Montana de Oro State Park is one of my favorite parks in the California’s Central Coast for hiking. You have the rugged cliffside trails with panoramic ocean views, to eucalyptus forested trails to challenging summit hikes, this park has something for every type of hiker. You can go for an easy coastal stroll or a leg-burning climb to the top of Valencia Peak, these trails showcase the diverse beauty of Montana de Oro.
For the past 15 years, I’ve been hiking these trails regularly. Now, living nearby in Los Osos, this park has become my backyard, and I enjoy and know these trails by heart. No matter the season, Montana de Oro hikes never fails to impress with its dramatic coastline, rolling sand dunes, and wildflower-covered hills.
Here are my top 10 Montana de Oro hikes. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but if you’re looking for stunning views, unique landscapes, and unforgettable experiences, these trails will keep you coming back for more!
How to Get to Montana De Oro State Park?
Getting to Montana de Oro State Park is straightforward. From Los Osos, I usually take Los Osos Valley Road, which seamlessly transitions into Pecho Valley Road. It’s about a 5-mile scenic drive through beautiful eucalyptus groves right into the park.
If you’re coming from Morro Bay, head south down South Bay Boulevard, then turn right onto Los Osos Valley Road. Keep driving for approximately 7 miles, and you’ll notice it becomes Pecho Valley Road, leading you straight into the heart of the park.
Once inside Montana de Oro, my favorite starting point is Spooner’s Cove, conveniently located on the right-hand side shortly after entering the park. Here you’ll find ample parking, convenient restrooms, and easy access to the trailhead via stairs.
Alternatively, if Spooner’s Cove is crowded, drive a little further to find more parking at the Bluff Trailhead or Valencia Peak Trailhead. I recommend getting there early, especially on weekends, as parking spots fill up quickly.
Keep in mind, Pecho Valley Road can be narrow and winding, so take your time driving through. There’s no entrance fee, but parking is first-come, first-served. Also, cell reception in the park is limited, so I always suggest downloading maps before heading out. Additional restrooms are available near Spooner’s Ranch, just across from the entrance to Islay Creek Campground.
Adopt the seven Leave No Trace guidelines: plan your journey ahead of time, use only designated paths, remove all your belongings when you leave, preserve nature as you find it, respect fellow hikers, and steer clear of interacting with or feeding wildlife.
Must-Do Montana de Oro Hikes
1. Bluff Trail
- Distance: 4.0 miles round trip, out & back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 1,256 ft
- Estimated Time: ~1.5 hours
- Trailhead Location: You can either park at the main lot near Spooner’s Cove and follow the signs for Bluff trail; or pass the Spooner’s Cove parking lot, and continue on Pecho Valley Road little bit further and you’ll come across a narrow parking space next to the Bluff Trailhead.
The Bluff Trail is my absolute favorite of all the Montana de Oro hikes, whether I’m looking for a quick solo walk, a bike ride, or an easy adventure with friends and family. It’s one of those trails that never gets old—mostly flat, hugging the rugged cliffs with nonstop ocean views. I love how accessible it is, whether I’m taking my mom for a walk, biking, or bringing a big group.
There are plenty of spots to scramble down to tide pools. In spring, the hills burst into color with California poppies and wildflowers, making it even more magical. But honestly, I love it in any season—foggy mornings when the mist blurs the horizon, overcast afternoons when the waves feel wilder, and those perfect sunsets that make the whole coastline glow.
TRAIL GUIDE
Bluff Trail at Montana de Oro: A Coastal Escape
A step-by-step trail guide to the Bluff Trail.
2. Valencia Peak Trail
- Distance: 4.4 miles round trip, out & back
- Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
- Elevation Gain: 1,256 ft
- Estimated Time: ~2.5 hours
- Trailhead Location: Pass the Spooner’s Cove parking lot, and continue on Pecho Valley Road little bit further and you’ll come across a narrow parking space next to the Valencia Peak Trailhead.
Valencia Peak is one of those trails I have a love-hate relationship with. It’s a solid workout, climbing over 1,000 feet, but the views at the top make every step worth it. On a clear day, you can see Morro Bay, Cayucos, and even Cambria stretched out below.
The final stretch is rocky and exposed, and the sun can be relentless, so plenty of water is a must. But there’s nothing like reaching the summit, catching my breath, and taking in those panoramic views.
I always pack a PB&J for the top—it just tastes better up there. And trust me, bring a wind jacket because it’s almost always gusty, and hiking poles make the descent so much easier.
3. Valencia Peak, Badger Trail, Bluff Trail Loop
- Distance: 5.49 miles round trip, loop
- Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
- Elevation Gain: 1,368 ft
- Estimated Time: ~3 hours
- Trailhead Location: Valencia Peak Trailhead
If you have more juice or energy in you, go for the Valencia Peak, Badger and Bluff Trail Loop. This trail combines the best of both worlds—a summit climb up Valencia Peak and a scenic return along the Bluff Trail using the part of the Badger trail as the connector.
The first half of the hike is a steady ascent to the peak, while the second half is a relatively flat coastal walk back to the trailhead. Be prepared for a mix of terrain, from rocky inclines to sandy bluffs.
4. Valencia, Badger, Bluff Trail Loop (easier version)
- Distance: 3.44 miles round trip, loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 581 ft
- Estimated Time: ~1.5 hours
- Trailhead Location: Valencia Peak Trailhead
Not every adventure has to push you to the limit. When I’m not up for the full climb to Valencia Peak, I opt for a hidden gem—the Valencia, Badger & Bluff Trail Loop. I start out on the Valencia Peak trail and, when I hit the 1-mile mark, I take a quick right onto the Badger Trail before the steep climb kicks in.
This detour still cranks up the heart rate and delivers those sweeping Pacific Coast views I crave, without overdoing it. It’s my go-to route for a perfect mix of workout and awe-inspiring scenery.
5. Rattlesnake Flats Trail
- Distance: 3.2 miles round trip, loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 488 ft
- Estimated Time: ~1.5 hours
- Trailhead Location: Coon Creek parking lot at the end of Pecho Valley Road
The Rattlesnake Flats Trail is a beautiful, moderately challenging loop, offering fantastic ocean views and diverse scenery. I chose to start along the Coon Creek Trail, enjoying the mostly flat, tranquil stretch along the creek before climbing up Rattlesnake Flats for breathtaking panoramic views.
The trail was in excellent condition, clearly groomed, and not overly encroached by poison oak, though carrying hiking poles is always a good idea—especially considering the time I encountered a snake on the path. Thankfully, the snake moved away without incident, but it was a good reminder to stay alert.
If you’re short on time, this loop from the Coon Creek parking lot is ideal, but there are plenty of intersecting trails, like Deer Flats and Badger, if you’re looking to extend your hike. You could even loop in the Bluff Trail or tackle Valencia Peak if you’re feeling ambitious.
Either way, it’s an enjoyable hike year-round, offering moments of solitude away from the usual crowds, and some truly incredible vistas after the switchbacks. Just leave your pup at home, as dogs aren’t permitted on this particular trail.
6. Point Buchon Trail
- Distance: 6.6 miles round trip, out & back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 626 ft
- Estimated Time: ~3 hours
- Trailhead Location: Coon Creek parking lot at the end of Pecho Valley Road
The Point Buchon Trail is an awesome coastal hike with some of the best ocean views you’ll find along California’s pristine Central Coast. It’s pretty mellow overall—mostly flat, with just two short uphill stretches that got me breathing a bit harder—but nothing too crazy.
The trail runs through gently rolling hills, past grazing cows, and along coastal bluffs where you can easily spot otters, seals, or even migrating grey whales. I especially loved the bright poppies blooming along the trail, making it extra beautiful during spring.
One thing to note is the schedule: the trail is open Thursday through Monday year-round, with summer hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (April 1 to October 31), and winter hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (November 1 to March 31).
Just remember you’ll need to sign out at the check-in station at least 15 minutes before closing. Weekends can get pretty busy, especially during wildflower season, but on a quiet Monday morning, I practically had the place to myself. Definitely worth checking out!
7. Hazard Canyon Reef Trail
- Distance: 0.9 miles round trip, out & back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 98 ft
- Estimated Time: ~30 minutes
- Trailhead Location: Hazard Canyon Parking Area along Pecho Valley Road
Hazard Canyon Reef in Montana de Oro State Park is a beautiful hidden beach known for its tide pools and amazing coastal views. The short, easy hike—about 20 minutes on the Dune Trail—takes you through seasonal wildflowers, down wooden stairs, and over boardwalk sections, ending right at the rocky shore. At low tide, you can explore tide pools filled with sea stars, hermit crabs, sand dollars, and anemones, or just chill and soak in the scenery.
A couple of flooded areas required stepping on boards and rocks, but nothing challenging—just watch out for poison oak along the sides. It’s the perfect spot to catch an epic sunset from the beach, easily one of my favorite quick escapes in Montana de Oro. Just remember, pups aren’t allowed here!
8. West Rim and West Cable Trail Loop
- Distance: 2.7 miles round trip, loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 354 ft
- Estimated Time: ~1.10 hours
- Trailhead Location: First Pullout on right side after on Pecho Valley Road after Horse Camp entrance
The West Rim and West Cable Trail Loop starts off by plunging downhill through deep sand—lots of sand!—before reaching a gorgeous, uncrowded beach. I took the trail counterclockwise, keeping Morro Rock on my right, and the descent to the shore was easy, except for constantly sinking into the sand. Once down at the beach, it was beautiful, with surfers catching waves and plenty of shorebirds like curlews and seagulls hanging around.
Finding the turn back up the hill was tricky—I actually never found it and ended up climbing steep, sandy dunes on my hands and knees just to leave the beach. Eventually, I got back onto the trail and had to trek along the sandy, winding Pecho Valley Road to reach the car.
Honestly, if you’re not up for deep sand and navigating vertical dunes, I’d recommend skipping the struggle and heading directly to Sandspit Beach via the day-use area off Pecho Valley Road. Either way, the views are awesome—you just gotta really love sand!
9. Morro Bay Sand Spit Trail
- Distance: 9.5 miles round trip, out & back
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 354 ft
- Estimated Time: ~ 3 hours
- Trailhead Location: Sandspit Beach Parking Lot of Pecho Valley Road
The Morro Bay Sand Spit Trail is a beautiful, peaceful walk along miles of firm, sandy beach, perfect for solitude and birdwatching. You don’t need to hike the full 9.5 miles; you can easily turn back whenever you’ve had your fill. Expect lots of sand walking, especially if you tackle the challenging climb (~300 feet elevation) back up to the parking lot—watch carefully for the small trail sign marking your turn.
I loved spotting pelicans, plovers, curlews, and even sea lions playing in the surf. Definitely check the tides before you go—high tide might make the beach tough to walk. This was one of my favorite solo hikes; four hours flew by with beachcombing and exploring, though my legs felt every mile by the end!
10. Bloody Nose Trail
- Distance: 5 miles round trip, out & back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 856 ft
- Estimated Time: ~ 2.5 hours
- Trailhead Location: Hazard Canyon Parking Area along Pecho Valley Roady Road
Bloody Nose Trail in Montana de Oro wasn’t exactly my favorite—there are definitely better hikes around. Finding the trailhead was tricky: park at the Hazard Canyon Day Use Area, cross Pecho Valley Road towards KEEP Camp, then head uphill to your left until you spot the trail sign. While there are some scenic views near environmental campsites 1-2, the narrow, washed-out, sandy path made the hike less enjoyable.
The trail is short but challenging due to deep sand, rocky sections, and constant obstacles (like plenty of horse droppings) because it’s frequently used by horseback riders. Though the hike isn’t particularly steep, the uneven terrain means you’ll be watching your step the entire time.
The trail transitions between scrub brush, sandy washes, oak groves, and eucalyptus groves—the last of which felt particularly eerie as the wind created spooky sounds echoing through the trees.
Once I reached the East Cable Trail intersection, I didn’t bother retracing my steps; instead, I crossed Pecho Valley Road and followed the North Dune Trail to West Cable Trail, eventually looping back via Hazard Canyon Reef Trail to my car. Overall, I’d recommend skipping Bloody Nose and picking one of the area’s many other great trails.
If you’ve explored the top hikes in Montaña de Oro and are looking for more scenic trails nearby, hiking trails in Morro Bay offer a variety of coastal walks, summit climbs, and estuary paths just minutes away. Trails like Black Hill, Cerro Cabrillo, and Windy Cove provide stunning views, diverse landscapes, and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities, making them a great addition to your outdoor adventures.