One of California’s Most Amazing Wildlife Hikes Is Hiding Inside Año Nuevo State Park

There’s not often a guarantee that one will be able to see animals on a hike. Sure, there are higher probabilities that if you’re in a forest, there might be a deer or squirrel nearby, or there’s always the birds chirping above. But even then, rarely can you say for certain that you’d be able to see a specific type of bird no matter what. And yet, one hike in Northern California will surprise you with a guarantee of a sighting of one of the most odd looking mammals in the world—elephant seals.

The Año Nuevo Point Trail in California's Año Nuevo State Park is a 4.1-mile, out-and-back hike where you can view these unusual creatures. Although to be fair, only the male elephant seals are the odd-looking ones, with a protrusion from their face that looks similar to a shorter version of an elephant's trunk. The state park guarantees sightings of the seals all year, but each season will have different numbers of seals and at different ages. 

From December to the end of March is breeding season. In early December, you can see the male elephant seals setting up their territories. Then, the females come in and are divided among the different harems by the end of December. When the female seals first arrive, they’re about to give birth, so most of the breeding doesn’t start until after this has taken place. This is the most crowded time of year and is when reservations are required to access the trail. You'll also need a tour guide if you wish to get closer to the seals without the worry of aggressive bull males. 

After breeding season is molting season, or the time when the seals fully shed their fur and outer layer of skin. This typically lasts multiple weeks in the summer. Then, autumn sees the young seals come in, many of which are young bulls who are testing their fighting skills for when winter comes once again. Both seasons do not require reservations, but it is recommended to visit on a mild, cloudy day because seals are less likely to engage in any sort of activity as they have to conserve their energy on hot days. 

The hike itself takes about 90 minutes, but this depends on how long you stay to view the seals. Some parts are ADA accessible, but overall, it is difficult for those with mobility challenges as the trail switches between dirt and sand. The end of the trail is the Año Nuevo Point (which is actually a popular spot for bird migrations as well). Here, you’ll see the Año Nuevo Island and what remains of a lighthouse and fog station from the 19th century. Keep in mind that due to the promised protection of the elephant seals in this state park, dogs are not allowed. It is also recommended to bring binoculars for the winter season, and you should brace yourself for the beach to smell rather pungent at all times. 

The true surprise of this hike isn’t that it guarantees sighting elephant seals. It’s in the knowledge you gain along the way about the animals. Northern elephant seals were hunted to near extinction in the 19th century, but protected parks like Año Nuevo Point have recovered their population tremendously, and they are no longer considered to be endangered. A win like that for the environment alone makes this hike a must-do, and the rugged beauty of the California Coast you observe along the way is just the cherry on top.