First-Day Hikes at the Elephant Seal Rookery

Seal the start of your new year with a walk at the elephant seal viewing area in Hearst San Simeon State Park. California State Park Elephant Seal Docents will guide you through the life cycle and natural history of these marine mammals, all while you enjoy sightings during peak elephant seal activity season. You’ll see battling bulls, caring mothers, and even newborn baby seal pups!

The walk will be approximately one mile long along flat terrain including pavement, boardwalk, gravel, and dirt. There will be two hikes during the day, one taking place from 10–11 a.m. and the other from 1–2:30 p.m. Please park at the main elephant seal viewing area parking lot along Highway 1, about five miles north of the Hearst Castle entrance. Meet for the walk at the southern end of the parking lot, near the large wooden kiosk. Closed-toe shoes and layered clothing for coastal weather are recommended. The walk will be canceled in the event of rain or inclement weather.