The parks' name refers to the abundance of golden wildflowers that bloom each spring. Montana de Oro is a prominent landmark located on the coastline just south of Morro Bay California. It 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. Montane de Oro is one of the larger California State Parks and gets nearly one million visitors annually.

The best-known beach is Spooner’s Cove, across from the campground. Wildlife in the park includes black tailed deer and the black oystercatcher.

Recreational adventures include many hiking, biking and equestrian trails. Faclities include primitive and equestrian campsites.

Park Trail Network
Popular hiking, biking and equestrian trails:

• Bluff Trail - follows seacliffs for 2.1 miles from Spooner's Cove to Grotto Rock, with spurs leading down to Corallina and Quarry Coves, both known for their excellent tidepooling. Sea otters, whales, dolphins, and sea lions are frequently spotted offshore, along with myriads of sea birds.
• Coon Creek Trail - 2.5 mile trail explores ribarian habitat and groves at the far southern end of the park including groves of California live oak, willow, big-leaf maple, box elder, black cottonwood, and Bishop pine.
• Sand Spit Trail - the long sand-spit that separates Morro Bay from the ocean is a unique feature of the park and includes a boardwalk accommodates both walkers and wheelchairs and winds down to the beach. Best location for dunes and shore beachcombing, surf fishing, and bird watching.

Montana de Oro State Park
Mountain of Gold
3550 Pecho Valley Rd, Los Osos, CA 93402;
Latitude/Longitude: 35.2639 / -120.8622; 805-528-0513;
State Park Website;
California Beaches;
California Coastal Monument -
California Wildflowers;
Central Coast Festivals -
Montana de Oro Trail Run [FEB] - 8KM, 12KM, 25KM & 50KM Coastal Trail Runs.

Cayucos California
Somewhere between Los Angeles and San Francisco, is what some people call the last of the California beach towns. Cayucos California is a laidback town positioned on the Highway One just north of Morro Bay. Relax with the Pacific Ocean on the west and rolling hillsides of open ranchland to the east.

Los Osos Oaks SNR
State Nature Reserve
This Reserve features ancient sand dunes covered with centuries-old coast live oak trees. Some fine hiking trails traverse this reserve and allow visitors to observe native american settlements and local wildlife.