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Hiking in Montana de Oro State Park, Morro Bay

Coastal Trails and Hilltop Climbs Offer Pristine Ocean Vistas

Oct 5, 2008 Kathryn Hedderig

From an easy stroll to an elevated climb, the hiking trails in Montana de Oro State Park traverse ocean bluffs, flower filled meadows and Big Sur style scenery.

Near Morro Bay, a lesser known California state park contains hiking trails that wander along the ocean ridge and climb to the top of a summit with 360 degree views of the coastline and valleys. No entrance fee or parking fees make this state treasure an ideal spot to walk, picnic and soak in some of the best coastline scenery in the U.S. The “Mountain of Gold” park covers over 8000 acres of pristine property making it one of the largest in California.

Entering the park from Morro Bay, rows of eucalyptus trees create a fragrant forest canopy. Early Spanish settlers planted the trees for wind protection and this grove remains thick and shady down to the shoreline. Beyond the trees a small natural history museum and visitor’s center is housed in the old Spooner Ranch home. Period furnishings from the 1920’s are reminders of this remote ranch that began in 1890. Native wildlife: sea otters, coyotes and peregrine falcons are displayed and natural plant and wildflower catalogues are available for reference.

The Ocean Trails

Bluffs Trail: A level trail of 3.4 miles (round trip, the hiking is easy and there are many viewpoints along the way. Steep rugged cliffs jut out into the ocean and the sound of pounding surf carries across the trail. Peregrine falcons, terns and oystercatchers can be spotted nesting in the cliffs. Spectacular ocean scenery dominates the views.

Morro Bay Sand Spit: An easy walk along the Morro Bay Estuary and breakwater, 8 miles.

Dunes Trail: Starts parallel to the ocean and then travels to Hazard Canyon Reef and a tide pool, rocky beach, 2.6 miles.

The Elevated Trails

Valencia Peak Trail: This trail has the steepest climb to an elevation of 1,347 ft. The climb is gradual and the view at the top makes the trek worthwhile, 4 miles.

Oats Peak Trail: The second highest summit at 1,300 ft. can be reached from this trail that crosses Coon Creek. California poppies and meadows of wildflowers highlight the scenery, 5.5 miles.

Several other trails are offshoots of the major paths and maps of the area are available at the visitors center. All of the hiking trails in the park are well marked and cleared year round.

The southern end of the Big Sur coastline, just an hour north of the park, can be seen in the distance on a clear day. The nearby town of Morro Bay is a tourist retreat with restaurants and motels along the Embarcadero. A day spent hiking in Montana de Oro absorbing the fresh sea breezes and easy on the eyes scenery is a relaxing way to unwind and appreciate a timeless natural setting.

The copyright of the article Hiking in Montana de Oro State Park, Morro Bay in SW U.S./Hawaii Travel is owned by Kathryn Hedderig. Permission to republish Hiking in Montana de Oro State Park, Morro Bay in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Ocean Vista