Adventures with Nature
This monthly schedule offers docent led activities including hikes on trails and lectures. The length of the hikes and walks, the degree of difficulty, and a general description is included on this monthly publication. Artists may find the "Sketch Walk" with special guest artists an enjoyable opportunity to capture nature on paper.

Estero Bluffs
Learn about the diversity of life within the kelp forest while walking along the Estero Bluffs, north of Cayucos. Watch for sea otters and learn the role they play in maintaining a healthy kelp forest. Bring Binoculars. Check the current Adventures with Nature schedule for docent-led walks.

Limekiln State Park has several trails that are about 1/2 mile through a redwood forest and along Limekiln Creek. There may not be bridges at certain times of the year to cross the creek which would require walking through the creek.

Los Osos Oaks Reserve
Enjoy a shaded stroll through this ancient forest looking at native plants and evidence of Native habitation. An easy 1 1-1/2 mile flat, loop trail takes you to the Chumash Loop, Oak View Trail or the Los Osos Creek Trail.

Please Remember
Poison oak is a natural part of the area. Learn to recognize and avoid it.
The park is open during daylight hours.
There is no entry fee
Pets are not permitted
Fires and smoking are not permitted
There are no restrooms, telephones or facilities for camping or picnicking

Montana De Oro
There are miles and miles of trails to explore on your own, on foot or bike. For those interested in the natural history of the park, State Park Rangers give programs during the summer. Docent-led walks are available year-round. Visit the interpretive garden located south of the Visitor's Center. Check the Adventures with Nature schedule for current docent-led walks. Here are just a few examples:

Hiking Trails at Montana de Oro

Birding Islay Creek - Montana de Oro A hike up Islay Creek passes through four habitat zones: Conifer forest, riparian, chaparral and coastal scrub. Learn to distinguish seed eaters from insectivores and to identify the raptors. Twenty-five to forty bird species find a home here. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Montana de Oro State Park. 2.5 mi- 2 hr.

Bluff Nature Walk - Take a pleasant hike along the Bluff Trail for magnificent views and likely looks at a variety of birds, plants and sea life. Binoculars helpful. Meet at Bluff Trailhead, 200 yards south of Visitor Center at Montana de Oro State Park. With guest Tracker Dean. 4.2 mi. - 3 hr.

Rattlesnake Coon Creek Loop - Enjoy ocean views along the Rattlesnake Flats trail and return via a lush streamside environment. Contrast three natural communities: coastal sage scrub, chaparral and riparian woodland. Meet at parking lot at south end of Pecho Road in Montana de Oro State Park. Bring water. 3 mi. 3 hr.

Reservoir Flats Trail - Enjoy hillside trails, sea views and lush creekside greenery. See a great variety of plants, many in flower or with fruit. Bring water and wear protective clothing. Meet at Visitor Center, Montana de Oro State Park. Limit of 20. 2.2 mi. 3 hr.

Please Remember
Poison oak is a natural part of the area. Learn to recognize and avoid it.
The park is open during daylight hours.
There is no entry fee
Pets are not permitted on the trails
Fires and smoking are not permitted
There is camping and picnicking in designated areas only.


Accessible Trails

Park Information website http://access.parks.ca.gov/home.asp

Email: access@parks.ca.gov or Phone: (916) 445-8949

Moonstone Bluff Trail is a 1-mile beach boardwalk along the bluffs in Cambria. The trailhead starts at Leffingwell Landing where you will find parking and restrooms or you can Santa Rosa day use lots.

Loop Trail is accessible for 0.60 mile. Trailhead, parking and accessible restroom are located at Washburn day use area.

Morro Bay State Park
There are over 13 miles of hiking trails in Morro Bay State Park. In the Cerro Cabrillo area of Morro Bay State Park, hikers walk along chaparral and grass-covered hillsides, with beautiful views of the estuary and mud flats. Mountain bikes are permitted on some of these trails.

The Natural History Museum

Paved Loop Trail is accessible for 0.15 mile. Trailhead and accessible parking are at the museum lot. Accessible unisex restrooms are at the Natural History Museum, but the route from the parking lot requires crossing a park roadway.

Guided Hikes
Observe birds on a short hike along the seashore, creek, wetlands, chaparral and pine forest habitats. Suitable for birders with all levels of experience.