This is a nice, short, 2 mile one-way, hike in Montana De Oro State Park, along the Southern California coastline. Valencia Peak is not by far the highest bump, or even close, but it does have a nice park trail built up to the top. It is class 1 trail all the way. The standard trail start is about 100 feet elevation. It appears a fair number (10-20) of hikers choose to climb it each day or so. There is no summit register. Schoolchildren are escorted on the trail by the local schoolteachers, making a fine nature experience. The view of the coast and ocean is fine.

Getting There

Take U.S. 101 to the vicinity of San Luis Obispo, California. Take the exit for Morro Bay, or maybe Big Sur, on CA 1 North, the Coast Highway. After several miles, come to the signed freeway exit for Montana De Oro State Park. Head south, and follow the signs. After a few miles, turn right (where the road south ends) as indicated, and motor on winding, but paved, road, toward the coast. You will pass through a large eucalyptus grove enroute, with a view back north to Morro Bay.

Entering the State Park, the small visitor center, with limited hours, will be on your left. Facilities are located near here. The faucet water is signed to be not drinkable. The summit trailhead is a few hundred yards further, along the paved road on the seacoast bluffs. A signboard with a park map, and tick and mountain lion warnings, marks the start of the Valencia Peak Trail.

The trail is well signed, and there are a couple trail junctions.

You can also hike to the top via the trailhead near the campground, signed Reservoir Flat Trail. The distance and gain may be a bit longer this way. The junctions are signed.

Red Tape

There are no fees as of December 2, 2004. No permits are needed for a simple hike. This is a California State Park, so obey the posted rules.

When To Climb

This may be a good hike year round. I have only hiked here in mid-winter, but being by the ocean, it may be cool enough to hike in summer. There may be fog, then.

Camping

There is fee vehicle camping at the Montana De Oro State Park. It consists of a nice, paved area with separate spots. Lodging can be had at the nearby towns of San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay.

I saw no developed camping ops for backpackers along any of the trails. There are no huts. There is no water along any of the trails.

Mountain Conditions

Try contacting the park by sending an e-mail to the California State Parks System. Phoning the State Park headquarters only gets a recorded message with options. Good luck on answers!

Consult weather.com for the local conditions, say, for Morro Bay, CA. I know of no webcams.

Other Peak Hikes

Oats Peak (1,373') and Alan Peak are summit destinations to the east of Valencia Peak. A longer, but nice, ridge trail is built to the tops of them as well. You can head for Oats and Alan Peaks taking the Reservoir Flats Trail, starting near the campground entrance. A trail sign states, "4.8" miles to Oats Peak, but I topped the benchmarked summit in less time, to indicate the mileage is incorrect. I recall the distance from Oats Peak to Alan Peak is some 2-3 miles further, one-way.

This ridge trail does run up-and-down along the bumpy ridgeline. You will have some gain to recover on the way up and back, maybe 500' total round trip.

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