Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
minutes). Three to five times daily, bus 15 heads north to Cayucos ($2, 15 minutes), Cam-
bria ($2, 35 minutes) and Hearst Castle ($2, 55 minutes).
From late May through early October, a
trolley
(single-ride $1, day pass $3) loops
around the waterfront, downtown and north Morro Bay, operating varying hours (no ser-
vice Tuesday to Thursday).
Montaña de Oro State Park
In spring the hillsides are blanketed by bright California native poppies, wild mustard and
3550 Pecho Valley Rd, Los Osos; 6am-10pm)
its Spanish name, meaning 'mountain of gold.'
Wind-tossed coastal bluffs with wild, wide-open sea views make it a favorite spot with
hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. The northern half of the park features sand
dunes and an ancient marine terrace visible due to seismic uplifting.
Once used by smugglers,
Spooner's Cove
is now a postcard-perfect sandy beach and
picnic area. If you go tidepooling, only touch the marine creatures such as sea stars,
limpets and crabs with the back of one hand to avoid disturbing them, and never remove
them from their aquatic homes. You can hike along the grassy ocean bluffs, or drive uphill
past the
visitor center
inside a historic ranch house to the start of the exhilarating 7-mile
loop trail tackling
Valencia Peak
(1346ft) and
Oats Peak
(1347ft).
Sleeping
Montaña de Oro State Park Campground
CAMPGROUND
Tucked into a small canyon, this minimally developed campground has pleasantly cool
drive-up and environmental walk-in sites. Limited amenities include vault toilets, drinking
water and fire pits.
Getting There & Away
From the north, exit Hwy 1 in Morro Bay at South Bay Blvd; after 4 miles, turn right onto
Los Osos Valley Rd (which runs into Pecho Valley Rd) for 6 miles. From the south, exit
