Last updated: July 21, 2021
Place
Coastal Trail View of the Kelp Forest
NPS Photo/M. O'Barr
Quick Facts
Location:
32°40.146’, 117°14.682’
Amenities
1 listed
Scenic View/Photo Spot
Point Loma Kelp Forest
Look out into the water off the coast of the park. You may notice a strip of ocean that is lighter in color near the horizon. This is the marking of the kelp forest in the Cabrillo State Marine Reserve.
The kelp forest provides an essential resource to the area and is one of the reasons why it is a protected marine reserve. “Kelps” are a class of brown algae that can grow to large sizes. They attach to the ocean bottom, and many have flotation devices to buoy themselves to the water’s surface. Several marine algae species can be found in the intertidal area, but the most impressive are the large forests of kelps that grow in water about 25 to 70 feet (8 – 21 meters) offshore. You can see roughly where they grow by looking for the brownish, smooth areas on the water’s surface. In Point Loma the kelp forest is dominated by giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera), which grows up to 150 feet (46 meters) long!
Organisms ranging from sea urchins to Gray Whales can be spotted in this habitat. Although this forest is underwater, it has just as much biodiversity as forests on land. Many species found in the kelp forest can also be spotted in our tidepools.
Access and Safety
Not wheelchair accessible.
Please make sure to wear sunscreen and bring enough water before attempting the trail.