How Big Are the Tidepools?

Our tidepools have traditionally been described as comprising approximately 35 acres. They are divided into three management zones: Zones 1, 2, and 3 (see maps below).

Zone 1 is approximately 5 acres (the area accessible to the public is about 3 acres)
Zone 2 is approximately 4 acres
Zone 3 is approximately 23 acres and is closed to the public

TPERP provides a uniformed presence in the publicly accessible area of Zone 1, all of Zone 2, and along the coastal trails. Zone 3 is closed to the public.

To facilitate Cabrillo National Monument’s extensive monitoring and research programs along that part of the shoreline, Zone 1 was subdivided into Zones 1 and 1A and Zone 3 was subdivided into Zones 3 and 3A. You may hear those designations once in a while even though they are not normally used in TPERP.

Zone 1 = 3.2 acres
Zone 1A = 1.7 acres and is closed to the public
All of Zone 1 = approximately 5 acres and 300 meters of shoreline
Zone 2 = 3.9 acres
Zone 3 = 9.8 acres
Zone 3A = 12.7 acres and is closed to the public
All of Zone 3 = approximately 23 acres and is closed to the public

Learn more about our resource monitoring (nps.gov/im/medn/cabr.htm).

Aerial view of Cabrillo National Monument. Management zones are depicted by yellow for Zone 1, blue for Zone 2, and red for Zone 3.
NPS Photo
Aerial view of Cabrillo National Monument. The different management zones are indicated along with the approximate size of each zone.
NPS Photo
Aerial view of the tidepools showing management zones as well a closed area to the north. Yellow stars indicate where volunteers should be positioned when working in the tidepools.
NPS Photo

Last revised 7-Mar-21