Migratory Monarchs Emerge From Hibernation in Northern California – New
Let’s face it, it’s been a long brutal winter. And there’s no better harbinger of spring than butterflies — more specially Monarch butterflies as they emerge from hibernation along the Northern California coast. After spending several months clumped together in clusters in eucalyptus trees, these migratory Monarchs become more active as they fly around, mate, and prepare for their flights inland to lay their eggs.
And although the overwintering Monarch population reached an all time low in 2021, recent counts indicate that it has increased significantly in 2022. So check out these three accessible Northern California Monarch sites this month, and enjoy a colorful taste of spring. But don’t tarry, as these winter visitors will be long gone by the end of March.
Monarch Grove Sanctuary
There’s no better place to catch a glimpse of the migratory Monarchs than at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary (https://www.pgmuseum.org/monarch-viewing/) in Pacific Grove. One of the latest counts tallied nearly 14,000 Monarchs at this site, which is a huge uptick from last year.
This popular Monarch stopover is located off of Lighthouse Avenue, just south of the Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Course. Keep an eye out for the Butterfly Grove Inn, then turn south on Ridge Road. A white picket fence marks the path to the grove, but accessible parking is located further down Ridge Road on the left. From there; it’s a level roll up the street to the sanctuary entrance.
A .15-mile hard-packed dirt path leads through the grove and dead-ends in the adjacent neighborhood. There is an accessible porta-potty near the end of the path; and although the trail has level spots every 20-30 feet, some manual wheelchair-users may require assistance up the slight grade on the return trip.
The best time to hit the Monarch Grove Sanctuary is in the afternoon, because as temperatures warm up, the butterflies become more active and start to fly around through the grove. Although they might not be apparent at first, take some time to scan the tips of the pine and cypress trees, as those are their favorite landing places. Also keep an eye out for what looks like clumps of dead leaves, as these might be clusters of the overwintering Monarchs. Docents are on duty in the season to help point out the butterflies, but for the best experience bring a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at the Monarchs.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Another favorite spot to view the migratory Monarchs is located up the coast in Santa Cruz, at Natural Bridges State Beach (www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=541). The Monarch count is up at this site too, with nearly double the 2021 population.
From Pacific Grove follow Highway 1 north, until it turns into Mission Street in Santa Cruz. Turn left on Swift Street, which is the first traffic light after the Safeway, then follow the road until it dead ends on West Cliff Drive. From there, turn right and follow the road along the ocean to the park entrance.
The day use area is located a short drive up the park road. There’s accessible parking in the large lot with level access over to the visitor center. Inside, there’s barrier-free access around a number of interpretive exhibits about the butterflies, their habitat, and of course their migration. Accessible family restrooms are located just outside the front door of the visitor center.
The Monarch Boardwalk is located across the service road from the visitor center. This .15-mile trail winds through a eucalyptus grove, and although it does have a slight downhill grade, there are level spots every 20 to 30 feet. That said, some manual wheelchair-users may need a bit of assistance on the uphill journey.
This is one of the top spots to find the overwintering Monarchs, however it’s usually a hit or miss proposition. Weather plays a big factor in their presence and activity, and you’ll probably strike out after a big storm or on a windy day. That said it is one of their favorite haunts.
Lighthouse Field State Beach
Last but not least, don’t forget to stop at Lighthouse Field State Beach, (www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=550), where the 2022 Monarch numbers are also on the rise. From Natural Bridges State Beach, back track on West Cliff Drive, pass the lighthouse, and turn into the parking lot for Lighthouse Field on the left. Alternatively, accessible parking is also available across the street in front of the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum.
The Monarchs will be in the Monterey cypress and eucalyptus trees in a grassy field near Pelton Ave . Although there’s a sizable population during the winter months, getting there can be difficult in rainy years, as the accessible hard-packed dirt paths to the grove flood easily. It’s about a half-mile walk to the grove on the dirt paths.
Bottom line — this is an excellent spot in dry years, as you’ll not only spot the clumps of butterflies, but there are also individual butterflies flying around near the end of the season. Give it a go and see what the dirt paths look like — and if they’re not a mucky mess, then go for it. After all, it’s on the way from Natural Bridges, and it’s definitely worth a quick stop.
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Monarchs on the Central California Coast
