Point Lobos South Shore Trail

If you’re craving an ocean-edge walk through rocky coastline, tide pools and bluff vistas, the South Shore Trail delivers. It’s a slightly wild coastal route that keeps you close to the sea and filled with surprises.

Trail Basics & Route Overview

• Difficulty: Easy

• Trail Surface & Terrain: Mostly natural trail along bluff tops and coastal slopes. Expect uneven ground, rocks, and sandy patches.

• Trail Ends & Connections: The northern end connects (via steps) from Sand Hill Trail, and the southern end terminates at the Bird Island parking area.

• Scenery & Highlights:

  • Sweeping ocean vistas along the southern bluffs.

  • Access (where legal) to Weston Beach, Hidden Beach, and tide pools teeming with sea stars, anemones, crabs, etc.

  • Geological interest: the rocks here are part of the Carmelo Formation (sandstone, mudstone, “pudding-stone” conglomerates) sculpted by waves and wind.

Access, Rules & Logistics

• Entry & Parking: Use one of the Point Lobos parking lots (often Cypress Grove, Sea Lion Point, or Bird Island) and walk to the trail entry (via Sand Hill, etc.). Parking is limited and fills early.

• Dogs / Pets: Not allowed on this trail—or anywhere in the Reserve (except service animals).

• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs, though strollers may manage parts of the path. Some stretches are steep or rough.

• Trail Etiquette & Safety:

  • Stay on paths and avoid trampling fragile bluff plants or tidepool zones.

  • Be cautious near edges—waves, slippery rocks, and strong surf pose risk.

  • Some beach accesses are closed seasonally (e.g. for wildlife protection) or due to erosion.

  • The trail is open year-round.

Why Visit South Shore Trail?

• Walk right along the bluff edge, with constant ocean views and the sound of surf below.

• Visit tidepool areas (especially near Weston Beach) to see sea stars, anemones, crabs, snails, and other intertidal life.

• Experience coastal geology up close—the rock layers, sea-carved caves, and wave-weathered formations are dramatic.

• Wildlife watching: look for sea otters, seals, shorebirds (oystercatchers, gulls, herons), and seabirds overhead.

• Use it as a connector route—you can combine it with Bird Island Trail, Cypress Grove, Sand Hill, and others to build longer loops.

• Great for photographers: sweeping seascapes, moody skies, subtle coastal colors, and changing light along the cliffs.