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California
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California State Parks

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USA Parks
California
Central Coast & Central Valley Region
Montana De Oro State Park
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Montana De Oro State Park Montana de Oro Beach © Thomas Reiman
The beach at Montana de Oro.
Montana De Oro State Park Solitude © Thomas Reiman
A fall day at Montana de Oro watching the waves come in.
Montana De Oro State Park Montana de Oro Campground © Annick Desjardins
Montana De Oro State Park Montana de Oro State Park © Annick Desjardins
Montana De Oro State Park Montana de Oro State Park © Annick Desjardins
Montana De Oro State Park Montana de Oro State Park © Annick Desjardins
Montana De Oro State Park Great Egret © David Schindler
Great Egret - Montana De Oro State Park
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MONTANA DE ORO STATE PARK
MONTANA DE ORO STATE PARK
3220 South Higuera St Suite 311
San Luis Obispo, California   93401

Phone: 805-528-0513
Reservations: 800-444-7275
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.

Seasons - Climate - Recommended clothing

The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.
History of the Area
Located in San Luis Obispo County, this park was named for the golden wildflowers found there. Established in 1965, it spans over 8,000 acres of rugged cliffs and secluded sandy beaches.

The Chumash people were its first known inhabitants. Later Spanish explorers arrived followed by ranching pioneers like Alexander Soto who owned Rancho Canada de Los Osos y Pecho y Islay where the park is now located.

In 1892 James Biddle purchased part of that land to mine chromite but failed due to low-quality ore deposits. The Spooner family acquired these lands after his death and attempted dairy farming which also proved unsuccessful.

Finally sold off as a state reserve in the mid-20th century; today it's home to diverse wildlife species including sea otters and peregrine falcons.

Camping
- Islay Creek Campground: Offers 50 primitive campsites, picnic tables and pit toilets. No water or electricity available.

- Environmental Campsites: Six sites accessible only by hiking in; no amenities provided.

- Group Camping Area: Accommodates up to 35 people with a reservation required for use.

Note that all camping options require self-registration upon arrival.


Location
Montana De Oro State Park is located near Atascadero, Grover Beach and Los Osos

Trails
- Bluff Trail: A 4.6-mile round trip, this trail offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and access to several smaller side trails.

- Valencia Peak Trail: This challenging hike is a 3.7 mile out-and-back route that takes you up to panoramic ocean vistas from atop Valencia Peak.

- Coon Creek Trail: At approximately five miles long, it winds through riparian habitats with an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities.

- Oats Peak Trail: An intense seven-mile trek offering sweeping coastal views and wildflower displays in springtime; not recommended for beginners due to steep inclines.

- Islay Creek Road Loop via Rattlesnake Flats & Badger Trails - Moderate difficulty level at around six miles total length featuring diverse terrain including forests and grasslands

-Hazard Canyon Reef Overlook Via South Dune Nature Preserve And Hazard's Beach Access - Easy three-miles walk along sandy beach paths leading towards dramatic cliffside overlooks

-Pecho Valley/Discovery Point Hike - Short one-mile loop perfect for families or those seeking less strenuous activity while still enjoying beautiful coastline scenery

-Razorback Ridge/South Boundary Roads Loop - Approximately nine miles long showcasing various ecosystems within park boundaries such as chaparral-covered hillsides

-Bloody Nose Trial- Named after its colorful native plant species rather than any physical challenge, this easy half-aile loop provides insight into local flora

-Sand Spit/Morro Bay Sandspit Coastal Access Walkway-A flat four-miler suitable all year-round taking hikers across dunes down onto secluded beaches

-Cave Landing/Pirate Cove From Shell Beach Drive - Two-point-five miler boasting sea caves exploration opportunity plus scenic picnic spots overlooking Pirate's cove

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Area Campgrounds
Bay Pines Travel Trailer Park
1501 Quintana Road
Morro Bay, CA
805-772-3223
Cypress Morro Bay RV
1121 Main Street
Morro Bay, CA
805-772-2515
Morro Dunes RV Park
1700 Embarcadero
Morro Bay, CA
805-772-2722
Rancho Colina
1045 Atascadero Road
Morro Bay, CA
805-772-8420
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
The park is six miles southwest of Morro bay and seven miles south of Los Osos on Pecho Road.Latitude/Longitude: 35.2639 / -120.8622

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California
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California State Parks

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