montana de oro state park

Been here 1/2 dozen times and hiked different trails each time. Wonderful views from most of the hikes here. One caution: signage is very poor on the trails - as poor as I have seen anywhere. Be prepared and carry a map!

Best of everything, ocean, views, the mountains it's all there. The hikes and biking were amazing. A real find.

The bluff trail is something out of a magazine. The views are stunning. The crashing waves are incredible. The tide pools are exciting. The rocks are interesting. The sun and sand are paradise.

We spent a beautiful afternoon wandering around the park, driving from stop to stop, getting out and walking. We first stopped and hiked down to the beach. It was gorgeous! On the way down we saw a LARGE snake (not a rattle snake!) on the path that startled me. I jumped and startled him more than he startled me! After that my husband preceded me on all the hiking paths! We walked for an hour along the beach, watching the surf, watching the really funny shore birds, watching the people. It was gorgeous! We then drove up to the bluff trail, where we spent another hour or so wandering along the bluffs, admiring the spectacular geologic formations and the surf. Last, we hiked down to the tide pools. These were the best tide pools I have ever experienced. There were anemones everywhere! The very best part is that the whole state park is free.

Breathtaking scenery, absolutely incredible rock formations pushing up out of the coastline, and great walking paths along the coast to walk/ride!

Montana de Oro State Park consists of numerous hikes and activities and picnic places. The best one, in my opinion, is the hike along the cliffs above the ocean, through the PG&E owned land. It is a 8 mile hike with beautiful views of the ocean and wonderful rock formations. There is also a reasonably deserted stretch of beach at the Sand Spit. If you walk along the beach for about a mile, you will leave the masses behind and have the place to yourself. You will discover lots of treasures that are not present on busy beaches.

We spent several days in the park, going back to the motel at night t eat and sleep, but the place is like the siren's song, calling you back. The first day we went to the end to the PG&E property and hiked to the end where you can see the Diablo nuclear plant, looking like a mosque or the Russian onion dome off in the distance. The next day we returned to do the beach walk along the outside spit of the bay on the south end opposite Morro Rock. When we started the rock was shrouded in fog, there were so many little shore birds, and the sun was warm on our backs. There were a couple of seal carcasses being pecked at by vultures and I got some great Halloween photos. The rock started to come in view as the fog lifted and so we kept going. This had been on my companion's bucket list, he had never been on this side of the bay, always the rock side. So we kept walking all the way to the rock, which is so huge. After watching a few boats cross the bar at the entrance to the bay we turned and realized we now had to walk ALL THE WAY BACK which in the sun looked way farther that it had in the fog! But the waves and cool water soothed our feet and we trudged along the 6 miles back to the car. The feeling of accomplishment far outweighed the tired dogs. Great Hike.

A wonderful place for marine life observing, strolling, and tide pool exploring. The park is being consistently well maintained, with a decent campground.

Good for hikes to tide pools. Easy access for a beach picnic. We enjoy the scenic views. There is a campground, but we have not stayed there.

We visited Spooner's Cove inside central California's Montana de Oro State Park. The beach consisted of tiny broken coral and rocks rather than sand which was not easy on bare feet, wear shoes of some sort if you are tender footed. It is rather breezy here in the winter months, dress accordingly for your comfort. The ocean tides are very strong here and may offer good surfing but I would not recommend swimming. Be mindful of shark attacks reported near here recently. Other than that, the park offers splendid views and photo opportunities of the rugged shoreline and the mighty Pacific ocean. There are plenty of tidal pools to explore at Spooner's cove teaming with sea life. We found spider crabs, live star fish, and Anemone in just one small pool. There are many interesting rocks on the beach to hunt as well. The sea cliff's are a great place for watching whales during migration seasons. There are plenty of trails to hike or mountain bike inside the park for every skill level. Spooner's cove is across from the overnight camp grounds and offers free day parking for the beach. Montana de Ora park is located six miles southwest of Morro bay and seven miles south of Los Osos on Pecho Road.

Great day hiking. It is a sea bird habitat and is very cool to see all the birds sea life in nature .

There are amazing sea stacks that resemble Stonehenge. To reach the sea stacks, you need to take the Pt. Buchon trail. Directions:There is a single paved road into the Montana de Oro State Park. Follow this road to the end - about 4 miles. You will find a large dirt parking lot with bathrooms. From the parking lot, walk south down the paved road to the chain link fence/gate. There is a small pedestrian opening to the left of the gate. It is about an 8 minute walk to the check-in station where you will have to sign in. Hours: 8AM - 4PM, Monday - ThursdayNo FeeBathroomsWaterLevel dirt pathsNo walking off pathsMaps upon requestPaths are marked with signsBenches at scenic overlooksYou will have to pass through small openings in the electric fenceWe walked from the entrance station to Buchon Point then south to Disney Point. The sea stacks (that resemble Stonehenge) are just south of Disney Point - about a 40 minute walk.For photography, the early or mid-morning sun creates a haze over the stacks. Next time I visit, I will aim to be there in the midday to mid-afternoon. The best angle for the stacks is looking southwest and I found the position of the sun tricky. Note that you are not supposed to set a tripod up off of the path so you may not be able to get as close as you like to the edge of the cliffs. You are watched by a scope, so if you go off the path, someone will come by and ask you to stay on the path. I used a wide angle lens.I also walked the trail that is adjacent to the parking lot. You will find narrow bays and really beautiful rocks. I went at sunset but the shadows were too strong (winter). Next time I will go around 3PM. I would allow a minimum of 3 hours to explore the area. Take water, sunscreen, hat, windbreaker. Suitable for kids. Lots of birders. Great for a picnic.

We started camping here about 4 yrs ago and each year it gets better. It is now a family tradition to go every summer . you have the BEST of both worlds ,Beach & Forest . It is very private and safe for kids . We have gone to other camping sites and for some reason my grandkids grip! But at Montana de Oro on our last day they say why do we have to go home .... BEAUTIFUL place

This trail has become one my favorites, so I always invite visitors to join me for a hike there. The secluded beaches, rugged cliffs, broad coastal terraces and beautiful Spring wildflowers bring me back again and again. South of Los Osos and Montaña de Oro State Park, this stunning stretch of coastline includes the historic headland Point Buchon. The trail is 3.4 miles from end to end, and there is a 1 1/3-mile loop at that start for those looking for something shorter. Minimal elevation change and excellent views make Point Buchon Trail suitable and enjoyable for all.From the Coon Creek parking lot at the south end of Montaña de Oro State Park, walk a quarter mile on the paved Pecho Valley Road to the Point Buchon Trail sign-in station. The trail owner and operator, Pacific Gas & Electric, grants trail access Thursday through Monday from 8AM to 4PM or later depending on the season.

Gorgeous views, easily navigated trails, lots of places to stop, lots of areas to search tide pools, my only regret was not packing a picnic lunch, and it was free!!!!!