California Hidden Gems: Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove

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Growing up in California I have found that there are so many places, or hidden gems as I like to call them, that people are unaware they can visit. One of these places is located in Pismo, California and is called the Monarch Butterfly Grove. During the winter months of October to February you will find thousands of migrating Monarch Butterflies gliding around the beautiful Eucalyptus Trees. It is honestly a breathtaking and amazing experience. On site there are also local guides who will help answer any of your questions regarding the butterflies, their habitat, and their migration patterns. 

 As of December 30, 2017 the Monarch Butterfly count for Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove was 12,075 and that is a lot of butterflies. I visited the grove in mid January and was blown away by the amount of butterflies present in this grove. It is really something you must see in person to really get a feel of what that many butterflies looks like. The grove has been known, at times, to receive as many as 30,00 or more Monarchs at a time. If you are interested in learning more about the Monarch Butterfly I recommend watching the Canadian documentary film Flight of the Butterflies before your visit.

Fun Fact: From egg, to caterpillar, to chrysalis, and lastly to butterfly, the Monarch's lifespan is a mere 6 to 8 weeks in total. Therefore, the butterflies who start their migration in Mexico are not the same you will find in other areas such as the Northern United States and Canada, but rather the next generation. 



Thousands Gather on the Eucalyptus Leaves




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