South Plateau Trail

Between the entrance station and Gibson Beach/Bird Island Trail. Through pine/ live oak woodland. .7 mile, 25 minutes. Accessibility: this trail has a lot of up-and-down, and some rough patches. And heavy rains make sections hard to traverse. Those with limited mobility wanting a walk in the pine woods should try the Mound Meadow or Carmelo Meadow/Granite Point Trails.

This is a favorite way for walk-ins to get to the south end of the Reserve, and another trail that offers solitude to the walker. The trail winds through Monterey Pine forest. There are scattered coast live oaks. Look for their soft, light-green new foliage in spring, and later, the acorns which were a staple food of the local native peoples.

A special nature guide to the South Plateau Nature Trail is available at the trail's north end near the entrance station. This trail guide will provide you with an opportunity to explore the world of plants and animals along the trail. There are twelve numbered posts along the trail which match the descriptions in the guide.

There are many birds, but they are usually high overhead, and are more often identified by their distinctive sounds than by sight. You may hear - or see - brown creepers, downy woodpeckers, Steller jays. If you walk these woods at dusk, perhaps you will hear a great-horned or other owl.

Plant life abounds. Look for flowering currants, wild honeysuckle, and coffee berry. The elegant Douglas Iris graces these woods in spring - get down close, and examine the delicately patterned petals.