FEATURES OF POINT LOBOS Point Lobos Reserve State Park is an area of 355 acres located in Monterey County along the south shore of Carmel Bay. "The greatest meeting of land and water in the world," are the words of praise given to Point Lobos by that noted artist and landscape student, Francis McComas. By the early Spanish it was termed "Point of the Sea-wolves," and secured its name from the Steller and California sea-lions that inhabit the offshore islands. Its rugged shoreline of approximately six miles includes not only the famous Point Lobos, but also the rocky headlands of North Point, Cannery Point and Granite Point. Here is one of the few remaining natural groves of Monterey cypress. Confined to a small section of the Monterey coast, clinging precariously to the cliffs above the surf, standing with rich green foliage or with weather-worn boughs stark in silhouette, Monterey cypress accentuates the never-ending conflict between sea and land. Recognizing such distinction in the beauty of the landscape, the State of California purchased Point Lobos in 1933 with the help of the Save-the-Redwoods League, which furnished the matching funds. Point Lobos is a unique, outdoor "natural museum." Large flocks of cormorants, pelicans and gulls, with other waterfowl, provide interest to the visitor. From early spring until fall, acres of wild flowers transform the meadows, the shaded Monterey pine woods, and even the rocky seacoast, into a thrilling pattern of design and color. Interesting offshore formations include Seal Rocks, home of the noisy sea-lions; Bird Island, sanctuary for thousands of shore and water birds; and the Pinnacles, noted for the waves that break spectacularly against them. Approximately 200 species of vertebrate animals have been identified in the area, and the tidal pools and inlets contain unnumbered specimens of shore plants and animals. The granitic headlands and areas of weathered sedimentary rocks invite studies into the geological history of the region. Historically, Point Lobos has been famous as a smuggler's haven, as a whaler's refuge, and further inland, as a coal producing region. As a great natural exhibit, the value of Point Lobos cannot be measured in dollar value alone. As a State Park, Point Lobos Reserve is held in trust so that its matchless beauty may be enjoyed by future generations as well as by the present ones. PARK ADMINISTRATION The State Park System was established in 1927, and today includes over 145 units totaling 600,000 acres of land with a developed valuation of 48 million dollars. Areas selected for State Parks must have outstanding natural and scenic values, a rich historical background, or state-wide, outdoor recreational value. The State Park System is generally administered by the State Park Commission whose five members are appointed by the Governor. Administration is carried out by the Division of Beaches and Parks, in the Department of Natural Resources, in Sacramento, in six district offices, and in various units in the field. For specific information on POINT LOBOS, write to: POINT LOBOS RESERVE STATE PARK Route 1, Box 131, CARMEL, CALIFORNIA For General State Park information, write to: DIVISION OF BEACHES AND PARKS P.O. Box 2390, SACRAMENTO 11, CALIFORNIA POINT LOBOS Reserve State Park STATE OF CALIFORNIA • DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF BEACHES AND PARKS P.O. BOX 2390 • SACRAMENTO • CALIFORNIA