What time of year are the elephant seals in San Simeon?
Elephant Seals are seen year-round at the Piedras Blancas Rookery. Best times of year to see these amazing animals in action are October through May with the big show (birthing and breeding) in January and February. Come see these magnificent marine mammals up close on one of the prettiest coastlines in California.
How do I find elephant seals in San Simeon?
To the Elephant Seal Viewing Area: Continue north on Highway 1, past San Simeon and the Hearst Castle State Historical Monument. Turn left into the Elephant Seal Viewing Area parking lot. The Elephant Seal Viewing Area is 16 miles from Hwy 46.
Are there elephant seals in San Simeon?
Visitors to San Simeon can catch elephant seals there year-round, but the population grows at certain times of the year as the seals go through different phases in their life cycle. The peak months for viewing elephant seals are from October through March, when their population on San Simeon’s shores can reach 17,000.
Where are elephant seals found in California?
The largest colonies of northern elephant seals are found off southern California in the Channel Islands.
Can you see elephant seals in April?
April: Seals, mostly juveniles and females, start to arrive for the molt, when they grow new skin and hair. The newest generation of young finally leave the beach around this time. May: Molting peaks at the beginning of this month, and finishes for females and juvenile elephant seals by its end.
How many elephant seals are in San Simeon?
Facts and History About the Elephant Seal The Piedras Blancas Rookery hosts up to 24,000 elephant seals each year, from the baby elephant seal to the 5,000-pound adult male. Females weigh in at up to 1,800 pounds, and pups are about 70 pounds at birth.
How many elephant seals are in California?
Today, there are approximately 200,000 northern elephant seals. The first elephant seals on Año Nuevo Island were sighted in 1955, and the first pup was born there in 1961. In 1978, 872 were born there. Males began to haul out on the mainland in 1965.
Why is San Simeon closed?
Due to significant storms that caused damage to the roadway leading up to the Historic Monument, Hearst Castle is temporarily closed. California State Parks is dedicated to making sure that all measures are taken to ensure visitor safety.
Is San Simeon open?
COVID-19. San Simeon is open and excited to welcome visitors back to our coastal getaway.
Where are the elephant seals in Big Sur?
The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery lets visitors see elephant seals up close and in their element. Find these magnificent marine mammals on the beach, just off Highway 1, along a beautiful stretch of coastline. The rookery is easily accessible, free, and open to the public, year-round.