By Becca McFarlane
How does one pick a favorite trail? Especially in SLO County?
The San Luis Obispo County area has been ranked as one of the happiest places in the nation to live for good reason, the weather is spectacular and the outdoor opportunities are plentiful. From the sparkling shoreline of Montaña de Oro State Park to the peaceful rolling hills of Johnson Ranch Open Space, SLO County is a hikers paradise. So how does one pick their favorite trail in an area with so many options? I’ve hiked in all kinds of terrain, from the rugged mountains of Montana State to the deep orange and red canyons of Southern Utah and I have to say, many of my favorite trails are right here in our own backyard. There are so many options in this little slice of heaven we call home, and my favorite is Valencia Peak.
Recommending a favorite trail is like recommending a favorite meal–it’s subjective. What you’ll like depends on a number of factors. Some questions to ask yourself could include:
- What is the purpose for the hike: fitness, leisure, or both?
- What mood or aesthetic are you seeking out (sweeping ocean views, shady creekside trails)?
- Are you going solo or hiking with a group?
- How much time are you looking to spend outdoors?
As someone who is currently training to summit one of California's 14,000-foot peaks, I’m always on the hunt for a trail with a good climb, but one that’s not too intimidating. Valencia Peak hits all the marks, and that’s why it has become my favorite San Luis Obispo County trail.
Valencia Peak Trail in Montaña de Oro State Park: A Coastal Gem
Sitting at 1,347 feet above sea level, Valencia Peak is one of many peaks in Montaña de Oro State Park, a gem of coastal scrub and oak woodland on the coast between Los Osos and Avila Beach. Valencia Peak is a moderately-strenuous trail, clocking in at 4 miles roundtrip with around 1,250 feet of elevation gain. This impressive mountain peak offers some of the best views in the park, making the climb well worth it. On clear days–which, admittedly, can be rare–you can see as far south as Point Sal and as far north as Big Sur. It is so peaceful to just sit at the top of the peak on that picnic table and gaze in amazement of this beautiful place we call home.
The trail starts as a meander towards the mountain with fragrant coastal scrubs and vibrant wildflowers, along with the occasional snake, and lizards and birds galore. Once you reach close to the half mile mark you start to climb up to the summit, and it is a good steady ascent. You are greeted with gorgeous views of the ocean and the peaceful undulating landscape at every turn, and if you are lucky, some wildlife.
Some things to note if you are checking it out for the first time: It can get busy on weekends and has little shade. There’s a decent amount of loose scree, and you can expect quick elevation gains with grades as steep as 46%. With all of these factors, the trail is rated as moderately challenging. It’s not an easy hike, so it’s important to know your abilities. I recommend bringing poles to help with those slippery sections of the trail. You’ll need a good dose of tenacity, but the feeling of accomplishment and the stellar views at the top are well worth the effort.
According to the San Luis Obispo Co. Trail Guide, Valencia Peak trail is an out and back hike accessible from Montaña de Oro State Park that takes an average of two hours to complete. The trailhead is just past the Old Spooner Ranch House Visitor Center, and you’ll find plenty of parking spots along Pecho Valley Rd, along with a restroom. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, Valencia Peak can be combined with many other trails in the park, including Rattlesnake Flats, Beebe, or Oats Peak, to extend your exploration of Montaña de Oro and see all the different varieties of terrain.
I have been hiking this trail for over ten years now and have been privileged enough to see some amazing views, soaring hawks and snakes. One special day I was greeted with a gorgeous buck who walked on to the trail just a few feet in front of me and proceeded to escort me down the mountain. There is nothing like an up close encounter with wildlife and there is plenty of opportunity for that in Montaña de Oro State Park.
Recommending a trail to others is challenging since everyone has their own preferences and abilities. But if you’re looking for a heart-pumping hike with spectacular views in one of Central California’s coastal gems, you can’t do better than Valencia Peak in my book.