The drive on California’s Pacific Coast Highway between Monterey and San Luis Obispo can rival any in the world. You traverse a stretch of nearly untouched land for about 140 miles which seems impossible in America’s most populous state.  The scenery is both dramatic and tranquil, the ecosystems transition seamlessly, and wildlife is abundant.  It is a spectacular experience no matter what time of the year and if you haven’t taken this drive, you absolutely must put it on your travel bucket list.  There are so many things to do and see on this journey but one very special place truly should not be missed.  The Elephant Seal rookery just north of San Simeon.

The following are excerpts from the Friends of the Elephant Seals website:  

The Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery spreads over 6 miles of shoreline around Point Piedras Blancas on the central coast of California. The viewing areas are located 90 miles south of Monterey, 5 miles north of Hearst Castle State Historical Monument in San Simeon, 1.5 miles south of Point Piedras Blancas. The viewing areas are open every day of the year, are wheelchair accessible, and free. No reservations required.

The northern elephant seal is the largest seal in the northern hemisphere and the second largest seal in the world (after the southern elephant seal). Adult males are 14 to 16 feet (4 to 5 m) in length and 4,000 to 5,000 pounds (1,400 to 2,300 kg) in weight. The females are much smaller at about 9 to 12 feet (2.5 to 4 m) in length and weigh 900 to 1,800 pounds (400 to 800 kg). Pups are 3 to 4 feet (1 m) long at birth and weigh about 70 pounds (32 kg).

Elephant seals derive their name from their great size and from the male’s large nose, which serves to intimidate other males both through its size and its effect on their loud challenge call in the competition for females. Males begin developing this enlarged nose, or proboscis when they reach puberty at about five years, and it is fully developed by eight to nine years.

In the open ocean eight to ten months of the year, they come ashore twice a year – in the winter for the pupping and mating season, and in the late spring and early summer to molt and grow new fur. Juveniles, not participating in the pupping and mating season, come ashore for a month during the September to December period.

The number of seals at the rookery peaks three times during the year: in late January when most births have occurred, around the first of May at the peak of the juvenile/adult female molt, and in late October during the fall or juvenile haul-out. The annual cycle begins in November with the arrival of mature males at the end of the month. 

November (beginning of cycle) Subadult and juvenile animals, mostly males, are here for the fall haul-out. Mature males begin arriving at the end of the month.
December Bulls continue to arrive and fight for dominance over pupping areas. Females begin to arrive. Birthing and breeding begin. The first birth is usually mid-month.
January Females continue to arrive. Birthing numbers peak in the last half of the month.
February The last births occur as some females are weaning pups born in January, mating and leaving the beach. The peak of mating is around Valentine’s Day.
March Last adults leave.  Weaned pups remain onshore and explore nearshore waters. Pups fast for 8-10 weeks.
April Females and juveniles begin arriving for the molt. Most young of the year leave at this time.
May The peak of the molt is around May 1. By the end of May, females and juveniles have completed the molt and left the beach.
June Subadult males arrive to begin the molt.
July Subadult and adult males continue the molt.
August Male molting is completed. The beaches have the fewest seals, but some of the biggest are present.
September – October Young-of-the-year and juveniles arrive for the fall haul-out. October marks the third population peak on the beach.

It is truly an incredible sight and you will walk away with an appreciation for these beautiful and resilient mammals.

As I mentioned, there is much to do and see along the Central Coast of California, click the button below for more…

Real Estate and Reality meet as co-hosts, Jan O’Brien and Matt Emerson bring you Tips, Tools, & Topics to supercharge your business. They’ll share their insights along with interviews with industry thought leaders. The ethos of WBNL Coaching is helping you to align and connect so that you can prosper. The Wandering Zen segment will offer you some inspiration so that you can disconnect and recharge.

Visit WBNL Podcast for all of our Episodes, Show Notes, Videos and Links to Resources

Subscribe/Listen on:
iTunes | Google Play Music | Stitcher | Spotify | iHeartRadio