Oats Peak Trail

Start from the trailhead at the Islay Creek Campground in Montana de Oro State Park. The trail is very well marked, simply follow signs for Oats Peak. You'll pass intersections with the Beebe Trail, Valencia Peak Trail, and Alan Peak Trail. The trail is very well maintained with powdery dirt that is a joy to hike on. The steepest sections are on the ascent out of the trailhead, and the section approaching the peak. Directly below the peak the trail becomes rocky and more hard-packed/ slippery so good trail shoes are preferred for this section but by no means required. You can make this hike a loop by heading off the peak in the other direction to Coon Creek Trail and continue down to Rattlesnake Flats and back to the trailhead via the paved road.