Managed by California's Department of Fish and Game, the Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve is an arm of the Monterrey Bay, which affords hikers or kayakers beautiful views and access to creatures like sea otters, migratory seals and brown pelicans. The reserve occupies 2,233 acres, and is east of Moss Landing on the Pacific coast.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Elkhorn Slough Exploration
Elkhorn Slough is a jewel on California’s coast and one of the 25 most significant biodiversity hotspots in the world.
Elkhorn Slough is a jewel on California’s coast and one of the 25 most significant biodiversity hotspots in the world.
Difficult
2.1 mi/
3.4 km
3.4 km
Guides
Elkhorn Slough is a jewel on California’s coast and one of the 25 most significant biodiversity hotspots in the world.
Community Trips
The moral to this hike is to check the tide tables before going on a
hike in a coastal region. The planned loop with a couple of side trips
became an out and back when a key levee was flooded by the high tide. While I am sure that I could have crossed the levee and just gotten my feet wet, I don't like getting my feet wet.I had a good hike regardless.
Location: Moss Landing CaliforniaLaunch Site: Kirby Park. Ramp, portapotty, free parking. Alternate launch site at Moss Landing - ramp, restrooms, parking fee.Conditions: Elkhorn Slough is somewhat protected from winds, but afternoon onshore wind will blow up the slough. Tides are also a factor. Wildlife: Pelicans, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals.Highlight: You are always paddling with wildlife.Distance: 10.6 milesDate Paddled: October 28, 2009
Last month we tried to do this Kayaking trip with Yi, Dmitry, Roshni, and Yun, however due to high winds they company wasn't doing any tours. So this time we went with just Yi, Yun, and me, and there was amazing weather. We saw lots of animals, such as seals, otters, sea lions, jellyfish, pelicans. It was a very leisurely kayaking trip, so maybe in the future go a little further would be...
Another little birding trip. I heard more birds than I saw. But I did see a new bird, the Common Yellowthroat. Not sure how I had missed it all these years, but I did. The flowers were also good.
Caleb, Lindsey and I did a kayak trip with the Kayak Connection via Santa Cruz Parks and rec. It was My third time in a Kayak. Caleb's second and my Lindsey's first. There was a threat of rain, but the rain didn't come until the next day and it turned out to be a beautiful day. We saw lots of wild life.
The Elkhorn slough is one of the most famous kayak tour in the region. You get wild life along the slough and Santa Cruz mountain in the background. The water is very calm, with a little bit tide current either help you or against you, depending on your direction.I arrived early in the morning at the Moss Landing parking lot of the kayak shop. I paid $8 parking and launch fee for...
2013 04 13 Santa Cruz Elkhorn Slough Kayak Kirby Park to the Ocean and Back
Elkhorn Slough, California, United States
9.3 miles
9.3 miles
Elkhorn Slough is a great kayak as there are lost of seals and sea otters as well as the many birds. We like starting ar Kirby Park Park as it is quiet and getting back is normally a down wind easy paddle. We normally pick a day the low tide is about 1 PM so it pulls us from Kirby Park to the Ocean, then helps us on the way back too, but this day...
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