Santa Cruz, Año Veuvo State Park

 

Today we go a bit further north off Santa Cruz on the Highway 1, a place called Año Veuvo State Park (Google Maps). The name "Año Nuevo" comes from the Spanish maritime explorer Sebastián Vizcaíno's expedition. The chaplain of the expedition, Father Antonio de la Ascension, sighted the point on January 3, 1603, which was just after the feast day of the Circumcision of Christ, a traditional New Year's Day celebration at the time. They named the point "Punta de Año Nuevo" (New Year's Point), and the name has stuck ever since.

Nowaday, the place is famous for viewing Elephant seals. Elephant seals are the largest among the seals family. According to the park rangers, Jan and Apr are the popular months. But we are here just to avoid the heat wave in the bay area today. Not really for the seals.

This location is almost right between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. Since it is accessible only from Highway 1, I put it in the Santa Cruz category because we like Santa Cruz more.

The parking is $10, same for all state parks. After check-in at the Marine Education Center, we got this map (below). The trail is one way in and out. Less than 2.4miles one way.

In the beginning, it looks like Wilder Ranch (below).

But quickly we sae two seals on the beach. One big one 8~10 years old, and a juvenior next to it. Since we should keep at least 25 feet distance, this is almost the closest. It is huge, at least three times the size of a pig.

The above is at the south point. At the north point, there are three young seals in the distance. You would need to zoom-in all the way to see them playing on the beach.

As most areas are sand dunes (below), the trail is not paved. Only some sections have wooden platforms. You could get a lot of sands in your shoes.

We were the early visitos. Only 5 cars when we arrived. But the parking lot is full (~30 or more) when we are ready to leave. Not likely we would come again. Because it is kind of remote (from the city). But never say never. Maybe in the mating season.