Healthy Living '18

HEALTHY

living SLO Surf Spots p.10 Hiking Guide p.22

Healthy Living ‘18 1 Advertising Supplement

Editor’s Note

We all well aware of the benefits of being healthy. What is hard to grasp, though, is the steps and effort involved in getting to that point. What is convenient is most likely does not align with what is good for you, and that is a lesson I have had trouble understanding myself.

With that being said, living a healthy, sustainable lifestyle is not an unattainable goal while being a college student. It takes dedication, repetition, and willpower to exhibit positive change.

We are surrounded by mountains like Bishop’s Peak, graced with central coast vistas, and blessed with the wonderful people of San Luis Obispo. On top of that, Cal Poly prides itself in encouraging the health of all students on campus. All of these factors promote a healthy lifestyle and help foster our growth as a community.

My hope is that these bits of information will help you stay the course on the journey to being a happier and healthier person.

Nicolas Gonzalez

Special Sections Coordinator

Table of Contents 4

Evading the Poly Plague

6

SLO Natural Foods Co-op

10

Surf Spots in SLO

14

Vegan/Vegetarian Options On-Campus

18

Mental Health Resources On-Campus

22

SLO Hiking Guide

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Evading the Poly Plague | Nicolas Gonzalez

You all know the deal: One person gets sick, we all get sick. When the Poly plague finds its way onto campus, here are some ways to avoid it and help yourself if you do come down with a case.

The most common bugs floating around school are the flu, the common cold and other annoying viruses that make you feel less than 100 percent. The best way to prevent 4  Mustang Media Group

yourself from getting sick is keeping solid, healthy habits. Wash your hands regularly and invest in some hand sanitizer.

Theresa Fagouri, a health educator from Peers Understanding Listening and Supporting Education (PULSE), said people age 18-24 need six to eight hours of sleep a night to keep their bodies functioning at full capacity.

Staying up too late, whether you’re out partying or studying too hard, both affect the sleep cycle and can lead to a weakened immune system.

“If you have a cold or flu, it’s best to eat foods rich in vitamin C and zinc, and warm liquids such as soup and tea make a difference when it comes to a sore throat,” Fagouri said.

Once you have caught a bug, sleep becomes even more important. Make sure you are getting a good night’s sleep as well as resting throughout the day and — every college student’s favorite word — napping.

Exercising keeps your body strong and is an important part of staying healthy.

Try going to the Cal Poly Recreation Center at least three times a week.

If going to the gym normally boosts your energy and you think it may help you feel better, think again. The body needs to rest and fight the sick cells in your body, and skipping out on the gym for a couple of days will not ruin your hard-earned gains.

St ress also tak es its toll on the body in more ways than you think .

If you are not eating or sleeping because you are stressed about a midterm, that affects the body, including the immune system.

To avoid stress building up, take breaks from work and treat yourself to a coffee or an episode of “The Office.” Studying is important, but a brain overload is not going to help your grades.

When people are sick around you, it makes it a lot easier to pick up germs that can get you sick, so be aware of people in your residence hall and classes who seem under the weather.

Got the flu?

The Health and Counseling Center offers information on symptoms: Fever or feeling feverish/chills

Muscle or body aches

Cough

Headaches

Sore throat

Fatigue (tiredness)

Runny or stuffy nose

Possible vomiting and diarrhea Healthy Living ‘18 5

SLO Natural Foods Co-op | Dominique Morales College is can take pretty hectic and with stress and countless assignments it can take a toll on you and your health. You may catch yourself not eating as well as you should be.

It can be a struggle to find fresh and affordable options that are within your budget.

Often students find themselves having to make compromises between what is cheap and convenient and what is healthy. However, SLO Natural Foods Co-op’s mission aims to eliminate that compromise so people do not have to choose between the two.

The SLO Natural Foods Co-op, originally known as the Questa Co-op, dates back to the mid-1970s when a few community members got together to form a buying club that allowed people to save money by buying their food in bulk. SLO Natural Foods Co-op is an alternative to big-name grocery stores that allows people to shop locally and ethically, providing SLO County with healthy food at a reasonable price, all while being able to give back to your community. The first location was in a member’s garage, and then later

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expanded to a building on Pismo Street.

Initially, the Co-op was restricted to members only but eventually, all became welcome to shop, and any who volunteered were able to pay at a discounted price in exchange for their contributions. In 2013, the Co-op changed its name to SLO Natural Foods Co-op and moved around the corner to its current location on Victoria Avenue.

SLO Natural Foods prides itself on providing products and information that empower health and wellbeing. The organization supports its community through buying from local suppliers and farmers and promoting organic and non-GMO standards. They are unique from many other grocers in various ways. One of the main ways is in how they operate. SLO Natural Foods is owned by consumer membership comprised of individuals within SLO’s community and overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors. Through this method, SLO Natural Foods is able to provide real food to the community at low prices. These memberships that people purchase allows SLO Natural Foods Co-op to fund community scholarships, capital improvements and growth and ensures the Co-op’s financial health. Memberships offer additional discounts and benefits, but a membership is not required in order to shop at the Co-op.

Thomas, SLO Natural Foods’s Head of Marketing said.

She encourages everyone to buy from the Coop because it not only supports local producers but keeps your money right here for the benefit of the community.

Another unique aspect about the Co-op is how it integrates programs in order to give back to the community. Good Cents is a donation program that supports SLO’s community by allowing Co-op shoppers to donate to a selected local non-profit organization at the register. The way donations work is simple; at the register, ask the cashier to round up your total payment to the nearest dollar or more.

One hundred percent of the amount over the purchase total will be donated to the designated project. As of recently, The Land Conservancy has been the organization picked for donations to go to. They work to protect and enhance lands having scenic, agricultural,

“ T he co - op is ope n to the public and eve r yone is welcome to shop he re ,”

“The co-op is open to the public and everyone is welcome to shop here,”Hayley Cain

habitat, and cultural values for the benefit of people and wildlife. Every so often the Co-op votes on an organization to donate to.

The Co-op also hosts their own events and collaborates with different programs to co-host other events. Every other Saturday

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Photo by Connor Frost

starting at 10 a.m., the co-op hosts SLO Produce Exchange outside of their building so that people can exchange produce with each other on a trade-based system. Participants bring something to give and can take as many home-grown goods as they like.

“We are big supporters of it,” Thomas said.

“Some of the folks who come by are members some are not. All in all, it is a great way for local community members to mingle, share, and experience local flavors!”

It was started as a way to reduce food waste and bring the community together, SLO Produce Exchange founder, Shawn Dunn explains.

“It’s just a way to be able to share what you have at home with your neighbors, get to know your neighbors, and maybe get something unique you’ve never tried before,” Dunn said.

They also host different monthly events to go along with the seasons. This upcoming December the Co-op will be hosting a behind the scenes tour and testing of Mama Ganache Artisan Chocolates, a chocolate company that prides themselves on ethically sourcing and producing chocolate. The event is open to the public.

While the Co-op has been going strong for well over 40 years, it only plans upon expanding the products they offer.

“It ’s just a way to be able to share what you have at home with your ne ighbors," “We are constantly evolving. Right now we are focused on being a storefront stocked with fresh local produce, local meats, artisan cheeses, kombucha, beer, and wine,” Thomas said.

She says the SLO Natural Foods Co-op is always looking for feedback on how it can improve and build upon what it offers.

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Photo by Luke Deal

Surf Spots in San Luis Obispo County | Carly Quinn Montecitos, Cayucos - Where Old Creek Road intersects with Cabrillo Highway, there is a part of Cayucos State Beach that surfers like to call Montecitos. Cayucos may be a bit of a drive, but the distance creates a less crowded area for those tired of Pismo’s crowds.

“Surfing has become one of the more popular sports on the central coast in the past couple of years,” Morro Bay Harbor Patrol Head Lifeguard Joel Wilkie said. “The number of surfers has doubled if not tripled.”

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Cayucos Pier - North of Montecitos, further up the Cayucos State Beach is the Cayucos Pier. This is another popular spot that is close to some restaurants and hotels if you are planning to grab some food after a couple of hours in the water.

“Some of the dangers of surfing in this area is that we have unusually big waves here, and our beaches are angled in a way that picks up most swell directions and storms causing the waves,” Wilkie said. “Our beaches are

also remote, creating a long response time if anyone needs rescuing or help. Always go with a friend.”

Cable Landing, Montaña De Oro When you are driving down Pecho Valley Road, you are gonna want to take a right when you get to Sand Spit Road. The end of the road has a dirt parking lot. Park there and take a little hike to get to the water, and you have found your spot.

“I find that after surfing I’m typically happier and more relaxed mentally and physically,” Wilkie said. “It gets you out in mother nature, and you get a full body workout and a tan.

Who doesn’t love that?”

spots to San Luis Obispo, the ocean is easy to reach and right off Cabrillo Highway.

“I recommend surfing to anyone. It’s really fun and a great way to just mellow out in the water,” history senior Jack Kiernan said. “I grew up in Half Moon Bay where I would boogie board, but the water is much colder.

The conditions here are just so much better than Northern California.”

The Pit, Morro Rock Standing tall above Morro Bay, the Morro Rock is surrounded by surfable ocean. Drive up Coleman Drive and there’s a parking lot to your right. The Pit lies in front of you and you are ready to go.

Sewers, Shell Beach At the tip of Spyglass Park in Shell Beach is the local surf spot Sewers. One of the closer

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SPONSORED ARTICLE BY CAMPUS DINING

Campus Dining: the vegan and vegetarian perspective | Carly Quinn Campus Dining serves 20 thousand meals a day to students on campus. Not all of those 20 thousand people have the same diet.

A growing population of vegetarian and vegan students has prompted Campus Dining to make some changes regarding food options.

There have been numerous changes made in Cal Poly Campus Dining in the past few years. New names given to the venues, residence hall eateries have been torn down and rebuilt and new options have been introduced across campus.

“With an increasing demand of vegan and vegetarian students we see more and more students asking about it, and we have responded,” Registered Dietician and Sustainability Coordinator for Campus Dining Kaitlin Gibbons said. “Basically every venue has something to offer vegans and vegetarians.”

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Photo by Zachary Donnenfield

Mechanical Engineering senior Kylie Fernandez stays on campus for the majority of her day during the school week. There is not always enough time for packing food, so she must grab some food somewhere at the university.

“As a vegetarian, I’ve never found it incredibly hard to eat on campus but I have been noticing more options recently,” Fernandez said. “My go-to is Subway and it’s open 24 hours. The black bean burger at Campus Market is pretty good, too.”

805 Kitchen began to offer the vegetarian bar this year. The food served here is mostly vegan, as well, with the exception of occasional dairy products. They also provide a large salad bar that students have unlimited access to once inside the cafeteria.

Ingredients for food across campus come from regional farms, some even coming from the Cal Poly Organic Farm. The goal is to keep it as local as possible, according to Gibbons.

“I think we really have a good variety of vegetarian and still a decent amount of vegan options on campus,” Gibbons said.

“It’s really just knowing about where to find them and how you can customize everything at every venue.”

There are options on campus encompassing both vegan and vegetarian restrictions. Some of these include:

Red Radish build-your-own salads or wraps (some vegan

dressings and vegan tortillas)

Poly Deli hummus and veggie wrap (some vegan breads for build-your-own sandwich)

Campus Market Campus veggie wrap

Tu Taco rice and bean bowl

Lucy’s Juice smoothies and juice

Sambazon’s açai products

Some options available for vegetarians include any of the above as well as:

Other combinations from Red Radish

Other combinations from Poly Deli

Tu Taco rice and bean bowl with cheese/sour cream

Bishop Burger black bean burger

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“We are always looking for student feedback, as that’s really how we adapt our student dining program,” Gibbons said.

“If there’s things people wanna see or if you’ve tried our options and you’re happy with it, we wanna hear about it.”

No matter what Dining Plan a student is on, there are choices for both meal credits and declining balance funds that fall under these categories. For example, 805 Kitchen, Red Radish build-your-own and the Tu Taco rice and bean bowl are all one meal swipe.

“If anyone’s struggling to find vegan or vegetarian options, feels like they’re stuck or don’t have enough variety, my door is always open,” Gibbons said.

“Come talk to me and I can help you navigate that.”

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Gibbons office is located next to Sambazon and 805 Kitchen. She can also be reached by email at: k wg ibbon@c a lpoly.edu .

A complete list of dining options and nutrition facts can be found at w w w.c a lpolyd i n i ng .com /nut r it ionc a lc u lator/i ndex . a sp.

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Photo by Zachary Donnenfield

Mental health resources on campus | Dominique Morales Cal Poly Counseling Services In our current social climate, there has been an increasing positive shift about how we view and talk about mental health. Now more than ever, growing dialogue about the importance of mental health and bucking the stigma of mental health issues surround the topic. Most recently, the $99 fee increase for students expanded the mental health services available. These services range from individual therapy sessions and skill-based workshops at the counseling center, to classroom accommodations, support programs at the Disability Resource Center (DRC) and more.

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Cal Poly Counseling Services promotes the development of holistic student emotional health. Licensed mental health professionals with graduate degrees in clinical and counseling psychology work with a range of students from diverse backgrounds who may be struggling or wanting to discuss anxiety, poor academic performance, traumatic experiences, suicidal thoughts, substance use, or anything else that might be going on for them. Their services focus on offering active listening, along with strategies to support your personal, social, and emotional growth.

In order to be eligible for services, you must

be an enrolled Cal Poly undergraduate or graduate student. Counseling Services is located within Campus Health & Wellbeing (Building 27) next to the Rec Center.

SLO Counseling Service at Cal Poly This program offers short-term counseling and consultation to SLO County residents who do not qualify for County Mental Health Services or who are unable to afford private psychotherapy. Counseling is available to children, youth, families, individuals, and couples. This counseling service is staffed by knowledgable and trained graduate students in the Master of Science Psychology Program under the supervision of clinically licensed psychologists in the Psychology and Child Development Department. Services are provided to the community for a modest fee based on a sliding scale that starts at $20. SLO Counseling Services emphasizes that no one is denied services on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability or ability to pay for counseling service. Their office is located on the Cal Poly campus on the first floor of the Cotchett Education Building (No. 2), Room 125.

Mustangs for Recovery Mustangs for Recovery is a Cal Poly student organization that aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for students in recovery from substance addiction and other addictive behaviors. It promotes making healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being. Mustangs for Recovery is centered around four main elements: Providing a community of supportive peers, opportunities for leadership, service to the community and conducting recovery-oriented meetings and events. The program is affiliated with Cal Poly Campus Health & Wellbeing to help carry out events that encompass these four elements, ensuring students have access to support. Sunrise Mediations are one part of the program and are held every Tuesday at 7:10 a.m. on the lawn outside the health center in Building 27. Mustangs for Recovery also conducts 12-step Student for Recovery meetings every Thursday at 7:10 p.m. in the health center to provide a safe place to discuss their struggle with addiction.

Campus Health and Wellbeing Campus Wellbeing provides care by appointment and on a walk-in basis to students. In addition to ambulatory care, they also offer lab testing, on-site x-rays, prescription medications, counseling services, and holistic wellbeing services. They are staffed with 14 mental health professionals who work with individuals and couples and offer group, couples, and individual counseling sessions, similar to Counseling Services. They are also located in the Health Center.

Reach-out Empower Accept Listen (REAL) The REAL program, comprised of highly trained individuals who hold consultations surrounding mental health, focuses on promoting and nurturing the mental wellbeing of all Cal Poly students through private conHealthy Living ‘18  19

sultations and group presentations. The team also connects students and their peers with resources that support suicide prevention.

The main topics they focus on are anxiety, depression, stress management, mental health concerns, homesickness and even how to help a friend in need.

Cal Poly’s Disability Resource Center (DRC)

because they have difficulty building relationships with other people.

Access Allies allows students to volunteer their time for mental health-related projects and issues, patterned after Pride for the LGBTQIA+ community. Volunteers can help raise awareness for mental health and advocate disabilities as an aspect of cultural diversity.

CP’s DRC provides three support programs: the peer mentor program, the Connections program and the Access Allies program — all of which encompass the mission of promoting mental well-being.

The peer mentor program is designed to pair a student with a mentor who volunteers their time to give the student advice about using the DRC and other campus programs. Students may find this especially useful because it provides guidance and mentorship from someone with similar mental health issues.

Connections program is privately funded and available to every student on campus. It aims to provide a safe and fun environment for building relationships. High-interest activities built into field trip form for students who might be shy or who are at risk for isolation

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Office of Student Ombuds Services The Office of Student Ombuds Services is a campus resource available to all Cal Poly students. Their staff is committed to hearing about students’ experiences, and their office offers a safe place to go for assistance in resolving any university-related issue, concern, conflict, or complaint. All communications with the office are strictly confidential, informal, impartial and independent, the only exception being when there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm to self or others or issues about sexual misconduct. They are located at Kennedy Library, room 113.

Ombuds also has an office located off campus located on 232 S Higuera St # 101B.

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San Luis Obispo Hiking Guide | Dominique Morales The Cal Poly “P” Located behind the South Mountain, or red brick, residence halls on Poly Mountain, lies the well-known Cal Poly P hike, a short but sweet 15 to 20 minute hike. Originally the “P” was an “H” for San Luis Obispo High School, however, nearly 100 years ago Cal Poly students changed the stone letter to a 50-by-30 foot “P” to showcase their school pride.

To get to the P, follow the trail uphill behind the Red Bricks. The “P” is very large and easy to see, with two clearly marked paths, one steeper than the other which allows you to pick your pace and difficulty level. Regardless of the route you choose, the hike up to the “P”, is a quick and effective cardio workout. When reaching the top, hikers behold a view of the whole Cal Poly campus as the surrounding town of SLO. This hike is most ideal during sunset seeing that the hills pro-

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vide a great scenery to catch the sun as it sets.

Difficulty | Easy Total Distance | 1 Mile Trailhead Address | Behind the Red Brick dorms at the

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus

Architecture Graveyard A popular hike among Cal Poly students, this is an easy 3-mile round trip hike with 300 feet of elevation gain that takes you through the Poly Canyon Design Village, which features an eclectic collection of 15 architecture and engineering projects crafted by students.

The trail starts on Poly Canyon Road until you reach a stone arch. A map of the Architectural Graveyard will be to the left. Pass through the stone walls and across the bridge to the Graveyard. If you’re feeling adventurous, cross Brizzioli Creek, which runs parallel to the road, and walk along the running water to the entrance. Just past the Poly Canyon Village, there should be a well-worn path leading across the creek.

Difficulty | Easy

reach it, keep right on the road, and stay on until you pass through two gates.

The route begins just as Village Drive begins to go downhill on the road, Poly Canyon.

The first 1-1.5 miles is a dirt path that will take you past beautiful Eucalyptus trees and sage bushes. At the end of the trail, architecture graveyard meets the dirt road.

From that point, choose the road leading towards the two houses to begin the hike to Serenity swing.

Total Distance | 3 Miles

Difficulty | Moderate

Trailhead Address | Poly Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo

Total Distance | 4 Miles

Serenity Swing at Poly Canyon This four-mile hike is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon exploring CP’s Poly Canyon. The hike is more challenging than others on Cal Poly’s campus but offers stunning views of the Cuesta Grade and Cerro Romauldo to the north all while letting you relax on the famous Serenity Swing.

The best way to get to the trail is to walk towards Architecture Graveyard and once you

Trailhead Address | Canyon Cir, San Luis Obispo

Bishop Peak Bishop Peak is the highest peak of the Morros or “Nine Sisters” and is best known for its iconic rocky crown shaped like a bishop’s miter. Hiking this trail has become an unofficial rite of passage for students at Cal Poly.

Whether you are looking to take in the spectacular views of SLO from 1,559 feet above sea level or partake in some serious climbing, Bishop Peak has something for everyone.

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There are four different places where you can choose to start your hike. Two of them are well-marked trailheads. It is recommended to enter either the official entrance on Patricia Drive near Anacapa Circle or the entrance at the end of Highland Drive. On average, it usually takes hikers about two to two and a half hours to complete. If you are looking for a shorter and easier hike without less-spectacular views, check out the Felsman Loop Trail, which traverses 2.7 miles in and out of the Ferrini Ranch Open Space. Just enter at Patricia Drive and follow the signs.

will see plenty of birds and lizards and occasionally could stumble onto a snake sunning itself on the trail. Most of the trail is wide with a moderate grade, but it’s also largely unsheltered, so you’ll be in the sun for a good portion of it. Do not forget to bring water and stay hydrated!

Difficulty | Hard Total Distance | 4 Miles Trailhead Address | Cerro San Luis Obispo, San

Luis Obispo

Difficulty | Moderate

Terrace Hill

Total Distance | 4.4 Miles

Terrace Hill is one of the smaller and harder to identify Nine Sisters within SLO. Unlike the other Nine Sisters, Terrace Hill has a broad flat summit. The top of the hill was removed for use as construction material in the 1920s, leaving behind a flat mesa-like mountaintop.

Trailhead Address | 850 Patricia Dr, San Luis Obispo

Cerro San Luis Cerro San Luis or Madonna Hill is a local favorite known for its distinguishable “M” that represents Mission Preparatory Catholic School. During the weeks prior to Christmas, the summit is decorated with lights in the shape of a Christmas tree, which is visible throughout the town. Like Bishop Peak, Cerro San Luis is also a member of the Nine Sisters. These beautiful peaks set the postcard-like backdrop of SLO, Laguna Lake, Cal Poly — and even the Pacific Ocean and Morro Rock on a clear day.

However, don’t let the beauty of this hike fool you. Cerro San Luis is a strenuous uphill climb that is more on the difficult side, but worth the work. Early in the adventure, you can veer off to the right and add 1.5 miles to the hike by taking the Lemon Grove Loop Trail. The main trail stays left, and on the west side of the mountain, you will get views of Laguna Lake as well as the rest of the Nine Sisters and in the distance, Morro Rock. You

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This hike can be completed in an average of 15 to 20 minutes, and often is so easy many locals often do photoshoots once they reach the top. There is a loop trail that goes around the edges of the flat mountain top, offering great views over the city and its surrounding peaks, mountain ranges and valleys. The entrance to Terrace Hill Open Space is located on Bishop Street, southeast of downtown San Luis Obispo. Pass through the gate and enter the park at the bottom of a wide dirt road.

Hike up this access road that curves to the left before swinging back to the right.

Difficulty | Easy Total Distance | 0.55 Miles Trailhead Address | 1300 Bishop Street, San Luis

Obispo

Photo by Connor Frost

Lookout Hill

Difficulty | Moderate to Hard

Also known as High School Hill, Lookout Hill is one of the best trails for intense hiking.

Although only 1,500 feet in elevation, the steep incline provides a consistently challenging workout for hikers. The trailhead is located off of Lizzie Street and Johnson Avenue. The trailhead is slightly hidden, but the narrow path is well-defined once hikers begin the trail.

Total Distance | 2.5 Miles

One feature distinguishing Lookout Hill from the other trails is the cacti patch at the base of the canyon. At the summit, hikers can choose to hike toward the left to the orange lookout tower or veer to the right to see a custom-built throne. While steep, the trail doesn’t require professional knowledge of hiking, allowing hikers of all ages and skill levels to attempt the climb.

Trailhead Address | High School Hill Trail, San Luis

Obispo

Stenner Creek Trail to the Eucs Mountain bikers in SLO have created a playground for themselves in a eucalyptus grove in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains near the Cal Poly campus. They call this The Eucs.

To get to The Eucs, you will hike 1.85 miles from the trailhead on Stenner Creek Road, where bikers can be seen zipping down freeride trails. Hikers can also enjoy the trail up Stenner Creek Canyon as well to catch

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a glimpse of nearby Bishop Peak. The trail goes through grasslands and oak groves, as well as a small waterfall along the way. This 3.7-mile round trip up Stenner Creek Trail to The Eucs has a comfortable 650 feet elevation gain and takes about two to three hours to complete.

Difficulty | Moderate Total Distance | 3.7 Miles Trailhead Address | Stenner Creek Road, San Luis

Obispo

Sycamore Crest at Avila Beach This two mile trip hike showcases some of the Central Coast’s most honored features including endemic plants, colorful wildflowers, and the pristine Pacific Coastline.

From downtown SLO, travel approximately 8 miles south on Highway 101. Take exit 195 for Avila Beach, turn right on Avila Beach Drive and travel less than a mile to the trailhead, which can be accessed from Sycamore Miner-

al Springs Resort and Spa. This short outand-back hike winds up the northern slope of Ontario Hill. Be aware that the journey back up the hill can be steep at times. Reaching the top rewards you with sweeping views of Avila Beach and Port San Luis to the northwest and Pismo Beach and the Oceano Dunes to the southwest.

Difficulty | Easy to Moderate Total Distance | 1.5 Miles Trailhead Address | Sycamore Crest Trail, San Luis

Obispo

Valencia Peak Valencia Peak is the highest ridge in Montaña de Oro at 1,347 feet. Montaña de Oro is packed with beautiful trails, but the views offered on the Valencia Peak hike are truly something to appreciate. The Pacific Ocean is visible even before you reach the trailhead, and on a clear day Morro Rock and the sandspit can be see to the north from the summit.

The close proximity to the ocean means that the weather could be on the colder side, so dressing in layers is recommended.

From San Luis Obispo, drive north on Los Osos Valley Road toward Los Osos. Follow the road about 9 miles until it turns into Pecho Valley Road. Follow the curvy road for about 4 miles to reach the trailhead just past the park’s visitors center. The inclines can be quite challenging so bring plenty of water. It is also recommended to bring hiking boots and trekking poles to help manage the loose rock and descending mountain.

Difficulty | Moderate to Hard Total Distance | 3.7 Miles Trailhead Address | Valencia Peak Trail, San Luis

Obispo

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