Cypress tress at Cypress Grove. Source: everytrail.com
Further along the North Shore Trail, you will come across Cypress Grove Trail. As obvious from its name, this area is known for its cypress trees, which is one of the two naturally growing strands of cypress trees still on Earth (“Cypress Grove Trail,” pointlobos.org). These remarkable trees have adapted to living on the coast. The trees directly on the cliffs have adapted to the harsh forces of salty sea spray and wind by using their roots to find nourishment, the reason for their white and gnarled branches. Originally, this park was founded to protect these trees, as they were endemic to this specific area.
As Point Lobos passed through more hands of ownership throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, more and more people became interested in preserving the natural areas. Visitors were coming to see the cypress trees and historically scenic coastline, and the park was gaining more attention than ever before. Soon, the Save-The-Redwoods League wanted to save the rare Monterey cypress tree. The Save-The-Redwoods League and the state of California sprung into action to save this area, purchasing 348 acres of land from private ownership. The park is now 400 acres and is open to the public. 750 underwater acres were added in 1960, making Point Lobos the first marine reserve in the U.S. It is now a part of the Monterey Bay National Marine sanctuary, which is the U.S.’s largest marine sanctuary (“History of Point Lobos,” Pointlobos.org). As you can see, this area has a very important historical and environmental purpose in California. It deserves to be protected and preserved for hundreds of more years.
As you look around these coastal cliffs and intriguing trees, look for more wildlife – sea lions sit on the outer rocks and sea otters float on their backs among the kelp forests in the water. Sea otters are one of the most popular animals in Point Lobos. Specifically, these mammals that inhabit the coastal waters are called southern sea otters. With a diet of marine invertebrates, this furry swimmer eats mussels, clams, snails, abalone, sea stars, squid, and much more. Most of the time, the sea otter can be seen floating on its back as it eats its freshly found food with its paws. When sleeping, the sea otter will wrap itself in sea kelp or hold hands (or paws) with other sea otters in order not to float away. A great time to view the sea otters is during the spring, which is their most common birthing season. You can see the little sea otter pup lying on its mom’s chest or bobbing in the water with her as they search for food.
A mother sea otter floating with her pup on her chest. Source: pointlobos.com
While sea otters have a few natural predators in Point Lobos, like white sharks and killer whales, humans are their biggest threats to their populations through oil spills, net fishing, and hunting them for their fur, these otters have had a treacherous past. From 1741 to 1911, sea otters were hunted for their thick fur to the point where they were almost extinct. Luckily, a small population was found off the coast of Big Sur in the 1930’s. And with help from state law and parks like Point Lobos, these otters now live in thriving populations. This is just one example of the many species living in the park that Point Lobos serves to protect.
A buck found in the grassy hills of Point Lobos. Source: pointlobos.com
Many call this spot the number-one attraction that Point Lobos has to offer. The blue waters and the wildflowers that grow among the cliffs make for breathtaking scenery. Make sure to look for other land animals as well: deer, rabbits, chipmunks, and squirrels live in the shrubbery and wooded areas behind the trails. Lizards and snakes can also be found among the shrubbery that borders the trails, especially on hot days. Next, follow along the South Shore Trail to Sea Lion Point, where you will encounter another frequent visitor of Point Lobos.