Monarch Grove Sanctuary
- Accessible Restrooms
- Accessible Parking
Features
- Accessible Restrooms
- Accessible Parking
Information
- Website:
- pgmuseum.org
- Address:
- 250 Ridge Rd. between Lighthouse Ave. and Short St., Pacific Grove, CA,
- Region:
- Monterey/Santa Cruz
- Phone:
- Info: 831 648-5716
- Hours:
- Dawn to dusk
- Dogs:
- Not allowed, service animals OK
- Last Visited:
- October 2008
Every fall and early winter, thousands of Monarch butterflies travel amazing distances from the northern United States and southern Canada to spend the winter at a handful of sites along the California coast. One of these is a grove of eucalyptus and Monterey pines in the little coastal town of Pacific Grove, on Monterey Bay. On a cool day you might mistake the butterflies clustered in the trees for dead leaves, but as sunlight warms them they begin to move and take flight, filling the air with flickers of orange. They mate here, then in spring fly north in search of milkweed plants on which to deposit their eggs. Docents are on hand November through mid-February, noon-3 pm every day except Friday.
Trails and Pathways
- Trail:
- Monarch Grove Sanctuary
- Trailhead Location:
- Just past the Butterfly Grove Inn, look for the small orange sign, "Monarch Grove Sanctuary Entrance." Follow the easement to the sanctuary.
- Trail Length:
- Under one mile total
- Typical Width:
- 4 ft. & above
- Typical Grade:
- Mostly gentle
- Typical Terrain:
- Firm
Trail Overview: A short path winds downhill through the grove. Most of the trees are in the upper area, so you can avoid going down the steep section and still get a good view.
More Info: The slope throughout ranges from 8 to 13% (a typical ramp is 8%) May be muddy in winter
Accessibility Features
The facilities listed below meet all of our access criteria unless otherwise noted.
- Accessible Parking:
- Yes – designated accessible parking, van accessible, firm, level or slope no greater than 2%;
Next to the school on Ridge Road
- Accessible Restroom:
- Yes – At trailhead
- Good to Know:
- To reach their overwintering sites, Monarch butterflies may travel as far as 2,000 miles, covering perhaps a hundred miles a day, and fly as high as 10,000 feet.
