Ano Nuevo State Reserve - Ano Nuevo Island State Park Attractions

Ano Nuevo State Reserve is an undeveloped area where visitors can view elephant seals, sea lions, and other marine mammals resting, mating, or giving birth. It is the site of the largest mainland breeding colony in the world for the northern elephant seal, and it has offered a popular interpretive program for the last 19 years.

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Active and Adventure Review of Ano Nuevo State Reserve

Away Travel Expert: Karen Kefauver

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Recommended for:
Day Hiking,Walking

Active and AdventureExpert Tips & Helpful Hints

Advance reservations required for elephant-seal mating season
Keep your distance from the massive elephant seals!
Be sure to bring a windbreaker year round

Parks and Outdoors Review of Ano Nuevo State Reserve

Away Travel Expert: Ann Marie Brown

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Recommended for:
Birding,Scenic Drives,Whale Watching

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For a wildlife show you'll never forget, take a trip to Ano Nuevo State Reserve from late December to early April and an easy walk on the Ano Nuevo Point Trail. In the winter months there are more than 3,000 elephant seals—some as much as 18 feet long and weighing more than two tons—show up on the beaches to give birth and breed.
During the peak elephant seal period (December 15 to March 31), entry to the beaches is by guide only. Although walks are held several times daily, advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. There is a small fee for guided walks.
You may visit the preserve and hike on your own from April to November. Although the elephant seals are usually not present during these months, California sea lions and harbor seals can be viewed year-round.

Beach Review of Ano Nuevo State Reserve

Away Travel Expert: Christine Loomis

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The Ano Nuevo State Reserve has the largest mainland breeding colony of northern elephant seals. From December to March visitors can view the seals only on ranger-led walks.
Walks cover approximately three miles and last two and a half hours. Participants must be able to cross rocky ground that is sometimes muddy. Come prepared for rain and cold with hooded gear and warm layers.
Eating, smoking, or chewing gum on the walk is not allowed.

Address:
San Mateo County
California

Parking: 8am to Sunset

Visitor Information

Telephone Number: 650-879-2025

Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523

Email: info@parks.ca.gov

The details, dates, and prices mentioned here were accurate at the time of publication.

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Attraction: Ano Nuevo State Reserve

Expert Review of Ano Nuevo State Reserve

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