FREE Hike-In Tour: December 27, 2017
The Piedras Blancas Light Station will be open to all hikers from 10am – 2pm on our hike in open house days. Also join us for hike-in days in 2018: June 27, July 25, and August 29.
The hike: Currently, there are two trail heads on California State Park property from which to access the light station. The first trailhead, and easiest to find, is either of the two parking lots for the elephant seal viewing area located approximately 1.5 miles south of the light station access road. From either parking area, you will hike on the trail north for approximately 1.5 miles to our access road, turn towards the light station and come right in! The trail is clearly marked and well maintained.
The slightly more challenging trailhead to locate is about a mile north of us and is simply a small turn off and small dirt parking lot off of Highway 1. There is currently no marker for the turn off. This will shorten your hike slightly, but if you’re not familiar with the area, we don’t recommend it. The trail is well maintained, but the trailhead can be challenging to find.
The hike itself is entirely self-led. You can walk at your own pace, on your own timeline and enjoy some fresh air and exercise.
Total round-trip hiking distance (approximately) is 4 miles (this includes the 1/2 mile trail at the light station). The trail is mostly flat and easy.
The Open House: Once you reach the light station, you are free to wander the site at your own pace. There will be docents and staff available to answer questions and point out some of the wildlife.
The light station will be open to all hikers from 10am – 2pm.
You are welcome to arrive/leave anytime within that time frame.
There is no charge for entrance, though we happily accept donations to help support restoration and maintenance of the light station.
We typically offer water if you would like to refill a water bottle.
We have a picnic area and gift shop available, but we do not offer food. You may bring whatever food and drink you like.
Safety reminder: There are ticks and poison oak along the trail. In addition, elephant seal mating season is Nov – Feb. In December, it is possible that you will see elephant seals on your hike. Please maintain a 50 foot distance from all marine mammals. This is a requirement of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, but, more importantly, it is for your safety. Elephant seals can travel 15 -20 miles per hour when they’re motivated, and they can be aggressive.
On both the trail and at the light station, no smoking and no pets. Please stay on the trail.
Although marijuana is legal in the State of California, the light station is a federal site, and marijuana is still illegal on federal lands.
The light station is managed by the Bureau of Land Management as a historical and ecological preserve, and was recently added to the California Coastal National Monument. This is a NO DRONE ZONE.