you'll at least see the old Monterey Cypress Grove.
The Bird Island trail is also lovely and isn't steep unless you take the stair down to the beaches.
Pretty easy hikes all arounf and pretty spectacular scenery. Pack a picnic lunch and make a half or full day visit out of it.

Here's a link to some images I took there in Feb. of '03. The link brings you to page seventeen of the gallery. Point Lobos images start there and go through page 20. If anyone is ever near Point Lobos, make it a point to stop and walk around. A true treasure.

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/california_03&page=17

OOOPs forgot...here's a link to the trail guide:

http://pt-lobos.parks.state.ca.us/map/TrailMap.html

Your pics are great.
Thanks.

peterboy, I see on the link you gave me that there is a description of each of the trails. Is there a guide like that given at the park with the descriptions or should I print it from the web site?
Thanks.

You can get the trail map at the park at the kiosk at the start of the Cypress Grove Trail. On weekends at least (Im not sure if they are there on weekdays, perhaps a local will chime in...I'm from Upstate N.Y.)there are decent docents who hang out at the kiosk and can answer lots of questions and they have a display of the pelts of seals otters and such for you to see and touch. Bring your binoculars too. Stop and sit and watch for whales spouting close ioff shore and scan the kelp beds for otters who'll lie on the kelp on their back while they smash abalone shells open with a rock. As you can tell, I'm easily amused and enthralled. You're going to love Point Lobos but don't ruch through it.

When you pay admission to Point Lobos the ranger will give you a map as part of the admission price. You can also borrow binoculars by leaving your driver's license with the ranger. My favorite trails are Bird Island and Granite Point. IMHO none of the trials at Point Lobos are steep--I think North Shore Trail is the "steepest," but I've seen kids and people in flip flops on it so it's not exactly hard. My advice go as soon as it opens so you have the best chance of enjoying without too many people. I have never been during the summer months (June, July and August) as I tend to avoid tourist favorites such as Carmel and Big Sur during the summer and since I live in SF I have the luxury of being able to go at less crowded times.

After your hikes at Pt. Lobos, head over to the Highland's Inn for lunch at the Califoria Market. Beautiful views and the food is also excellent! ***kim*** :)

All of the trails we went on were like the "hike" I like to take to the base of Yosemite Falls in Yosemite -- a 10 minute stroll. The Point Lobos trails should all be called strolls, not hikes. I hate steep too. Just don't go in cold windy weather in February. It's beautiful, but your ears scream with pain.

All this talk of Point Lobos makes me want to go down there. We considered going this Saturday, but then realized that the Councours de Elegance is this weekend at Pebble Beach and the whole place is likely to be mobbed with people. I think we will pick a different Saturday - LOL!