Montana De Oro State Park in California

Foggy mist swirls around glistening, metallic rocks as cerulean waves crash thunderous on the shores of Montana De Oro Park in Los Osos, California. High above the white-capped swells, spring erupts with vibrant orange poppies and yellow mustard, contrasting the muted native sage scrub along coastal plains.

This area, inhabited for thousands of years by Native Americans, began its recorded history around five hundred years ago, when Spanish explorers first discovered Montana De Oro. The view from ships sailing along these rugged Pacific waters may have inspired the name Montana De Oro or , "Mountain of Gold". The Sierra Club claims the name came from local landowner Irene McAllister in the mid-twentieth century.

Montano De Oro Park is a unique blend of mountains, coastal plains, and rocky shoreline all contained in eight thousand hidden acres just outside the small town of Los Osos, CA. The entrance to the park is off Los Osos Valley Road as it winds around to Pecho Valley Road. Signs point the way for thousands of visitors coming here each year.

Several unique features stand out as you make your way into Montana De Oro Park. One is a large grove of Eucalyptus growing on either side of Pecho Valley Road. These trees--not native to the area--were planted in the 1800s by previous landowner, Alexander S. Hazard, a local farmer and dairyman. "Hoping to cash in on California's growing need for timber, he planted hundreds of eucalyptus trees, turning Hazard Canyon into a prospective lumber farm. Unfortunately, eucalyptus proved unsatisfactory for commercial use," according to the Sierra Club.

Another interesting characteristic of the park is the large sand spit running along the coast to Morro Bay. On the right of the road as you enter the park is a sign for "sand spit beach access" and parking. At one time visitors had access to the entire four miles of sand dunes stretching from Montana De Oro Park to the mouth of Morro Bay.

Now, however, parts of the dunes are closed to foot traffic due to the endangered Western Snowy Plover, and the Morro blue butterfly whose host plant is the Silver Dune Lupine, according to Dune Guide. State Park officials state that you can still access many parts of the dunes for recreation such as hiking and "sandboarding", a popular sport for local residents that is similar to snowboarding.

Another draw for visitors in Montana De Oro Park is the coastal bluff extending over several miles of hiking trails that overlook the Pacific Ocean. Some beach areas are inaccessible from the bluffs. However, there are several places with crude stairs running from the top of the cliffs to the sand below where small sandy coves extend to tide pools teeming with ocean creatures.

The full hike along the bluff spans more than two miles. The ground is relatively level and can accompany strollers except at the entrance where wooden stairs lead you up over a small footbridge crossing the creek below. During the rainy season of winter and spring, parts of the dirt pathway become rutted and muddy. Parking is available along the road and fills up quickly during high tourist season.

Camping at Montana De Oro offers several options. Traditional RV and tent camping is available across the street from Spooners Cove for a nominal fee. Campsites do not have ocean views. Some are located on the banks of the creek. There are also several Environmental campsites available to backpackers about 1/2 mile from the main road, and horse camps are available for equestrians.

Recreation at Montana De Oro includes hiking, fishing, camping, equestrian trails, backpacking and picnicking. the park is open year-round. Reservations are site specific for camping.

Tips for visiting Montana De Oro Park
--Temperatures can vary from the bluffs to the beach. Dress in layers.
--Stay on the path and watch for poison oak in the bushes.
--Stay away from the edge of the cliffs, as there have been incidents of rocks crumbling.
--Get to the park early in the day in order to get a parking place.
--Docent-led walks are available year-round
--Restrooms are available in Spooners Cove and in the campground.
--Spooners Cove has a large sandy beach and ocean access. Parking lot adjacent to beach.
--No Pets on trails or beaches
--Fires and smoking are not allowed
--camping and picnicking is allowed in designated areas
--Visit in winter and spring when it is least crowded

Montana De Oro Visitor Center
Pecho Road,Los Osos, CA 93402
(805)528-0513

Reserving Campsites at Montana De Oro

Source:
Personal visit 2-23-2011
http://www.photogirlstudio.com/
http://santalucia.sierraclub.org/mntdeoro.html
http://www.duneguide.com/closed_areas_morro_bay_sand_spit.htm
Phone call to Morro Bay park HQ, state park officials on 2-25-2011at 805-772-7434
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=592