LA- Camping: Central Coast & Morro Bay

        Los Angeles and Palm Springs Chapters Present

 Central Coast and Morro Bay Camping

Get ready to explore the beautiful central California coast! Morro Bay State Park's camping area provides a fantastic base for excursions both north and south. This itinerary is based on successful trips I've led in the area and highlights the best of what the region has to offer.

Day 1 (Thursday): Exploring Morro Bay & Montana de Oro State Park

• 9:00 AM: Morro Bay Harbor - Sea Otter Viewing:
  • We'll start by visiting the Morro Bay harbor at the bottom of Beach Street to observe the local sea otters. Morro Bay is renowned for its close-up views of these fascinating creatures.
  • • Fun Fact:* Sea otters have an incredible one million hairs per square inch for warmth, a unique adaptation as they evolved in the sea relatively recently (geologically speaking) and haven't developed blubber like other marine mammals.
• Morro Rock:
  • Next, we'll head out to Morro Rock for a walk along the harbor. Here, we may spot more sea otters and sea lions, as well as watch ships entering and leaving the harbor.
  • • Geology Note:* Morro Rock, a 600-foot-tall eroded volcanic neck, is part of a striking series of 12 similar volcanic formations stretching towards San Luis Obispo. These can be seen from our campsite.
• Montana de Oro State Park:
  • Afterward, we'll drive approximately 10 miles south of Morro Bay to Montana de Oro State Park.
  • • Scenic Viewpoint:* Along the way, we'll stop at a pull-out on the right (atop a hill with houses) for a panoramic view of Morro Bay, Morro Rock, and the sand spit.
  • • Sand Spit Trail:* A short drive (about 1000 feet) beyond the viewpoint, Sand Spit Road leads to a parking lot with an easy trail to the sand dunes.
  • • Bluff Trail:* Within the park, we'll drive past the Spooners Cove parking lot and campground, then park on the right to access the Bluff Trail (approximately 1 mile round trip), offering the park's highest vantage point.
  • • Tide Pool Trail:* About 1000 yards past the big bend on the Bluff Trail, a challenging trail descends to the rocks and beach. Interpretive signs at the top describe the tide pool life found below.
      • • Beach Exploration:* Once on the beach, I recommend exploring to the left, climbing the rocks to the point of land with crashing waves, and visiting the adjacent secluded beach.
  • • Picnic Options:* Montana de Oro offers several picnic spots, including Spooners Cove beach and the picnic tables under the Monterey pines near the museum (adjacent to the campground).
  • • Flexibility:* At this point, the group may choose to split up, with some staying at the beach and others returning to Morro Bay village and the waterfront.

Day 2 (Friday): Coastal Drive to Big Sur Highlights

• 9:00 AM: Caravan Departure: We'll meet at 9:00 AM to caravan north up the coast.
• San Simeon Zebras:
  • As we drive past San Simeon, keep an eye out on the right for zebras grazing in the fields. These are descendants of Hearst Castle's original herd.
• Elephant Seal Overlook:
  • Approximately 3 miles past San Simeon village, we'll stop at the famous elephant seal overlook. This area is home to hundreds of elephant seals, the largest seal species on Earth (males can reach 5,000 lbs, females 1,000 lbs).
  • At this time of year, we should witness a variety of seal behaviors. Informative signs and docents will be on hand to provide biological insights. We'll spend about 30-60 minutes here.
  • • Note:* If the group leaves camp after 9:00 AM, consider visiting the seal overlook on the return trip in the afternoon to avoid parking congestion at Salmon Falls.
• Ragged Point:
  • We'll continue north to Ragged Point, which offers a restaurant, restrooms, and stunning views.
  • • Big Sur Views:* Take the short walk to the end of the trail among the Monterey pines for breathtaking vistas of the Big Sur coastline.
  • • Geology Note:* The dramatic Big Sur mountains, the fastest-rising in North America, are characterized by their steep slopes and the frequent landslides that affect Highway 1 (you'll drive over a repaired landslide near the waterfalls). The metamorphic rocks here (including jade and chert) formed about 100 million years ago at a subduction zone.
  • • Timing Reminder:* Please be mindful of time to ensure we reach Salmon Falls with ample parking.
• Salmon Falls:
  • We'll drive 3.7 miles north to Salmon Falls. Parking is available on the side of the road (past the sign) in an area that accommodates about 20 cars, with a few additional unmarked spaces across the road.
  • • Bay Laurel Trail:* The 10-minute trail to the falls passes through a beautiful Bay Laurel forest. You're welcome to collect bay leaves for cooking (dry them at home).
  • • Caution:* Poison ivy grows on the left side of the trail.
  • • Waterfall Viewing:* The falls can be viewed from various points. Adventurous individuals can climb the rocks upstream, while others may prefer the safer downstream views.
  • • Picnic Spot:* Salmon Falls is a potential location for a picnic lunch.
  • • Talus Cave:* On the uphill return trail, look for a "talus cave" formed by boulders from a rockfall. The serpentine rock here is responsible for the slippery green road cuts along the highway.
• Nathaniel Owens Memorial Grove (Redwoods):
  • Our next stop is the southernmost Redwood forest, Nathaniel Owens Memorial Grove (visible on Google Maps), located 3.3 miles further north.
  • • Parking:* The unmarked parking lot is on a large left bend in the highway (the sign was removed to protect the trees), with space for 5-10 cars.
  • • Redwood Grove:* A 200-yard walk inland leads to the grove. The trail dips down to the streambed on the left due to erosion.
  • • Redwood Information:* Be sure to see the magnificent redwood trees, including a large fallen one. Coastal redwoods, which thrive in the summer fog, are the tallest trees on Earth (up to 400 feet) and are related to giant Sequoias and the Dawn Redwood.
  • • Exploration Note:* Some scrambling is possible beyond the grove, but there's no established trail.
  • • Picnic Spot:* This is also a good option for a picnic lunch.
• Moonstone Beach:
  • From the redwoods, we'll turn the caravan around and drive south towards Cambria.
  • We'll turn right onto Moonstone Beach Drive and park about halfway along this scenic road.
  • • Beach Exploration:* The roadside trail and beach walk here are among California's most beautiful. You can search for white moonstones and green jade pebbles on the beach.
  • • Departure Flexibility:* This is a good point for participants to return to camp at their own pace, as some may wish to spend more time on the beach.-Joe 

3^rd and 4^th Full Days (Saturday and Sunday): Day trips to be determined

John Blasco 562-981-4133

Join us as we explore the beautiful Morro Bay area, perhaps California's most scenic coastline, on a 6-day/5-night camping getaway!

Our theme will be "Explore Nature's Beauty and Experience our Magnificent California Central Coast."

Our excursions on this trip will include the expert leadership and guidance of Joe Holliday who is a former Professor of Geology and Earth Science, and a current international naturalist and guide for National Geographic Expeditions, GeoTours, and other travel organizations.

Walk along empty sea cliffs with waves crashing on the rocks. Observe elephant seals, sea lions, and sea otters up close, and maybe gray whales at a distance. See spring wildflowers bloom on the green landscape of San Luis Obispo County. Hike up to a waterfall and see redwood trees along the Big Sur Coast. Discover the unique biology and geology from our trip leaders, and enjoy cooking, socializing and camp camaraderie. 

Campsite Details:

We have reserved the Premium Group Campsite #GCHO at Morro Bay State Park Campground, which is within walking distance of trails in the Morro Bay wetland, the Natural History Museum, and viewpoints overlooking Morro Bay. The group site allows tents only.

We also have reserved RV spaces near to our group site and within easy walking distance. Maximum length of RV is 35 feet. These are standard sites without hookups. An RV sanitation station and water-fill station are also available. Firewood is for sale from the campground host and proceeds go to help the Central Coast State Parks Association.

Campground amenities include flush toilets, hot showers (token operated), fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water. Morro Bay village is about two miles away, with grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and other amenities.

Day Activities:

Activities will be located north and south of Morro Bay. Some planned hikes and walks are:

• Morro Rock: walk from camp, to include stops at Morro Bay Museum of Natural History, Heron Rookery Natural Preserve, observing sea otters in the bay, and the MB Embarcadero
• Montaña de Oro State Park: tide pools, walk Bluff Trail to sea cliffs to small coves
• San Simeon Beach: Observe the only elephant seal colony on the US mainland
• Overlook and small hikes at Ragged Point and Salmon Falls along the Big Sur Coast
• Visit the southernmost redwood grove in California
• Kayaking on Bay ?

Campground Evening Activities:

• Wednesday: Check-in after 2:00 pm. 5:00 pm: Welcome and Meet-n-Greet. 6:00 pm dinner (bring your own). 7:30 - 10 pm First night campfire.
• Thursday: 6:00 pm: Dinner at camp followed by sunset walk at the bay. Bring-your-own dinner to dine and then walk to and watch the sunset over the bay, a short walk from our campsite to the bay. Sunset 7:38 pm.
• Friday: 6:00 pm Traditional Great Outdoors Potluck. Hello Top Chefs and foodies! Everyone makes or brings a main or side dish to feed 5-6 people. Healthy, organic, plant-based dishes encouraged.
• Saturday: 6:00 pm: To be determined (possibly campfire weenie roast)  
• Sunday: 5:00 pm: Happy Hour. Bring an appetizer and optional beverage (alcohol/non-alcohol) to share.  6 PM Dinner at a local restaurant in town.
• Monday: Check-out by 12 noon.

Every night: Campfire (Bring your camp chair, highlights of the day, jokes, games, musical instruments maybe/camp songs, etc.)

Think eco-friendly. Everyone brings their own reusable plates, utensils, cups, napkins, etc. For the potluck, remember to bring your own serving dishes, bowls or platters with serving utensils. Be sure to pick up your dishes when you leave. Let's aim to minimize trash/ single-use disposables.  Thank you for pitching in to keep our camp clean.

Registration, parking limits, carpooling:

Parking at the group site lot is limited.  After the group campsite spaces are full,  parking is available on the street outside of the campground, and at night extra cars can park in the town of Morro Bay about 3/4 of a mile away.  Therefore, we encourage carpooling.  Besides, it also saves gas, reduces traffic congestion and pollution, and may earn you the respect and admiration of your peers.

The remaining vehicles can unload their gear at the campsite, check for shuttle options, and  park off site as noted. It may be helpful to ask each other to help shuttle folks back/forth. 

If you are interested in carpooling you might check out the website https://www.groupcarpool.com/.  You can list your car, or that you are looking for a ride while using the chat feature to plan, organize and leave messages. Please note though due to liability and insurance reasons Great Outdoors cannot organize carpools and hike/trip leaders cannot take an active role in making arrangements for participants' transportation.

If the trip is sold out, please add yourself to the wait list.

Getting there:

Directions from Route 1: Exit at South Bay Rd (Baywood Park) off ramp, turn left, go about 1 mile, turn right into park, go about 1 mile (do not go up the uphill road on the right), turn right into campground, check in at entry booth.

Bring your 10 essentials, your camping & cooking gear, food, and a bundle or two of firewood. Dress in layers since the mornings can start cold, and sea breezes can be strong on the central California coast.

Cancellation:

Refund minus $10 service fee will be issued if cancelled by April 2. No refunds will be issued after this date. If you need to cancel, email both trip leaders directly, as soon as possible so we can notify the next person on the waitlist.

Health issues/allergies: It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader if you wish.

Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on the beach.

Contact:

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at:

John Blasco: email click here, 562-981-4133 or Joe Holliday: email click here, 562-417-4742 

Cliff C.: email click here or Scott C. email click here

Additional information will be emailed to registrants with more details as the trip nears.

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