Teachers

General Information for Teachers

Point Lobos State Reserve offers schools a unique opportunity to study the natural history of the Central California Coast. The Reserve was set aside for the preservation of its natural values in 1933. The natural conditions of Point Lobos make it necessary for teachers to provide close supervision of their students at all times.

Reservations must be received at least 15 days in advance of the requested date of your visit. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is only able to accomodate up to 120 students per day and two school groups. The Reservation Request and Questionnaire forms must be signed by the principal of the school. School groups must be accompanied at all times while in the reserve by enough school-appointed adult escorts or teachers to maintain order. A ratio of at least one adult for every ten students is required, although having more adults accompany your class would allow for smaller student groups and a more enriching experience.
 

Docent-led Tours

Groups may request to have a Docent-led tour. However, due to the narrow trails and scheduling limitations, we can usually only provide enough walk leaders to to accommodate 60 students at a time. Requests for guided walks must be submitted at least four weeks prior to your anticipated visit. Requests are processed according to the date received.

 Guided walks are only available Monday through Friday and only during the regular school year. Buses and other vehicles over 20 feet in length are not permitted on weekends, holidays or during the summer months. Unescorted groups will have to lead their own nature walks and still adhere to the rules and safety procedures.

A maximum of 120 people and two school groups will be scheduled. Please check the Calendar to see if the date you want is open or full. Overcrowding creates a negative experience for visitors and is detrimental to the reserve.

The tide pool areas are very fragile! Due to our reserve status, no tide pool walks are available to school groups at Point Lobos. Even school groups walking on their own are asked not to go into the intertidal areas.

No day use admission fees will be charged to school groups (K-12) that are accompanied by teachers or adult leaders, provided that reservations have been made. If your group is too large or you want to lead your own walk but need some advice, a ranger or docent may be able to meet ahead of time with the teacher and or adult leaders for a pre-visit to walk over the trails and discuss the nature walk.

Confirmation of your scheduled field trip day will be sent by mail. No commitments or confirmations are made over the telephone. We work with our volunteers to schedule nature walks approximately three weeks prior to a visit. It is impossible to try and schedule any further in advance. As soon as we know we can provide this service, you will receive written confirmation.