Elephant seal guided walks return to Año Nuevo State Park for 2025–2026 season
Año Nuevo State Park’s Elephant Seal Guided Walks return from December 15 to March 31, offering visitors a rare chance to witness the northern elephant seal breeding season up close. Learn how to book, what to bring, and how to make the most of your visit.
Elephant Seal Guided Walks—one of Año Nuevo State Park’s most popular wildlife experiences—will return December 15, 2025, and run daily through March 31, 2026. Each winter, thousands of visitors come to the park’s protected dunes and beaches to witness the dramatic breeding season of northern elephant seals, when massive males battle for dominance and females give birth to their pups along the shore.
Because this period is a sensitive time for the colony, access to the Año Nuevo Coast Natural Preserve is available only by guided walk during the breeding season. Reservations opened to the public on October 20, 2025, through ReserveCalifornia, or by calling 1-800-444-4445. International visitors can call 833-448-7287.
What to Expect on the Walks
The guided walks are led by trained volunteer docents who share insights about the seals’ behaviors and the park’s rich natural and cultural history.
- Dates: December 15 – March 31 (closed December 25, January 31–February 1)
- Length: 3–4 miles roundtrip
- Duration: About 2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate, with sandy and uneven terrain
- Group Size: 15 people maximum (including chaperones)
- Price: $7.00 plus a $3.99 reservation fee (children 4 and under free)
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and dress appropriately—rain or shine. Even on sunny days, Año Nuevo’s winter weather can be cold and windy. Bring layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes, and drinking water.
Reservation and Access Details
Public guided walk reservations can be made starting October 20, while school group and Equal Access reservations open October 4 and October 20, respectively.
How to Reserve:
- Visit ReserveCalifornia.com or call 1-800-444-4445 (8 a.m.–6 p.m. PST).
- Choose your preferred date and time.
- Complete payment online.
Note: There are no refunds or exchanges for cancellations, no-shows, or weather conditions. Refunds are only issued if park staff cancel a walk.
Safety and Etiquette
Visitors must remain at least 25 feet away from the elephant seals at all times. Cameras and binoculars are welcome, but photographers must stay with the group—no exceptions.
The following items are not allowed on guided walks:
- Umbrellas and baby strollers (they can be left at the staging area)
- Food or picnics (designated picnic areas are available before or after the tour)
- Pets (and animals may not be left in vehicles)
Self-Guided Viewing: April–November
From April through November, Año Nuevo offers self-guided seal viewing on the Año Point Trail—no reservation required. A free day-use permit (available 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at the park entrance) is needed, and visitors must complete the moderate 3–4 mile roundtrip hike to reach the viewing areas.
Accessibility and School Programs
The park also offers Equal Access Walks for visitors with mobility limitations and School Group Walks for grades K–12.
- To schedule an Equal Access Walk or group tour, call 650-879-2029.
- School Group reservations opened October 4, 2025.
Why Visit During the Guided Walk Season
December through early March marks the peak of elephant seal activity—males fight for territory, females nurse their pups, and the dunes come alive with sound and motion. By April, most adults have returned to sea, leaving only the weaned pups resting on the sand before their first ocean voyage.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, or first-time visitor, the guided walks offer a rare opportunity to see one of California’s great natural spectacles—and to learn directly from Año Nuevo’s dedicated docent naturalists.
More Information:
- ReserveCalifornia | 1-800-444-4445
- Año Nuevo State Park Office: 650-879-2029
- Visit: Año Nuevo State Park Official Page
