Doud Creek Calla Lilies

The featured location was taken along Doud Creek in Garrapata State Park. From Highway 101, parking is available along the dirt pullout at Gate 19 for Garrapata State Park, near mile-marker 63. The signs are rather small so pay close attention as you near mile-marker 63. When you arrive, follow the path between the guide ropes and take the right fork, heading north towards the bluff. Continue north and follow the trail down the stairs to Doud Creek, here is where you will find the Calla Lilies. This location is on the eastern end of the valley, near the drainage pipe that flows underneath Highway 101.

These Calla Lilies are seasonal and typically bloom from mid-February to late-March.

The Calla Lilies light up with soft golden light at both sunrise and sunset, but visit at sunset to get the sun dropping in the background.

Wear long pants to avoid ticks and poison ivy.

By using a wide-angle lens (11mm) you’ll get right on top of the flowers. With at least three exposures, each focused on different parts of the scene - foreground, mid-ground, and background - your image will be in focus near to far.

At sunset these lilies will be beautifully illuminated with golden light, so be patient and wait for that perfect moment.

Explore Pfeiffer Beach State Park and the famous McWay Falls nearby.