Elephant seals returned to Point Reyes in the early 1970s after a 150 year absence. The first breeding pair was discovered near Chimney Rock in 1981; the colony has grown 16% annually since. Today the Point Reyes elephant seal population is 1,500 - 2,000, and expanding further into Drakes Bay. An estimated 650 pups were born in the 2011-2012 birthing season.

Males reach maturity at five to six years, but prime breeding years are between 9 and 12

View of Drakes Bay from the Elephant Seal Overlook

Female elephant seals arrive by January from waters near Hawaii and the Pacific northeast

Turkey vultures have bare heads to facilitate scavenging carcasses

Harbor seal and elephant seal pupping seasons overlap, making for busy waters off preferred beaches

Point Reyes has the largest population of harbor seals in California, excluding the Channel Islands, with 20% of the state’s population living or breeding within park boundaries

A short path leads into the inner bay and Elephant Seal Overlook

Northern elephant seal bulls can reach 14 - 16' and weigh over 5,400 lbs

The Chimney Rock Trail leaves from the same parking lot and climbs the iconic Point Reyes Headlands

Just behind the turbulent waters of Chimney Rock are the calm waters of Drakes Bay

Pups' biggest threat is being inadvertently crushed by large males

The Point Reyes Headlands attract hawks, falcons, and owls

The nearby Chimney Rock Trail leads to secluded viewing areas of smaller colonies

Ranch lands sprawl for miles right over the seal colonies at Drakes Beach