Walk activity rating
E=Easy = Under 1 mile, usually level ground.
M=Moderate = 1 to 3 miles, moderately level ground.
A=Active = 3 miles and/or difficult terrain.
S=Strenuous = Difficult, requires high degree of fitness.
H=Hike = Active to strenuous, no intrepretation.
T=Talk = Talk or Lecture.
*=Poison Oak = Poison oak in the area.
Birding Multiple Habitats Observe birds on a short hike along the seashore, creek, wetlands, chaparral and pine forest habitats. Suitable for birders with all levels of experience. Bring binoculars, bird identification books helpful. Meet in the Washburn day use parking lot north of Cambria on the east side of Hwy 1 just south of San Simeon Creek. (*M) 2 mi 3 hrs
Birds of Land and Sea at Morro Rock Observe cormorants, pelicans, and various species and age classes of gulls. Watch for resident Peregrine falcons over the Rock, and sea birds in the channel. Search for sparrows, blue-gray gnatcatchers, and the elusive Canyon wren. There may even be a surprise bird. Meet at the City restrooms at the Morro Rock parking lot. Dress for windy weather and bring binoculars, your favorite bird guide, and a spotting scope if you have one. Moderate 1-1/2 miles, 2hrs.
Black Hill Trail Walk the most accessible of the volcanic sisters while we discuss their history and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding geography from atop the hill. Take Golf Course Drive past the clubhouse and bear left at fork in road. Meet at the overlook parking lot above Morro Bay Golf Course. (M) 0.5mi., 1-1.5hr.
Chumash - Before Spanish Explorers A half mile walk by the lagoon at Oceano Campground starting at the Nature Center to hear about the way the Chumash lived before the Spanish explorers. We will look at the plants and animals they used for food and other uses. (*E) 1/2 mi., 1.5 hrs.
Cow and Plow to Now Many people think of Montana de Oro as a pristine, natural wilderness area. On this walk we will do a bit of detective work to discover the hidden signs of the previous agricultural uses of this very special State Park. The Plant community will give us the biggest clues. You will be amazed by the changes the land has gone through in the last 60 years. Bring water, long pants, sun hat, sturdy shoes. Park in front of MDO Ranch House. 1.7 miles, 2.5 hours. (*M) 2 1/2 hours
Discover Hidden Life in the Morro Bay Estuary Learn about some of our planet's most fascinating, seldom seen lifeforms. Meet at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History where we'll use a videomicroscope to take a look at the life that exists in a single drop of water. (E) (T) 1 Hour
Discover Magnificent Morro Rock Explore the beauty of Morro Rock and learn about its geology and history and the animals that live on and near the rock. Meet at the rest rooms in the parking lot in front of the rock. (E) .5mi., 1-1.5hr.
Discover Treasures of Montaña de Oro, Part 1 Tour the Spooner Ranch House and Holloway Garden. Meet in Parking lot of Spooner Ranch House. (E) 1 hr 15 min
Discover Treasures of Montaña de Oro, Part 2 Hike Reservoir Flats Trail. Pass through Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral and Riparian Eco Systems. Enjoy ocean views, lush creek side greenery and see an abundance of wildflowers. Bring water and wear protective clothing. Meet at the Visitor Center Montaña de Oro State Park (Spooner Ranch House). (*A) 1.7 mi. 2hrs.
Eucalyptus- Beauty or Beast? Do you love Eucalyptus? Hate it? Can't decide? Come on this informative walk through one Eucalyptus grove in Montana de Oro and learn the history, biology, pros and cons, and uses of the trees. Then decide for yourself! Meet at the Hazard Canyon parking lot, on the right, 1.6 miles from the park entrance. Enjoy the ride in looking at the grove, trees, bark and light filtering through. Dress for the weather, bring binoculars. (E) 0.5 miles, 2 hours
Exploring Oceano Lagoon and Pismo Dunes Hike along lagoon shore to a Chumash midden and learn of the Chumash culture.Walk through pine woods to the dune trail and return along the beach.Meet at the Nature Center at entrance to Oceano Campground, Pismo State Beach. (*M) 2 mi., 2 hr.
Harmony Headlands History & Wildlife Walk Walk through a ranch landscape, past extensive wetlands, to a rugged coast. Learn the history of the land and its people. See a variety of plants. Discover its current occupants. Meet at the entrance parking lot, 5 mi. north of Cayucos. (M) 3miles 2 hours
Hazard Peak Work-out Hike This hike is a great work-out. We will keep a good pace. Trail is well maintained. 6 miles round trip, and 1,000 feel elevation gain. Great views from the top. Approx. 2 1/2 hours. Bring water and a snack. Wear hat, sun screen, and sturdy shoes or boots. Meet at the Hazard Peak parking lot 2.3 miles from entrance to MDO State Park. (H) Active to Strenuous
Intertidal Life at Hazard Canyon Walk through coastal scrub and sand dunes to the beach to see seaweeds and marine animals and learn a little about the geology of the area. Meet in the Hazard Canyon parking lot on the right side of the road, 1.6 miles south of the Montana de Oro State Park entrance sign. Look for the announcement board propped against the tree. Dress in layers, and wear non-skid shoes that can get wet. (A) 1 mi., 3 hr.
Life and Times on the Shore Along Morro Strand to North Point rocky shore, observe life on the shore and in the tide pools and learn about seasonal changes on the beach. Bring binoculars, wear sturdy beach shoes and layered clothing.Take Hwy.1 north to Yerba Buena exit to meet at Morro Strand State Beach entrance station in North Morro Bay. (M) 1 mi., 1.5 hr.
Los Osos Oaks Reserve Enjoy a shaded stroll through ancient forest. See native plants and evidence of Chumash habitation. Learn colorful historical background. Meet at Reserve entrance, 0.7 miles east of South Bay Blvd. on Los Osos Valley Road. (*E) 1 mi., 1.5 hr.
MONARCH BUTTERFLY GROVE OPENING! Help welcome the Monarchs back to their coastal overwintering sites from NOON till 2PM. Fun for all! Join in a habitat awareness game, make a colorful beaded Monarch lifecycle bracelet, find "Mona the Monarch" and learn the importance of planting Milkweed. Join in the festivities and help welcome the Monarchs back to Pismo State Beach. Free to all! The Monarch Grove is on HWY 1 at Pismo State Beach at the southern city limits of Pismo Beach. Parking is available at the Grove and in the North Beach Campground of Pismo State Beach. (E)
Montaña de Oro Bluff Nature Walk Take a pleasant hike along the Bluff Trail for magnificent views and see a variety of birds, plants and sea life. Binoculars helpful. Meet at Bluff Trailhead, some 200 yards south of the MdO Ranger/Information/Ranch House, on Pecho Road. (*A) 2 mi., 3 hours
Oats Peak - Coon Creek Loop Climb Oats Peak for spectacular views of ocean and chaparral. We return on the Coon Creek Trail through riparian woodlands then hike back along the Bluff Trail. This is a good 9 mile workout for the day after Thanksgiving. Bring lunch and water. Meet at Visitor Center, Montana de Oro State Park. (*S) 9 mi., 4.5 hr.
Oceano Lagoon Explore the tranquil surroundings of the lagoon. Learn about the plants and animals found there. Meet at Oceano campground entrance station, Pismo State Beach. (*E) 1.5 mi., 2 hr.
Plant of the Month - Fall Color Find the signs of fall in Montaña de Oro State Park. Walk through chaparral and into the riparian zone near Islay Creek. Wear walking shoes. Bring water to drink. Meet at the Visitor's Center, Montana de Oro State Park. (M*) 2.5 miles, 1.5 - 2 hours. (M*) 2.5
Salt marsh to Mudflats Follow a path from the State Park Marina through native plants to the salt marsh and on to the mud flats. Learn the history of the salt marsh, and see the plants and animals living in and on these specialized environments. Dress for heat, wind and mud. Bring binoculars. Park close to the southeast end of the marina parking lot or across the street by the MB campground restrooms. (E) 0.5 mi., 2 hr.
San Simeon History Join our "Docents at the Pier"between 11am and 1pm and travel through time as we explore the diverse history and uses of San Simeon Cove. Meet at the Coastal Discovery Center at W.R Hearst State Beach across from Hearst Castle west of Hwy 1. (T)
Sand Spit Beach Walk We will walk along the beach to the Morro Rock Channel. This is a fantastic beach walk with the ocean on one side of the sand dunes, and the Morro Bay Estuary on the other. Bring lunch, sun hat, layered clothing. Meet in Montaña de Oro State Park in the Sand Spit Parking Lot. Turn right on paved road 0.8 miles from park entrance. 9 miles, 4.5 hours (A) 9 miles, 4.5 hours
Skeleton Sunday A special family event to celebrate the season and showcase the bone collections at the Museum of Natural History. There will be displays, games with prizes, owl pellet dissection, skull identification, art projects, and scary stories, all centered around skeletons. All ages, events will be throughout the Museum of Naturaly History in Morro Bay, 1-4PM. Adults $3, children under 17 and CCNHA members are free. For more information call 772-2694 1PM to 4PM
Sketch Walk (Marina Point) Stroll around the marina to admire Hollister Peak, the bay and Morro Rock. Sketch the bay, the rock, or the sailboats in the Marina. No drawing experience necessary. Bring simple art materials, a pad of drawing paper and colored pencils, pastels, or watercolors. Bring some water to drink. Consider a camera too. Meet at the East end of the marina parking lot in Morro Bay State Park. (E) 1.5 miles, 2 – 2.5 hours
Valencia Peak-Natural Human History Hike to the Valencia Peak summit, looking at fall plants and local plant communities, and considering the effects of human activities on the landscape. We may see birds or other wildlife along the way as well. Wear layered clothing and sturdy hiking shoes. Bring water, sunscree, a hat, snacks, and binoculars or a hand lens. Meet at the Valencia Peak trailhead, a short walk uphill from the Spooner Ranch House at Montana de Oro State Park. (S) 4 miles, 3 hours over 1300 ft elevation gain and descent
Walk Along the Edge Explore the bluffs and beach along Estero Bay as we examine the feeding relationships of the animals we'll see. Bring binoculars, wear sturdy beach shoes and layered clothing. Meet in the dirt parking lot one mile north of the end of the divided section of Highway 1, north of Cayucos. (M) 2 mi., 2.5 hr.
What's in a Drop of Seawater? The tiny plants and animals that inhabit our coastal waters are responsible for the beginning of the oceanic food chain as well as 50% of the oxygen on Earth. Meet at the Coastal Discovery Center at 10AM to learn how scientists collect and study plankton. (E) Talk
White's Point Vistas Enjoy a short, but steep walk to view the estuary and learn about the forces that have created this watery world that serves as home to hundreds of marine and terrestrial animals. Learn why in the past century the estuary has lost 25 percent. Dress for wind. Meet at Morro Bay Natural History Museum entrance. (M) 1/2mi., 3/4 hr.