California Photo Scout

Lone Cypress - Seventeen Mile Drive

I am never quite sure what to make of the 17-mile drive. It is a private scenic road with many pulloffs of great photographic value (and hence photographed a lot), but I often felt that my entrance fee supports the country clubs, golf resorts and villas comprising what is essentially a wildlife, nature and high rollers preserve.

I don’t know if the friendly looking seals at the beaches, protected by fences, or the stranger looking animals on the golf courses, protected by fences and security guards, are the main attraction. I feel much more drawn towards the first and don’t care much for the latter.

The 17-mile drive encompasses some of the most spectacular scenic landscapes and beach scenes that are worth the entrance fee, despite my dislike for it. Ignore the snotty people swarming through Pebble Beach in search for the next 18 holes and I guarantee you will have a good time despite the peacocks spreading their feathers.

The Lone Cypress Tree that has withstood the elements on its outpoost for nearly 500 years is the main attraction. The splendid rocky beach at Spanish Bay, where the Spanish allegedly landed in search for Monterey, and the excellent vistas from Cypress Point Lookout and Seal Rock Beach complete the experience nicely.

Since many tourists only have one or two days in the area, I think a visit to Point Lobos and Pacific Grove will give you more for your money.

Things to photograph

• The Lone Cypress Tree
• Harbor seals
• Birds
• Rocky beaches
• Wild sea
• Villas
• Ghost tree (dead cypress trees bleached by the salty atmosphere)
• Deer
• Wildflowers

How to get there

17 Mile Drive road intersects with Highway 68 at GPS marker 36°36’54.09″N 121°55’53.96″W (Pacific Grove Gate) and with 68 and Highway 1 at 36°34’29.44″N 121°54’48.89″W (Highway 1 Gate). Most people chose to drive from North to South, but I recommend going in the opposite direction. The South Entrance (Highway 1 Gate) often sees a lot of traffic leaving. If you happen to come from the North side, take the Carmel Gate (36°33’31.67″N 121°55’44.18″W) instead to avoid most of the traffic.

How to photograph the 17 mile drive

F/8 and be there is a truism here. It’s relatively easy to create good photography, but there is nothing outstanding as you cannot explore freely everywhere. I find it hard to generate unique photography. Set your camera to f/8 and point it somewhere.

I shot the lone cypress tree from the parking area. Climbing the fence gives you a better look, but make sure that you have something or someone to hold on. Risking your neck is not worth another photograph so many people took before you.

Best Time of the Day and Best Season

Mid to late afternoon is a good time with less chance of fog during mid afternoon. Fog often rolls in during the later time. It can add a lot of interest and depth to a picture, but if it gets too thick it will hinder good photography.

Any season is good. I like late spring (flowers) and late fall (dramatic sea).

Time required

It takes at least 2 hours to take the drive and stop everywhere. You can probably spend 3 hours here, but you will not need much longer than that unless you hit one of the frequent traffic jams trying to get out and on Highway 1.

Equipment

• I strongly suggest a polarizing filter
• A warming filter and a UV filter
• A telephoto lens for seal and bird photography
• A normal lens is best to photograph the lone cypress
• Bring a telescope if you want to watch the seals (or see what the rich are doing in their mansions )

GPS position

Lone Cypress Viewpoint: 36°34’10.32″N 121°57’56.09″W

Fees

I believe the price was around $9, but I am not 100% confident. Its somewhere in the neighborhood though.

Close Locations

• Pacific Grove and Point Pinos Lighthouse
• Monarch Cove Sanctuary
• Monterey Fishermans Wharf
• Carmel Mission
• Carmel by the Sea
• Point Lobos State Reserve with its beautiful turquoise pools, rugged cliffs and tidepools
• Sea Otters of Moss Landing
• Andrew Molera State Park
• Big Sur Wildflower photography

Useful Resources

Interactive Map

Flickr Photos

Tripgalleries Lone Cypress

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