Get to know this 6.4-mile loop trail near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 32 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
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Park opens at 8am.. we got there at 8:10 and had to wait a few minutes to get in.. lot was full by 845am on Memorial Day (not much parking inside). Lots of poison oak so stay on trail and you should be fine. This I was an amazing loop.. not very strenuous and very clear path. Great views from all locations. we saw deer, rabbits, sea lions, sea otters, dolphin, shark, birds
Definitely come to the park early in the morning! I went on a Monday in the shoulder season and they closed the car entrance at 11 a.m. because all parking lots within the park were full. Also, to my fellow Europeans here: Read about poison oak before coming here so you know how to recognize it! Especially the North Shore Trail is fairly overgrown with poison oak.
First time visiting. Celebrated my 71st birthday completing this bucket list loop. I am not a hiker but here's my advice. Wear boots. Layer. I'm always cold, but removed 3 layers as the day turned sunny. Arrive early. If you pay to park, take the road straight ahead and park in the first lot you can. If you're doing the loop, you'll get back to it eventually. Take your time. 2h 30m is really inaccurate. I didn't need this app for the most part, but it was nice to check my progress. I was advised by a volunteer to walk the North Shore Trail and skip the knoll. I traversed large boulders, a few staircases, and large roots, but I took my time and managed. One water bottle is enough as there are plenty of restrooms to refill.
Stunning California Beauty. Saw, seals, wildflowers, caterpillars, many kinds of birds. Ocean. Kelp. Interesting rocks. Wear long pants there's a significant part of the trail where the poison oak is unavoidable brushing on you from both sides The parking was full on a Thursday at noon but it was not hard to get street parking a quarter mile away and walk in and while there were some parts near the beginning where I wished there weren't quite so many people there were definitely also parts with a little more solitude.
Frequently asked questions about Point Lobos Loop
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What is the expected weather this week for Point Lobos Loop?
- Fri, May 31 - 57 degrees/mostly sunny
- Sat, June 1 - 55 degrees/partly cloudy
- Sun, June 2 - 54 degrees/am fog/pm sun
- Mon, June 3 - 55 degrees/am fog/pm clouds
- Tue, June 4 - 57 degrees/mostly sunny
