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Montana De Oro SP - Valencia Peak/Bluffs Trail


Highlights:

Coastal Views, wildflowers, waves crashing above bluffs, amazing 360 peak vista
Near:Los Osos, CA
Scenery:
Distance:5.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1250 ft
Hike Time:3 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Loop


Summary: Montana De Oro is the best kept (but not so secret) secret of the Central Coast. You can amble and meander in the park and be almost blissfully unaware of city and signs of development. The park stretches for nine miles along the coast between Morro Rock and Avila Beach. Even climbing to the top of Valencia Peak, the development in Morro Bay is mostly hidden.

From the top of Valencia Peak, one can see to Piedra Blancas in the north and Point Sal in the South.

Start at the Valencia Peak trailhead, climb the mountain and on your trip down turn left at the picnic table and take the unsigned and overgrown Badger Trail. You will pass the environmental campsite on the road and then head for the Bluffs Trail. Follow the loop back to the parking area.

A map handout is available at the visitor center.

Trailhead: From Highway 1 in Morro Bay, take the S. Bay Blvd. Exit turn south towards the ocean and follow the signs for Montana De Oro and Morro Bay State Parks. Stay on S. Bay Blvd for four miles. Turn right onto Los Osos Valley Road (which becomes Pecho Valley Road after 1.5 miles) and follow it for 5.25 miles to the turnout for the Valencia Peak Trail. It is the first stop on the left after the campground and visitor center. There is also parking for the Bluffs Trail.

From the 101, exit Los Osos Valley Road in San Luis Obispo, head West and follow it for 12 miles to the park. (Lat:35.26334 Lon:-120.87235)

Trail Guides for Montana De Oro SP - Valencia Peak/Bluffs Trail:
California Hiking
by Tom Sinestra and Ann Marie Brown (Avalon Travel)

Walking the California Coast
by John McKinney (Harper Collins)

Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: Montana De Oro State Park (805) 528-0513
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted  123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here.
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by Viewer on 7/3/2008
Valencia Peak trail has the best views of Morro Rock in central coast.Watch out,,lots of rattle snakes, and thick fog sometimes. ALOHA.

Reviewed by Gary & Cheryl on 12/8/2007
Great hike, beautiful views. Not too difficult, would definately do it again to explore more of the area.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, San Luis Obispo County Hiking, San Luis Obispo County Trails, San Luis Obispo County Hikes

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