Ishxenta State Park
The Park is currently CLOSED.
Park Facilities
About Ishxenta State Park
The purpose of Ishxenta State Park - formerly known as the Point Lobos Ranch property, is to preserve and protect an extremely scenic portion of the northern Big Sur Coast. Located on significant Indigenous Ancestral Land, the property contains one of the world's largest native Monterey Pine forests, examples of the rare Gowen cypress and areas of the rare maritime chaparral plant community.
The property and surrounding public lands provide mountain lion habitat, and at the upper elevations, offers spectacular views of Carmel Bay and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary coastline. The San Jose Creek provides protection for steelhead trout spawning grounds. The property also contains an early twentieth century complex of ranch buildings.
For more information on Ishxenta State Park and the surrounding Carmel Area State Parks, please view the Carmel Area State Parks General Plan.
NEW Tour this Spring & Summer: Blooms, Butterflies, and Native Roots
NEW This Spring & Summer: Blooms, Butterflies, and Native Roots
Join us for a new guided walk at Ishxenta State Park! This incredible park is home to diverse wildlife and seasonal wildflowers, as well as an ancestral village area of the Rumsen people, whose deep connection with the land continues to this day.
Along the scenic San Jose Creek Trail, we’ll explore Native plant uses, traditional lifeways, and efforts to protect rare species and habitats. Observe spectacular blooming wildflowers and their pollinators, and discover how every part of this ecosystem plays a vital role in maintaining balance.
Whether you're passionate about flowers, conservation, or simply looking for a deeper connection to the land, this walk offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural and cultural heritage of Ishxenta State Park.
Meeting Location: Marathon Flats Parking, adjacent to the Crossroads Safeway parking lot (Check-in with State Park Staff required); Vanpool to Ishxenta State Park. Ages 10 or above. Car seats not permitted in van.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate, approx. 2 miles, hardpacked but uneven surface, no benches or seating. Potential hazards include poison oak and ticks, and participants are encouraged to wear long pants.
What to Bring: Sturdy walking shoes, water, and sun protection. Camera and binoculars recommended.
Tickets: Register on Eventbrite. 72 hours in advance cancellation. Eventbrite fees are non-refundable. Tickets are transferable at any time.
Questions? Please contact State Park Staff: MontereyDistrict.Tribal@parks.ca.gov
Ishxenta State Park - Limited Access Via Monthly Public Tours
Ishxenta State Park's lower creekside trail is open to the public on a limited basis via California State Parks staff-led tours.
State Parks hosts two different monthly hikes via Event Brite registration as well as a collaborative tour with the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District "Let's Go Outdoors" program.
For more information about CA State Parks collaboration with the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District "Let's Go Outdoors" program, please visit: https://www.mprpd.org/let-s-go-outdoors
