Ellwood Monarch Butterfly Grove

It’s a beautiful little hike! Though don’t expect to see many butterflies as the population is sadly dwindling. There is parking just on the main road or in the neighborhood. The parking has a donation box. There is a guide explaining everything at the small clearing where the butterflies are.

- place easy to find - clean, but too many unleashed dogs -people makes too much noise, please respect the butterfly’s home and. Be silence - stay within the trees area to be able to see some butterflies, ones you start walking away there are mo butterflies - if you are up for a longer hike explore the area and bring a bottle of water and a. Few snacks Respect the butterflies, don’t take any alive or death Respect the surroundings and Be careful with i fb you see paddles of water can be slipery.

It’s great to be able to do this short hike and see so many butterflies in the grove. There are so many of them that their wings look like tree leaves until you realize that they’re all butterflies! Make sure you come prepared to hike though. It’s not long, but wear appropriate footwear at least!

It was very easy to access. There's plenty of parking around. A night my experience there 30 years ago, today there was a sparse population. 30 years ago they were literally covering every square inch of every Branch leave and trunk of the trees. That is not to say that today wasn't

It's amazing to see the monarch butterflies in quantities of hundreds, all in just several trees. Sadly, their numbers have shrunk, so see them while you can. They live on the branches of old eucalyptus trees, primarily in just one part of the preserve.Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNo

A beautiful spot to observe the Monarchs as they spend the winter months gathered in this grove of eucalyptus trees. The grove is a short walk from parking and, as an added bonus, it's a short walk beyond the grove for some beautiful views of the ocean from the mesa.Visited onWeekendWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNo

Not many butterflies in Summer, but the number and variety of flowers, plants, birds and other wildlife is truly staggering. Trails throughout with large shaded areas. Dog-friendly, but closed to bicycle and equestrian use. Trails are all easy and parking is available near the golf course.Visited onPublic holidayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNoPrice for adult entryFree

The plan was to see the butterflies but we didn’t find them. However, we found the beach, long stretches, pristine and quiet. Only a few other human beings and we stayed apart from each other. Very nice.Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNo

Lots of Monarchs flying but none clustering in the trees. Probably it is too warm now. This is a eucalyptus forest and smells wonderful.

Come early in the day as the area is dark and butterflies are not easy to spot until they move. Bring binoculars and a good Zoom for great photos. Due to zoom, brace against a tree or lug a tripod up the hilly uneven slope. Wear hiking shoes or sturdy tennis shoes as it is rough ground in places. Well worth the little hike, just be prepared. No restrooms or amenities, but they are within a couple of miles if driving . No tickets required.. park on the street_right side. Enjoy!!