Ano Nuevo Point, California

The surf-resistant rock that forms Año Nuevo Point is known as the Monterey Formation. It started out as sedimentary clay and silt laid down beneath the sea some 12 or 13 million years ago. Since then it has been gradually transformed by time, temperature, pressure and the addition of silica from the skeletal remains of one-celled sea creatures, until today it is a thinly layered, light-gray to whitish mudstone. It underlies much of the reserve and is fairly common throughout the Coast Range.

Año Nuevo State Park’s Natural Preserve offers an extraordinary wilderness experience, where every year up to 10,000 elephant seals return to breed, give birth, and molt their skin amongst the scenic dunes and beaches.

It is also a major bird migratory route and fantastic birding location. Bird life at Año Nuevo is extraordinarily varied and interesting in every season.