Due to unexploded ordnance, visitors must be accompanied by a ranger to this location. Entering this area without a ranger is a violation of federal law.

The three mile hike to Lester Point offers spectacular views of sandy shores and rugged coastline. This area is one of the most fragile on San Miguel Island. Plants struggle to hold on against strong winds in marginal soil conditions here. Nevertheless, the highest concentration and diversity of native plants on the island occur here. Bush lupine, an endemic buckwheat and the island live-forever are just a few that can be seen in abundance.

Even on bare ground, delicate lichens microscopic plants are at work enriching the soil in a constant struggle to survive. The northern Channel Islands (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, San Miguel, and Santa Rosa) support the most diverse lichen flora in California with over four hundred species-about one third of the state's total lichen species. Lichens are a combination of fungus and alga, and are seen on rocks, trees, and fences throughout the region. They are extremely susceptible to air pollution, and some scientists regard them as an indicator species for air quality and climate change.

Lichens, which grow slowly and live for many years, represent an important element of the biodiversity of life on public lands. There are approximately 17,000 species of lichen worldwide, with approximately 1,500 species reported from California.

Please stay on the trail for the protection of these native plants.