How to Hike Montana de Oro State Park

When you visit Montana de Oro State Park, you'll wonder how a park this good can be free of charge. The Bluffs Trail at Montana de Oro State Park is one of the finest coast walks in Central and Southern California, free of development and loaded with classic oceanside beauty.

Instructions

1. Take the Los Osos exit from US 101 in San Luis Obispo and go west on Los Osos Valley Road. Go about 12 miles on Los Osos Valley Road to the Montana de Oro State Park entrance. Go about 2.5 miles to the parking area on the right side of the road.

2. Camp at one of the park's environmental camps. Avoid the car camping experience and stay at one of the two best camps in the park. You'll have to hike your stuff 1 to 2 miles away from the car to get to Badger Flat or Deer Flat, which are located high on bluffs that overlook the ocean.

3. Hike the coast walk of Bluffs Trail. The flat trail winds along the top of Montana de Oro's bluffs. From here, you'll have panoramic views of colorful rock cliffs and craggy rock outcrops in the ocean.

4. Retrace your steps along the trail to return. You can explore the beach for a nice side trip by returning to the visitors center turnoff near the parking area. The beach at Spooner's Cove is right across the way.

5. Visit Montana de Oro in February, March or April to witness a colorful display of orange poppies and other wildflowers.