Montaña de Oro is a state park in Central Coastal California, six miles southwest of Morro Bay and two miles south of Los Osos. It has 8,000 acres of cliffs, seven miles of shoreline, sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including the 1,347-foot Valencia Peak.
This 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. The park's name, "Mountain of Gold," comes from the golden wildflowers that bloom in spring. Wildlife in the park includes black tailed deer and the black oystercatcher. The park includes primitive and equestrian campsites.
Location - Directions
The park is six miles southwest of Morro bay and seven miles south of Los Osos on Pecho Valley Road.
Seasons - Climate - Recommended clothing
The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.
Bluff Trail
The first of these wheelchair-accessible Los Osos trails is located in Montana de Oro State Park. Aptly named the Bluff Trail, there are actually two accessible routes to the ocean — a shorter one and a longer one. And since it’s an out-and-back trail you can do as little or as much as you want, and then just turn around if you get tired.
Once you enter the park continue along on Pecho Valley Road past the Spooner Ranch Visitor Center, and look for the accessible parking area on the right. The trailhead is conveniently located just three feet from this spot. The combination hard-packed dirt and paved trail leads out to the ocean bluffs and offers a great ocean view. On a clear day you can even see Morro Rock, plus you only have to go about .2 mile to get a nice view.
The trail continues along the coast, then turns inland for a bit. At the half- mile mark you can either turn right and cross the bridge to take on the longer trail, or continue straight ahead to loop back to the parking lot for an .8-mile jaunt.
The undulating trail again winds out to the coast, and then continues along to the Coon Parking Lot for a total hike of 2.38 miles. At about the 2.1-mile point there is a four foot slightly rocky section, before the trail climbs up to the parking lot. The steepest grade is 9%, and there are level spaces to rest along the way. Still you do have choices, and since the steepest part is near the end, you’ll get a good dose of ocean views even if you have to turn back at that point.
Accessible Picnic Choices
There are also several accessible picnic areas in the vicinity, so make sure to pack along a lunch to enjoy by the ocean. By far the number one choice is the picnic table that’s located about halfway along the Bluff Trail. Not only does it have an ocean view to die for, but this accessible table is located on a level paved pad. Even though the table is equidistant from both Bluff Trail parking areas, it’s best to approach it from the Spooner Ranch side, as that route has a more gently grade.
Alternatively there is an accessible picnic area in the Coon Parking Lot, near the accessible vault toilets. Although there’s certainly nothing wrong with the access at this site, it’s pretty utilitarian as it lacks the ocean view that the Bluff Trail picnic site affords.
Last but not least, there’s also an accessible picnic table a short drive from Spooner Ranch. Just follow Pecho Valley Road back towards the park entrance and take the first left into the beach parking lot. There’s an accessible parking spot next to an accessible vault toilet, with a level paved pathway over to the picnic table. The accessible picnic table sits on a cement pad, and the beach view there definitely puts this site in competition with the Bluff Trail picnic area for the most scenic repast spot.
Dogs allowed only in campground, roadways, and Spooners Beach. Dogs not allowed on trails.
