Bird Island Trail

The trail starts at the Reserve's southernmost parking area . Round trip: .8 mile; 30 minutes. Habitat: coastal scrub. Access to two sandy beaches. Views of Bird Island and China Cove. The Bird Island Trail will be reworked in 2011 to become fully accessible - check at the entrance station to find out if the trail will be open during your visit.

On the way to the Bird Island overlook, you pass between Monterey pine woods and the sea. There are lovely views of two white sandy beaches: the small one in China Cove, and the longer Gibson Beach; both are accessible via long staircases. China Cove, with its sparkling jade-green waters, is one of the Reserve's most stunning sights. In spring this spot becomes home to harbor seals, nursing their newborn pups; for their protection, there is no visitor access to the beach during this season. Watch from the trail above - and don't forget your binoculars (also available on loan from the information station at the Sea Lion Point parking area).

Swimming and wading are allowed at both beaches, but the water is always very cold. No wet suits, boogie boards, or other equipment are allowed in this area.
The sea pounds against these cliffs much of the year, enlarging the natural cracks and faults in the  granite, and in time creates caves that slowly become arches. Look for the rock forms created by this coastal erosion as you head out to the Bird Island overlook. The arches eventually collapse, forming isolated outcrops such as Bird Island.

Walk between displays of brilliant wildflowers out to Pelican Point. Here you can get a close look at  Bird Island, which becomes a large sea bird colony in spring and summer. Hundreds of Brandt's cormorants nest close together. You will also see Western gull chicks, and, if you're lucky, nesting Black-crowned night herons. In the waters below, a great blue heron might be standing on a piece of driftwood, watching patiently for prey. Scan for sea otters diving to feed, or entwined in the kelp, resting, and for harbor seals hauled out on low-lying rocks.