Ceremonial Rock

Ceremonial Rock is an ancient sea stack that was likely under water thousands of years ago when ocean levels were higher. Now this rock rises 107 feet above the meadows of Patrick's Point State Park and overlooks the remaining forests, the ocean, and Big Lagoon County Beach. Several hundred years ago the meadows below Ceremonial Rock were thick coastal forests. Settlers arrived in the 1800s and logged the area for timber, making way for agricultural uses. Since then the park has not changed much and still resembles the days when it was a ranch.

Several different trails make their way to Ceremonial Rock, all of which are fairly short in length and have minimal elevation change. The shortest route leaves from the Bishop Pine Picnic Area and passes along the edge of the meadows. Many different species of wildflowers of all different colors grow in these meadows. The keen eye may also spot a bunny hopping out of sight. Soon the trails enter the thick pine forest and wrap around Ceremonial Rock. Those eager to get to the top should take the trail leading south, which takes visitors directly to the staircase. For anyone wanting to extend their walk, Sumêg Village is just a short distance past Ceremonial Rock.