Let's visit the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal rookery at the height of pupping season! If you've never visited the rookery in January/February, you're in for quite a spectacle. Thousands of mamas, pups, and males line the beach, and there's lots of action!
We will walk along the boardwalk for 30-45 minutes and then take a stroll up Boucher Trail to the last overlook on the bluffs. Rain cancels.
MEETING LOCATION: We will meet in the SECOND parking lot just north of the large main parking lot at 1:30. Drive past the large dirt lot, then make the first left into a much smaller paved parking lot. I love this little lot because it allows us to avoid all the cars in the main lot (and all the ruts and potholes!).
It's about a 30-mile drive from my house in North Morro Bay, so keep this distance in mind, wherever you're coming from.
- Carpoolers: Meet at the corner of Yerba Buena and Beachcomber Dr. in North Morro Bay no later than 12:45. There's plenty of free parking along Beachcomber with no restrictions. I can take one passenger in my car. Others who want to carpool should coordinate beforehand and meet at this spot or agree to meet at a different spot.
- Non-Carpoolers: Meet in the SECOND smaller, paved parking lot at the rookery at 1:30; the second lot is just past the large dirt lot on the left.
Where: Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Pullout, San Simeon (see map)
When: Meet in the second parking lot (just north of the main lot) at 1:30.
Bring: Water, snacks or a light lunch, a hat, and sunscreen
Duration: 2 hours
Terrain: Mostly flat
Distance: 2 - 2.5 miles
Elevation gain: Almost none
Dogs: Please no dogs for this one
What to Bring:
Sturdy shoes
Water
Snacks or a light lunch
Camera
Trekking poles (optional)
Disclaimer:
Participation in this hiking group, Estero Bay Sunset Hikers, is voluntary and at your own risk. The organizer of this group takes no responsibility for injuries or accidents that may occur during events.
Assumption of Risk:
By participating in this hiking group, you acknowledge that hiking can be a hazardous activity and that you are aware of the risks involved, including but not limited to:
- Injuries from falls, slips, or trips
- Inclement weather conditions
- Wildlife encounters
- Poison oak and insect bites
- Fatigue and exhaustion
Personal Responsibility:
You are responsible for your own well-being and safety during all events. It is your responsibility to:
- Know your abilities and limits before participating
- Assess the difficulty level of each hike and decide if it's suitable for you
- Bring necessary gear, food, and water
- Stay informed about weather conditions and trail status
- Follow all safety guidelines and instructions provided by the organizer or other authorities
Waiver of Liability:
By participating in this hiking group, you agree to waive any and all claims of liability against the organizer, other participants, and any affiliated entities for any injuries, accidents, or damages that may occur during events.
