Snowy Plover Habitat

It was Snowy Plover all over! Signs, signs, everywhere were signs. Stop signs blocking out the scenery, crowding my mind, they hung at predictable intervals along the winding wooden dune path. Securely partitioned, parts of the dunes are closed between March and October with metal link fences creating a California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover sacred bird sanctuary. A no trespassing area where these endangered birds are given a second chance to nest in the sand and repopulate. The Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area is expertly managed by California State Parks and together with adjacent Guadalupe–Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, this protected area forms the most intact coastal dune ecosystem on the entire West Coast. We are lucky because we can still enjoy hiking along this amazing riparian corridor to the Pacific Ocean. Wild flowers, native scrubs and trees grow in abundance along the path offering a nurturing habitat for mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians...So keep your eyes open! An interesting fact for film buffs...The Preserve was also the location used in the 1923 film, "The Ten Commandments" by Cecil B. DeMille.

Visit the Guadalupe Dunes Center

Learn More: Watch a Video about the Western Snowy Plover

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

Like prize fighters from the gloomy depths these elephant seals lumber onto the shore and drop in a heap as spectators silently do a countdown. Fleshy globules weighing in at over 2,000lbs these marine mammals have a face only a mother could love. Slow moving blobs of blubber cluster together and lazily dream of salty sea mermaids and swaying palms. Inertly waiting until the next meal, they flip ping pong sized flipper full's of sand onto their neighbors back. Sunbathing and frequent rough housing give onlookers a chance to document the rituals with cameras and videos. During mating season you can hear their loud threats and grunting retorts to other males. You can almost hear one seal bark to the other, "Hey meathead stop throwing that sand around and hitting on my female or else!" Bloody sores and gashes from bites makes this a real street fighting lesson for the kiddies. Colorful kiosks educate while a wooden boardwalk allows viewers of all ages the chance for a closer look. This coastline is subject to high winds, harsh sun and cold so don't forget your windbreaker, sunscreen and visor. Plenty of parking makes this Highway 1 coastal treasure, just north of San Simeon, a must see main event. Showtimes are....

January

Female elephant seals continue to arrive on the shoreline. 

Peak of births usually are the last half of the month.

February

Elephant seal births continue. 

The peak of mating is around Valentine's Day. 

More females leave.

March

Last adult elephant seals leave.

April

Female and juvenile elephant seals return to molt.

May

Female and juvenile elephant seals molt.

June

Sub-adult male elephant seal return to molt.

July

Sub-adult and adult males molt.

August

Last adult elephant seals molt.

September

Young-of-the-year and juvenile elephant seals haul out to rest.

October

Young-of-the-year and juvenile elephant seals haul out to rest.

November

Sub-adult elephant seal males haul out. 

Mature males begin arriving at the end of the month.

December

Elephant seal bulls continue to return. 

Females arrive. 

The first birth is usually mid-month.

Get Involved: Friends of the Elephant Seal

Spooner's Cove

A pebble, a shell, a polished piece of blue beach glass. I walk silently my eyes searching for more treasures from the sea. Each brings with it a new message from Mother Earth. Framing a moment in time, I assign remembrance to these found objects to indicate their sacred nature. Seeking balance and renewal hiking has become a form of spiritual practice. My one day pilgrimage to a power spot to receive wisdom and perform rituals. The pacific ocean's negative ions invigorate my body and mind, bringing a deep feeling of empowerment. At some point I stop walking and silently offer a prayer of thanks to the Spirits of this place, once a bustling Chumash village site. Chosen by many people as the perfect location to stage a family portrait, exchange marriage vows or scatter a loved ones ashes, Spooners Cove in Montaña de Oro State Park is an area of strong energetic earth forces. Rugged Monterey Shale cliffs and rocky outcroppings offer resistance from crashing aqua blue waves. Only expert surfers successfully ride these coastal waters. Reflecting how good it feels to be here I decide to sit awhile and watch the sun as it begins to set.

Hike Montana de Oro State Park

Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve

Can you find the Hairflipp? 

A rusty teepee formed of corrugated scrap metal and spray painted with a big number five greeted us as we arrived at the mountain top. Glad to have found something so unique this far from civilization was a treat! So I invited myself in to have a look around. Yes, it would provide adequate shelter from a sudden rainstorm but luxury teepee it was not. Breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon and mountain slops make this 520 acre open space feel like you have the whole world to yourself. Only a half mile hike from the creek trail, steeply elevated switch-backs open to peaceful flat grasslands with astonishing views of Cuesta Grade and the Santa Lucia Mountains. You are now entering the Twilight Zone set amongst an odd collection of scrap metal sculptures once inhabited by humans. Just when you think you might be lost and this arduous journey is going nowhere, a wonderful swing appears hanging from an ancient eucalyptus tree. Time to kick off the hiking boots and swing! Wheeeee!! I haven't swung in years....This is really great!... Gee, I feel like a kid again!!! After an hour of playing and exploring the rusty artifacts we meander back down the 5 mile round-trip trail towards the dribbling creek hidden among oaks and dense sycamores. We happily call it a wonderful family day and promise each other we will revisit this San Luis Obispo open space after the winter rains.

Tips for Hiking Reservoir Canyon

Oso Flaco Lake

Skinny Bear is the translated name for Oso Flaco Lake in southern San Luis Obispo County. Today a nicely built wooden boardwalk over the sand dunes to the Pacific Ocean allows hikers, strollers and wheelchairs quick access. All sorts of fine feathered friends are easily seen by bird watching enthusiast. Docent led tours and educational exhibits can be arranged at the non-profit Guadalupe Dunes Center. Beautiful to look at the enormous waves often result in strong riptides so exercise caution. Surf fishing is the big draw at this State Park and the entrance fee of $5.00 per carload helps maintain this natural wonder. Parking tickets are given out often by the ranger so do pay at the kiosk before you start the nature walk. Posted signs say: no dogs, no bicycles, no horses and no camping allowed and these rules are strictly enforced. Dune buggies and four wheel drive autos have a separate designated entrance called Oceano State Vehicular Recreational Area to the north at the end of Grand Ave. in Grover Beach.

Learn More About the Dunes and Estuary

Read an inspiring novel set in the Oso Flaco Dunes.

Cave Landing

Cave Landing near Pirates Cove

Cave Landing is a natural rock pier which forms the perfect scenic divide between Avila Beach and Shell Beach. Jutting 150 feet out into San Luis Obispo Bay this cavernous arched tunnel was once used by trading ships as a warehouse and loading dock. Along this rugged coastline many small wind-swept coves and caves offer beach goers a uniquely framed view of the crystal azure bay. Small, serene, and hidden by cliffs, the adjacent clothing optional beach of Pirates Cove offers a private blue lagoon feel. Bring your Frisbee, volleyball or floatation device and join the fun. Don't forget the sunscreen! An easy hike to all sites from the dirt parking lot you won't believe how close this is to the 101 freeway. Hungry? The pristine seaside town of Avila offers convenient food and lodging nearby.

Ragged Point

Snaky curves line up for us to maneuver like reptiles in the sun. Don't blink on this drive or you'll be pushing up daisy's. Posted twenty mile per hour signs keep us riding the brakes, eyes super glued to the road. We breath a sigh of relief as we rounded the last set of switch backs. It wasn't until we got down to the Ragged Point Inn rest stop and eatery that we really saw the view. Amazingly shear cliffs meet pacific ocean waves in an unforgiving manner. Sculpted cypress trees and sage chaparral are the only things keeping the red soil in place. Breathtakingly beautiful this section of the Pacific Coast Highway (California Highway 1) is considered by many to be the finest scenic drive in the world, boasting the name Big Sur.

Big Sur California