In a naturally, socially distanced experience, paddle up the Elkhorn Slough with a kayak at your own pace. For land lovers, surrounding trails provide access to the beach and the slough entrance. For a more laid back experience, boat tours provide the most relaxed journey.

Elkhorn Slough Background

Located 20 miles north of Monterey, the Elkhorn Slough is the 2nd largest Californian estuary and sits at the center edge of Monterey Bay. Located at the site of a primordial river drainage basin, the current slough was only recently reconnected to the ocean in 1946.

Getting to Moss Landing

Take 880S to San Jose through the 101 interchange where it will turn into 17S to Santa Cruz. At Santa Cruz, follow the signs to highway 1S. Moss Landing is directly off of highway 1.

Alternatively, you can take 101S. Exit to 156W before Prunedale, and then exit 1N to Moss Landing.

Most of the activities are at north harbor, off of Jetty Rd. The power plant is an unmistakable landmark that is located to the south of Jetty Rd.

Accommodations, restaurants and most boat tours are in the south harbor, further south on 1, off of Moss Landing Rd.

Moss Landing Activities

Hiking

Jetty Road leads into Moss Landing State Beach. From here, you can view wildlife across the north harbor.

The Moss Landing State Wildlife Area across highway 1 from the north harbor is frequented by fishermen along the shores of the estuary. Check their website for the latest information.

Kayaking

Kayaking outfitters from the north harbor (Jetty Rd), offer rentals and quick training courses to set you on your way. The water in the slough is extremely calm, however paddling in/out can be a workout depending on the flow of the tide (see tip below). I’ve tried Monterey Bay Kayaks at Elkhorn Slough and always had a good experience.

An alternate to kayaking are “hydrobikes”. The main advantage the bikes have over kayaks is that they’re higher up over the water and extremely stable. This means bringing large gear (like a large DSLR w/zoom lens) is a lot safer than on a kayak. The downside is that they have a propeller that requires a minimum depth and can get tangled in sea grass or fishing line. Try calling Monterey Bay Hydrobikes to check pricing as they sometimes offer day-of discounts depending on their schedule.

Tip: Check the tide tables for the high tide time. Ideally begin your journey before high tide to let the tide push you into the slough. Start returning to the harbor after high tide, and kick back as the ebbing tide pulls you back in.

Boating Tours

Typically located at the south harbor, boating tour operators offer a leisurely experience into the slough. The advantage is that you have a guide and boat do all the work for you. The disadvantage is that you have less control over your view and ability to explore according to your own interests.

Otter Pictures

Taken from a hydrobike (see above under Kayaking).

Related

• Point Lobos State Reserve
  • Just south of Monterey, plenty of hiking along craggy shore where you’ll spot seals and otters in the water.
• Año Nuevo State Park
  • A regular breeding ground for elephant seals.
• Geologic history of Elkhorn Slough

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Point Lobos Essential Info

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 4.7 mi loop around the reserve
Time: 3 hours
Cost: Free along Highway 1, $10 per vehicle inside
Dogs: no
Bikes: no
Hours: 8am – 5pm
Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=571

Coastal Views

Getting There

The entrance to Point Lobos is off of Highway 1, south of Monterey. To get there from the Bay Area:

• Take 101 South towards Los Angeles
• About 16 miles past Gilroy, take 156 West.
• Take 1 South
• After Carmel River State Beach, look for cars densely parked in parallel along the highway.
• The entrance to Point Lobos will be on the right hand side.

Trails

Point Lobos is all about the shoreline and the best hike is to start on the north side near Whaler’s Cove (which has limited parking) on the North Shore trail. The trail transforms into different ones, following the coastline to the end of the park’s southern border. From there, you can return to Whaler’s Cove by way of the Southern Plateau trail.

If parking at Whaler’s Cove is full, don’t fret. The trail roughly follows the interior road and the parking lots. Just find an open parking spot and begin your hike along the closest coastal trail.

If you are walking into the park from Highway 1, take the Carmelo Meadow trail after the entry booth to get to Whaler’s Cove.

North Shore and Cypress Grove Trails

The northern side of Point Lobos offers views of craggy shoreline, waves pounding into rocks.

In stark contrast, the coves offer protection from the open ocean. Sea otters and seals can often be found resting in these areas or foraging for food.

South Shore Trail

The southwestern side of the reserve flattens out and the trail descends to the beach. Massive colonies of sea lions roost on the offshore rocks lending a unique odor to the experience.

The beaches offer opportunities for tide pooling. Look for anemones, limpets, snails, crabs, sea urchins, and even small fish in the pools left over by the low tide.

Following the south shore trail offers an unexpected geologic exposé in the form of the Carmelo Formation. See an in depth description of the rocks of Point Lobos here.

Bird Island Trail

At the bottom end of the reserve are China Cove and Bird Island. Descending to the beach at China Cove is prohibited whenever harbor seals are nursing their pups there. Bird Island is home to nesting cormorants and other sea birds.

Wildlife

Tidepools

Related Parks and Places

• Garrapata State Park
  • Just a few miles south along Hwy 1
  • Easy beach hike or strenuous hike up Doud Peak
• Año Nuevo State Park
  • North of Santa Cruz
  • Moderate beach hike to see elephant seals
• Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
  • Near Half Moon Bay
  • Easy hiking along the beach and tide pools

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