Bluff Trail Hike

Montana de Oro is a wonderful place to experience the best that the central California coast has to offer. Supporting several ecological regions from tide pools to coastal grassland and scrub to oak and pine forests, this sprawling park is a fairly lightly-visited destination. The Bluff Trail is one of the highlights of the park, and it is accessible to almost everyone of all abilities. Beginning on the bluff just below Spooner's Cove past the visitors center, the trail is well-graded gravel for about 2.4 miles one way, but it is connected to many more miles of side trails that allow hikers to do much more than just an out-and-back. Numerous short spurs lead to overlooks above the rocks and beaches or down to secluded coves, many of which have tide pools at low tide. Other side trails can be taken to make a larger loop without having to backtrack. One could explore this area all day or do a short loop in less than 30 minutes. The coastal views are spectacular, and the wildflowers in March and April are an added treat.