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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.
Birds and Nature at Morro Strand Meet at and walk from the parking lot at the west end of Azure Street in north Morro
Bay (Take Hwy.1 to San Jacinto, turn toward beach and jog 2 blocks south to
Azure). Along the beach observe specialized shorebird and pelagic bird feeding techniques.
Binoculars suggested.
(M) 1-1.5 mi., 2 hr.
Birds at the Oceano Lagoon Walk along Oceano Lagoon and through the Pismo State Beach native plant gardens to look
at waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and more. We sometimes see an unusual species or
more. Bring binoculars, scope and bird book if you have them, hat, sunscreen, and water.
Birders of all levels welcome. Meet at the Pismo Nature Center.
(M) 3hrs.
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.
Coon Creek Beach Caves Study in detail the erosional impact of the ocean on the Monterey shale cliffs.
Ancient caves in Montana de Oro, now uplifted above sea level, will be discussed.
Binoculars useful. Meet in Montana de Oro State Park at the south end of Pecho Rd in the
Coon Creek parking lot.
(M) 1.5 mi., 1.5 hr.
Coon Creek Hike On this vigorous hike, enjoy great exercise, spectacular creek and canyon views. Explore
the riparian landscape along Coon Creek and see a variety of wild flowers,berries, shrubs,
and trees.Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and snack. Meet in Montana de Oro State Park at
the end of Pecho Road in the Coon Creek parking lot.
(H) (S)4.7 mi., 2.5 hr.
Digital Photo Walk (Point Buchon) Explore the new Point Buchon Trail along the bluffs south of Montaña de Oro, stopping to
photograph the rocky shore. All photographic skill levels are welcome. Experienced docent
photographers will help you improve your outdoor and nature photography skills. Meet at the
Coon Creek parking area at the very end of Montaña de Oro. Wear hiking boots or sturdy
shoes, bring windbreak and water and snack. 200' elevation gain. See photomorrobay.com
for more information.
(S) 7 mi., 3.5 hrs
Discover Hidden Life in the Morro Bay Estuary Learn about some of our planet's most fascinating, seldom seen lifeforms. Meet in the
parking lot in front of the Morro Bay Harbor Patrol Office/Coast Guard Station, 1279
Embarcadero, across from the power plant stacks. We'll lower a special net into the water
from the nearby pier, and collect a water sample loaded with microscopic plankton. Then
caravan to the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History to use a videomicroscope to look at
the life that exists in a single drop of our water sample.
(E) (T) 2 hrs.
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 the Oceano Lagoon Family activities for kids from age 6 to 60. Learn about the animals and plants at the
Oceano Lagoon while enjoying hands-on activities. Meet at the Nature Center at the
entrance to the Oceano Campground of Pismo State Beach.
(*E) 2 Hours
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.
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.
Dunites- The Mystic Connection A 1.5 hour walk to the dunes at Oso Flaco Lake to see typical Dunite habitat as it was,
though no trace remains. The Dunites were society dropouts living in the dunes in the
1930's and 40's. You will hear some stories and learn how mysticism was a part of the
experience. Meet at the parking lot (hikers are exempt from $5 parking) for the trail to Oso
Flaco Lake at the end of Oso Flaco Lake Rd. from Highway 1, about 10 miles south of
Pismo.
(H) (M) 3 miles 1.5 hrs.
Grand Dune Trail A leisurely walk through the Pismo Dunes. Learn
about the dunes and various habitats close to the
ocean. Meet at the entrance kiosk at the ocean end
of Grand Avenue, Grover Beach.
(M) 2 mi., 2.5 hr.
Great Blue Herons, Egrets and Other Rookery Wonders Enjoy a short talk about Great Blue Herons,Great and Snowy Egrets, Black Crowned Night
Herons and other residents at the rookery in Morro Bay State Park. Walk to the site to
observe these magnificent birds. Learn about courtship rituals, nesting habits, and in spring,
see adults caring for their young. Meet in the Learning Center at Morro Bay Museum.
(E) 1/4 mi., 1.5 hr.
Hike the Reservoir Flat Trail Walk through the chaparral into the riparian zone near Islay Creek. Enjoy the view back to
Spooner's Cove and the ocean. Then stroll through the shady woods. Meet at the Visitor's
Center, Montana de Oro State Park.
(M*) 2.5 miles, 1.5-2 hours
Intertidal Life at Hazard Reef Walk through coastal scrub and sand dunes to the beach to see seaweeds and marine
animals. Meet 1.6 mile south of Moñtana de Oro State Park entrance sign. Wear non-skid
shoes that can get wet.
(A) 2 mi., 3 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.
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, 200
yards south of Visitor Center at Montaña de Oro State Park.
(*A) 2 mi., 2.5 hours
Native Plant Gardens & Oceano Lagoon Become acquainted with native plants of our county
and Pismo State Beach on a stroll by the native plant
gardens. Enjoy the beauty of Oceano Lagoon and learn
about its flora and fauna. Meet at the Nature Center at
the entrance to the Oceano Campground, Pismo State Beach.
(M) 1.5 mi., 2 hr.
Plant of the Month Club - Golden Stars & Fairy Lanterns Walk through the seasons with the plants of the Central Coast. Have you ever seen the
“Fairy Lanterns” or the “Golden Stars?” Bring a camera or a sketch pad and see these
stunning flowers. Meet at the Quarry Trailhead parking lot, off South Bay Blvd. in Morro Bay
State Park, 2.6 miles from Los Osos Valley Road.
(M) 2mi., 2hrs.
Plant of the Month Club - Mariposa Lilies Walk through the seasons with the plants of the Central Coast. Will we find lilies in this
drought year? Join the hunt to find out. Wear hiking shoes and bring water. Meet at the
Quarry Trailhead parking lot, off South Bay Blvd. in Morro Bay State Park, 2.6 miles from
Los Osos Valley Road.
(M) 2 miles, 2 hours
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 Walk Examine dune plants. Enjoy the beauty of the surf and look
at whatever has washed in. Watch birds feed and consider
their adaptations for contact with a cold salty environment.
Bring lunch, water and binoculars. 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
Sketch Walk (Point Buchon) Explore the new Point Buchon Trail along the bluffs south of Montana de Oro, stopping to
draw the rocky shore. No drawing experience necessary. Bring a pad of drawing paper,
colored pencils, watercolors or pastels, and some water to drink.
Meet in Montana de Oro State Park at the end of the Pecho Road in the Coon
Creek parking lot.
(M) 1 - 2 miles, 2.5 hours
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. |
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