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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.
May 2012 Description
Animals Passed This Way We will look at examples of animal scats and discuss signs such as tracks, water trails, and more. Then we'll walk along a road used by resident wildlife and human visitors, examining signs along the way to describe what lives here, what they eat and how they live. Meet at the grass parking lot across from Islay Creek Road in Montana de Oro State Park. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a hat, water and snacks if you want. 2.5 to 3 miles, 2 to 2.5 hours. (M) 2 to 2.5 hours
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.
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 next to the power plant water outfall in 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.
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. We will walk about 2 miles in approximately 2 hours. Meet at the Montana de Oro Ranch House in Montana de Oro State Park. (*M) 2miles approx 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.
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 7 miles south of Pismo. (H) (M) 3 miles 1.5 hrs.
Flying Things--Feathers and Wings Learn to use binocular microscopes and what can be seen at different magnification levels. Participants will look up close at feather construction and compare wings of various insects such as flies, beetles, and butterflies. Bring your own feathers or wings to look at if you'd like. Morro Bay Museum of Natural History auditorium, 2 hours. 2 hours
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. Free parking is available. (*M) 2 mi., 2 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.
Harmony Headlands and Its Fascinating Human History Humans have had a close and interactive relationship with this seemingly remote area for thousands of years. Discover how we can enjoy a connection with the past. Join me on this walk as we surround ourselves with the animal, bird, and plant environment of today. You may want to bring layers of clothing, sun block, a snack, water, and binoculars. We will meet at Harmony Headlands parking lot, located on the left side of Highway One about 5.5 miles North of Cayucos. (A) 4 miles, 2 to 2 1/2 hours
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
Hike Black Hill Hike up to the 660' elevation gain in a 1.5 mile summit of Black Hill from the MB campground. We will be discussing the native plants in four different communities. Fabulous views. Bring binoculars. Long pants and good shoe tread suggested. Meet at the gate access to the group area in the Morro Bay campground. (A*) 3 miles, 2- 2.5 hours
Intertidal Life at Hazard Creek 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.
Magnificent Coastal Live Oaks Hike through coastal sage scrub to a pocket woodland of California Coastal Live Oaks. Experience beautiful vistas of the estuary and back bay while looking for seasonal wildflowers along the way. Meet at the Chumash Trail on Turri Road about 1/3 mile off South Bay BLVD. (*M) 2miles, 2 hours
May Flowers Learn to use binocular microscopes and what can be seen at different magnification levels. Participants will look up close at a variety of flowers and learn and compare flower parts. Bring your own flowers to look at, if you'd like. Meet at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History auditorium. (F) 2 hours
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 100 yards south of the MdO Ranger/Information/Ranch House, on Pecho Road. (*A) 2 mi., approx. 3 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.
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.
Pass th Peas Please Walk among the wild pea family plants while imagining Gregor Mendel growing edible peas in his garden. Learn about the wild peas and their domesticated relatives. Meet in Montana de Oro State Park at the end of Pecho Road in the Coon Creek parking lot. Bring water and wear sturdy walking shoes. (*M) 3 miles, 2.5 hours
Photo Hike Through Broderson Pigmy Oak Forest Broderson Avenue dead-ends at the beginning of State and County property that contains a very unique ecosystem of pigmy oaks. There is a single track trail that winds through the forest. The leisurely pace of this walk will allow you to take photos of gnarly white trunks of the oaks, wildflowers in bloom, and views of Morro Bay. 1-2 miles, 2 hours, with a 200 foot elevation gain. Meet at the intersection of Highland and Broderson Avenue in Los Osos. (*M) approx. 2 hours
Plant of the Month Club - Annuals of the Dunes Walk through the seasons with the plants of the Central Coast. Look for spring annuals in the dunes and learn about the habits of these ephemeral plants. Meet at the east end of El Morro Street in Los Osos by Los Osos Middle School. (E) 1mi., 1-1.5 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.
Round Trip to Hazard Peak View sand dunes, uplifted terraces and stream-cut valleys. Examine shale outcrops to learn of the geological past of the park. Explore the coastal scrub community, spot creatures that make their home there and view seasonal flowers. Meet in Montaña de Oro State Park at the ridge trailhead, 2.3 miles from the park entrance. (*A) 5 mi., 3.5 hr.
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 (Weather Permitting) 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)
Sketch Walk - SLO Botanical Garden Visit the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden in Chorro Regional Park. Tour the demonstration garden with your sketch pad, pencils, watercolors, pastels, or other media. Meet at the garden. Turn North from Highway 1 into Chorro Regional Park, then turn right and proceed past the baseball field. (E) .5 miles, 2 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.
Work-Out Hike Coon Creek, Rattlesnake Flats, to Bluff Trail Steep and strenuous. Approximately 6 miles and 900 feet elevation gain. We start out on the Coon Creek Trail through ripiaran woodland. We then cut up into the coastal scrub on the Rattlesnake Flats Trail. We continue on this trail to the #3 environmental camp, then we head west to the bluff trail and loop back to the Coon Creek Parking area. Wear sturdy shoes, a sun hat, and sun glasses. Bring water and a snack if desired. Meet at the Coon Creek parking area, southern end of Montana de Oro road. (*S) 6 miles, 2-3 hours
Work-Out Hike Horse Camp Road to Barranca Lookout Steep and strenuous. Approximately 5 miles and 900 feet elevation gain. This trail is used by equestrians and bicyclists more than by hikers. We hike past the horse camp to Manzinta trail and join the East Boundary Trail. This gives us a great view of the ranch land to the east of the park. After splitting off to the Baranca Trail we climb a knoll stop at a picnic table with a beautiful overlook. We loop back on the east Boundary Trail to join up with the horse camp road. Wear sturdy shoes, sun hat and sun glasses. Bring water and a snack if desired. Meet just past the Montana de Oro State Park entrance sign, park at one of the turn-outs by the dirt road that leads to the horse camp. (*S) 2.5-3 Hours
Work-Out Hike Point Buchon 6 miles with little elevation gain. This is moderately strenuous as it follows the bluff. The trail is on PG&E property so be sure to bring identification as we have to check in with the PG&E security. Wear sturdy shoes, sun hat, and sun glasses. Bring water and a snack if desired. Meet at the Coon Creek parking area in Montana de Oro State Park. (S) 2.5- 3 hours
Work-Out-Hike to Hazard Peak Via Horse Camp Road This is a fun hike that will cover some trails that are used mostly by bikes and horses. We will stop at a picnic table looking over the eastern ranch land. We return on a different trail, making this a modified loop. 4.5 miles, 2.5 hours with a 1,000 foot elevation gain. Park on a turn out just past the Montana de Oro State Park Entrance sign, and meet at the beginning of the dirt road to Horse Camp. (*S) approx. 2.5 hours
Work-Out-Hike to Valencia Peak We will hike up the rocky west face of the peak and return via the Oats Peak and Reservoir Flats Trails. 3.5 miles, 2.5 hours with a 1,300 foot elevation gain. The steep and strenuous climb to the top is rewarded by the spectacular view. Wear sturdy shoes, sun protection, and bring water and a snack. Meet at the Valencia Peak Trail Head, 100 yards south of the Montana de Oro Ranch House. (*S) approx. 2.5 hours
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