Montaña De Oro State Park

Trail Overview:

This short hike will treat you to a steady parade of wetsuit-clad surfers trotting to and from the cold waters below. Fog is common, but on clear days the views are stunning. The sand spit that the trail is named for separates the calm waters of Morro Bay’s estuary from the ocean, and stretches north to Morro Rock, a volcanic plug jutting from the ocean at the entrance to Morro Bay Harbor. Far to the north, the steep coastal mountains of Big Sur rear up out of the ocean. The decomposed granite trail starts in the northwest corner of the parking lot and descends a moderate grade via several wide switchbacks. You then travel through coastal scrub about a quarter-mile to a level spot with two benches overlooking the beach, where you can see some of the waves the surfers have come for. This is the turnaround point for wheelchair riders, as the trail then travels steeply uphill through dunes.

Accessibility Notes: Rocks on the trail may cause difficulties for manual wheelchair users on the return. Some washouts may be problematic

Trailhead Location: From the Spooner Ranch Nature Center, go north about one-third of a mile on Pecho Valley Road and look for a small pullout on the right. The pullout to the left is larger but a little less level, and requires crossing the road to reach the trailhead.

Trail Overview:

Islay Creek Trail is a wide, hard-packed dirt road that runs three miles (six miles round-trip) through Islay Canyon, gradually gaining 300 feet in elevation. Starting near Spooner Ranch House, the trail offers immediate scenic views of the coastline and Spooner’s Cove, making even a short outing rewarding.

Within the first mile, golden and rust-colored Monterey shale walls line the trail, glowing in the afternoon light like a natural mural. The flora is classic coastal scrub, with spring wildflowers like lupine and poppies adding seasonal beauty. Wildlife sightings are common, including rabbits, lizards, and birds such as hawks and quail. A small seasonal waterfall about 1.4 miles in is not visible from a seated position.

Accessibility Notes: Sections toward the end are steeper than ADA-compliant ramps and may not be suitable for all wheelchair users. The first section of the trail is generally firm and wide, offering long, even stretches that are accessible under dry conditions. As the trail progresses, terrain varies—users will encounter steady inclines, moderate cross slope, and occasional rocky or rutted patches, especially past the one-mile mark. Adaptive equipment for manual wheelchairs such as a Freewheel or mountain bike attachment are suggested. The trail is best attempted during dry weather. Despite it's challenges, many wheelchair hikers may find Islay Creek Trail to be a peaceful and scenic route with rewarding canyon and coastal views.

Trailhead Location: At the park’s last parking lot off Pecho Valley Road across from the Valencia Peak Trailhead. The south trailhead (near the Point Buchon entrance) has a more level entry than the north trailhead which has a long, descending ramp and for some may require assistance on the return.

Trail Overview:

The Bluff Trail is one of the most accessible trails in the park offering a mostly level, hard-packed path with vast, stunning ocean views along the cliffs. Stretching just over 2 miles one way, it rewards hikers with dramatic coastal scenery, including sculpted terraces, folded rock formations, and sea caves—though there’s no wheelchair access to the beach.

Along the trail there are interpretive panels and five overlooks with seating. Highlights include views of Corallina Cove, Spooner’s Cove, and, on clear days, Keyhole Rock offshore. Spring brings colorful wildflowers, and visitors may spot hawks, seabirds, sea otters, or migrating whales along the way.

Accessibility Notes: An armored crossing on the trail that water flows over during rain events might be challenging for some users. Some areas have loose gravel or small ruts, particularly after rain or wind events.

The facilities listed below meet all of our access criteria unless otherwise noted.