A GORGEOUS GETAWAY FOR THE DAY

WRITTEN BY Presley Allen

WITH IT’S VAST SAND DUNES, BREATHTAKING BEACHES, AND GORGEOUS VIEWS OF THE PACIFIC it is clear that Montaña de Oro is something special. Located approximately 40 minutes from campus and down Los Osos Valley Road, Montana de Oro provides a nice getaway for the day. you have been doing, a cooling dip in the ocean is never too far away. At Montaña de Oro you can make sand castles, play spikeball, and sunbathe in the presence of striking blue-green waters, rock formations, and California poppies among the bluffs.

Montaña de Oro has the best of both worlds: a natural area with trees, grassland, and rolling hills, and the beach. It offers a place where you can hike all day and watch the sunset over the ocean by night. The most popular place to hike in Montaña de Oro is the “Bluff Hike” that runs right along the ridge of the of the cliffs. The trail is perfect for beginner level hikers to see a plethora of different vegetation, wildlife, and breathtaking views of the ocean. Benches along the trail provide the perfect place to stop and admire the view or to watch the sunset with friends, family or a significant other.

This wildflower-filled hike stretches 4.6 miles long and branches off to handful of beaches. So, if you are working up a sweat from all the hiking

Montaña de Oro has the best of both worlds: a natural area with trees, grassland, and rolling hills, and the beach. Presley Allen

The large amount of rock formations at Montaña de Oro creates tide pools booming with sea life. Places such as Corallina Cove and Hazard Reef are home to many species of sea life. Corallina cove gets its name from a

species known as Corallina algae, a rose-colored algae that thrives in this part of Montaña de Oro. Upon peering into the tide pools you’ll notice bright green and blue sea anemones waving their tentacles, orange or purple starfish resting on rocks, and hermit crabs scurrying around the sand.

Another popular spot at Montaña de Oro worth merit are the colossal sand dunes along the coast line. Although walking up the highest dune may feel like leg day at the gym, the view of the rolling dunes and Morro Rock is worth it. The dunes provide the perfect picture and picnic spot with friends. The picturesque nature and views of the dunes will make you and your friends pop and add some aesthetic to your instagram feed.

The dunes provide the perfect picture and picnic spot with friends. Presley Allen

Although some would use the dunes for a photoshoot, there is a fun activity for the adventurous type: sand sledding. Sand sledding involves getting boogie boards, surf boards, and, for some, tables and sledding down the biggest sand dune. You can race your friends, compete to see who can get down the dune the farthest, or simply just have fun with it!

Montaña de Oro is a place that proves you don’t have to go far to have a getaway. With all the different areas and activities in this state park, you will always have somewhere to go and something to do. So, the 40 minute drive is worth it for the experience.