Equal Access Tours

Año Nuevo State Park reopened public access to the natural preserve and the elephant seal viewing areas on Saturday, April 11. Limitations to the adjusted visitor permit include: a required 30 feet distance between park visitors and all elephant seal and bird carcasses, requirement to follow all directions from park staff and docents if asked to leave; access may be further restricted or closed at any time. For the latest updates on the avian flu outbreak, please visit UC Davis’ Institute for Pandemic Insights webpage.

 

Persons requiring mobility assistance may make reservations
for special docent-led Equal Access Guided Walks.

EA Tour with docent

 

To accommodate visitors who require mobile assistance, the park offers a 2-hour tour for visitors to access the natural preserve and view the elephant seals. Qualified persons include those that require mobility assistance and cannot walk the 3-mile hike on the Año Nuevo Point Trail. An ADA wheelchair accessible van transports visitors to an accessible boardwalk that leads to where the elephant seals may be seen. Each person in need of mobility assistance may bring up to 3 additional people on the tour.

The Equal Access Boardwalk is a quarter-mile (.25) from where the van parks to the elephant seal viewing area.

What Should I Bring on the Tour? 

Elephant seal tours are conducted rain or shine. Winter weather can be very cold and windy, even on sunny summer days. 

Rain is frequent and the trail may be muddy with small puddles.

  • Visitors should bring hooded rain gear,a warm jacket, layered clothing, and sturdy walking shoes. 
  • Cameras and binoculars are welcome!
  • For safety reasons, use of umbrellas are not permitted on the tours. 
  • No food is allowed on the tour, but you may picnic in designated areas before or after the guided tour.
  • Pets are not allowed in the park and cannot be left inside parked vehicles in the parking lot.
  • Three guests are allowed with each person qualifying for an EA Guided Tour. Each guest must purchase a ticket.

April-November Equal Access Tours

Equal Access Tours are for visitors who require mobility assistance and cannot make the 3-mile walk. From April - November, Equal Access tours are available upon request 7 days a week at 10am and 1pm. Reservations are required and must be made at least 7 days before the desired start date. Tickets are free, and there is a $10/vehicle day use fee.

The first available tours will be for Friday, May 1.

Reservations

To reserve an Año Nuevo Equal Access Tour, fill out our Equal Access Tour Reservation Form

For questions, email ANO.VOLCOORDINATOR@parks.ca.gov