Hiking Trails / Nature Preserve
San Luis Obispo Coast State Parks offer free guided tours at most of our parks. Every month there is a new schedule.
Adventures with Nature
State Parks docents lead the guided walks. There is a reference below for the length and difficulty of the walks and lectures.
| E=Easy |
1 mile or less, mostly level |
| M=Moderate |
1 to 3 miles, uneven terrain |
| A=Active |
Any distance, difficult terrain |
| S=Strenuous |
Long distance, difficult terrain, high degree of fitness required
|
| T=Talk |
Talk or lecture |
* indicates possible presence of poison oak
Rain or Bad weather cancels outdoor activities
All duration times are approximate
No dogs, please.
Black Hill
Black Hill is an ancient 661-foot volcanic peak in Morro Bay State Park.
Choose the easy route or the long route. Either way, you'll reach the summit overlooking Morro Bay and the estuary, Estero Point, Cayucos, Chorro Valley, and the nearby morros of Cerro Cabrillo and Hollister Peak. The ocean views span from Montana de Oro to San Simeon.
Elfin Forest Natural Preserve
The “El Moro Elfin Forest” located on the southeastern shore of Morro Bay in Los Osos, has 90 acres of pygmy oaks and sand
dunes.
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Overlooking Morro Bay from Black Hill |
Black Hill Trail
Walk the most accessible of the volcanic sisters and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding geography from the top of the hill.
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Windy Cove |
Windy Cove - Hidden in Plain Sight............
What is hidden in plain sight is not obvious until we look from the viewpoint of things living there. Bring the family for a short walk along Windy Cove to learn what the trees, rocks, mud and birds have to tell us from their point of view. It's a story of life and death out there! Dress for chilly winds and wear shoes that can get muddy.Meet at the museum front door. (E) 1/2 mi., 1 hr.
Chorro Hill
Chorro Hill, also known as Turtle Rock, is a 209-foot rounded outcropping in Morro Bay State Park. Located to the east of Black Hill and at the base of Cerro Cabrillo, a hike to the summit will unveil the four-mile expanse of Morro Bay and the estuary, a bird and wildlife habitat where the fresh water of Chorro Creek and Los Osos Creek mix with the salt water of the ocean.
Chorro Valley and the Estuary
Walk the Black Hill Trail to see gorgeous views of the area and to learn how the estuary has been shaped by the surrounding geographical features and by human influences. Meet at the overlook parking lot above Morro Bay Golf Course. (*M) 0.5 mi., 1-1.5 hr.
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