Montano de
Oro State Park Day Trip
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Montano de Oro State
Park is one of the hidden wonders of the Central Coast.
Nestled past huge eucalyptus trees and the town of Los Osos
is this spectacular place for an excellent day trip getaway.
Once inhabited by grizzlies and Chumash Indians, this land went
through several people before the state of California purchased
it to be used as a state park. It was largely used as farmland
for cattle and sheep, then a creamery, and finally an attempt
at logging. When the agricultural industry
failed to thrive here, the state purchased it and officially
named it Montano de Oro, meaning “Mountain of Gold.”
This is truly a mountain of treasures. While you will not find
true gold here, the experience that you do find is a treasure
itself. There are over 50 miles of hiking trails that take you
from feeling like you are in a dense forest, meandering along
flower strewn meadows, strolling up grassy hills, climbing cliffs,
and walking on the beach. There are not too many places where
you can find so many environments in one place. The beaches
are great for picnics and large group activities. Tide pools
and inlet areas provide the kids with endless opportunities
for releasing energy and finding treasures of their own. The
caves are fascinating to explore and wildlife is endless. You
can find many different species of birds, seals and other marine
life, coyotes, foxes, and many others. The visitor center keeps
all of this information and maps of the trails. |
For those who want a more organized method of
hiking, there are scheduled guided tours and hikes by volunteers
who will give you a good workout and history of the park.
Other day activities include swimming, fishing,
mountain biking, and horseback riding. Photographers will find
endless chances to catch that great shot. There are horse facilities
that you can use for a day or camp overnight with your horses.
The other campground area offers full service facilities that
will give you a great camping experience.
The state park is located in the town of Los Osos, just south
of Morro Bay. San Luis Obispo lies just to the southeast. The
area wine country, museums, and shopping districts make this
day trip a fantastic one that will not leave you disappointed.
Article by Robin Canada
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Montana de Oro and
nearby campround reservations |
Montana
De Oro State Park - Park features over 8,000 acres
of rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams,
canyons, and hills. Naturalists and backpackers enjoy the solitude
and freedom found along the park trails. Reserve
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Morro
Bay State Park- Morro Bay State Park features lagoon
and natural bay habitat. The bay's most prominent landmark is
Morro Rock. The park has opportunities for sailing fishing, hiking,
and bird watching. Pismo Beach 16 miles. Reserve
Now |
Pacifci
Dunes Ranch RV Resort - Bring your family to the
Pismo Beach area's most unique RV resort, nestled among the dunes
of the beautiful Oceano Preserve. You'll enjoy breathtaking vistas
and trails to the beach. Reserve
Now |
Oceano
Dunes SVRA - Ocean Dune State Vehicular Recreation
Area has 1,500 acres, featuring beach and sand dune riding. Thousands
of off-highway vehicle enthusiasts enjoy the beach dunes of this
SVRA most weekends during the summer. Reserve
Now |
Pismo
Beach State Beach - Pismo State Beach offers all
kinds of attractions: hiking, swimming and surf fishing and the
annual winter migration of millions of monarch butterflies. Tree-lined
beach is also popular with bird watchers. Reserve
Now |
Montano de Oro State
Park is six miles southwest of Morro bay
and seven miles south of Los Osos on Pecho Road. The park features
rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams,
canyons, and hills, including 1,347-foot Valencia Peak. Naturalists
and backpackers enjoy the solitude and freedom found along the
park’s trails. There are also mountain biking and equestrian
trails. The best-known beach is Spooner’s Cove, across from
the campground. |
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