Still on the first day of the road trip, I departed Santa Barbara heading up Hwy-1 along the coast bound for Morro Bay State Park, where I would camp for the night. After briefly exploring food options in Santa Barbara, heavy on snacks in the car, I drove north, with a good dose of hiker hunger in search of a delicious meal and another hike, to fill out day one of the road trip.
I drove through Goleta, and toward Los Olivos, where I heard I can pick up an National Parks Pass, which I figured I would need to park at Pinnacles National Park, the following day.
Arriving at the ranger station, the ranger was on the phone, for some time, obviously busy and dealing with something. Finally she answered my question. They had no national parks passes, since the ranger who sells them was not there. She told me where I could find one, about an hours drive away. I still got these nifty stickers. Something about visiting the Forest Service though. If I was working for the US, that would be a place I would want to be. Managing forests is so critical, to hikers, and just our humanity, along with sanity. We need the outdoors so I am grateful our forests are cared for. Smokey the Bear agrees.
Rather than fish around for where I could find a parks pass, I simply called this office, where it was said I could purchase one. Sure enough, they did not sell them either. But the ranger was so helpful, in asking me where I wanted to go. He let me know I need not worry about my parking in Pinnacles, and I would be fine, parking there in the morning, if I arrived well before the kiosk opened. I told him I was camping there, and he said displaying my reservation should suffice. Feeling confident I would not be ticketed in the wee hours of my hike in Pinnacles the following day, I drove on, still mystified how tricky it was to get that National Parks pass at two of the offices.
As I continued through the lush green hills of Santa Maria past Lompoc, I arrived the at a food destination in itself, Rancho Nipomo. Santa Maria barbeque is a thing. I had never tried it, let alone in Santa Maria, and sometimes you just want to treat yourself. This place was kinda cool, and I recommend it. Their food, which I would enjoy later in the afternoon as my dinner, was delicious.
I drove past the scenic dunes of Pismo Beach, vowing to return later, on my way home. The dunes which stretch from Vandenberg Air Base clear to Pismo are an off-road paradise, and also popular with fisherman. They remind me of a place I once lived in Northern California. I love windswept places like this, and knew a beach hike had to happen on this trip.
I continued on past Pismo, over the hills of San Luis Obispo, taking a left onto the road for Los Osos. I arrived at Montana Del Oro, just south of Morro Bay, with its cinder cone island floating there in the waves. This was only my second time to this park, and the first trip involved a short hike (to check the waves), along with explore a cove, when my daughter was younger. Now I was back again, at a different phase of life, and was already reflecting on that, what had come and gone. It’s funny how returning to places from your past at another stage, brings closure to things, that in my case was needed. This was one place, where the first trip here was a welcome respite, from all that I was dealing with in my life. It was not a joyful time, but I tried to make it so. I was in a much better, more joyful, and optimistic mood this time. Wow, how time can heal.
Montana Del Oro
I had been to Montana Del Oro, a true coastal gem once before, where I had headed down the bluffs on a short hike, and hung out on in Spooners Cove, about an hour, leaving shortly after. That was how it was years ago. Adventures were short lived, and revolved around the needs of others. Now I was on my own time, and could explore as much as I wanted…before it was dark around 7 pm.
I parked by the Bluffs Trail, just south of the Spooner’s Cove and the Islay Campground, where the lighthouse keepers house sits.
I hiked above Spooners Cove, along the bluffs.
This trail truly delivered in every sense of the word.
It was flat, easy to navigate, and had many offshoots, leading to various viewpoints. It was just the relaxing break I was looking for after a day of almost 5 hours of driving and a most eventful morning, attempting Cathedral Peak, but making it to Seven Falls.
I zig zagged among the bluff coves, noticing sea birds, crashing waves, along with unique exposed ancient rock reefs and sea stacks.
I was not regretting taking my time, and the trails less traveled.
It was a jagged masterpeice, of undulating sandstone.
Seabirds clinging to the cliffsides, and the rocks out at sea.
I was headed towards Coralina Cove and Quarry Cove.
I ended up hiking far slower than I planned, because this was some of the most breathtaking scenery I had experienced in a long time.
I took just about every trail I could find, to each small point, and some even led to a cove or two.
As I hiked along the steep sea cliffs, I noticed beautiful arches carved by the passage of time, wind, water, and sea spray. This kind of sealed the deal. Montana del Oro is a true masterpeice. I didn’t really even want to leave.
I would hike 5 miles total, along the Bluff Trail, toward Disney Point. I would not have enough time to add in that section though and Disney Point would have to wait.
I even saw my fair share of wildlife here, just loving the low growing coastal shrubs, aka the thicket.
Eventually I was back again once more above Spooners Cove at the parking area, and drove past the keepers cottage, just as the sun was low on the horizon, the magic hour approaching.
I headed north to Morro Bay Campground, making it at sunset, having packed in a full day.
This a is a solid campground, with shade, and showers, popular with surfers (who surf the nearby rock). After a bit of stargazing, I drifted off to sleep, with thoughts of Pinnacles and a 5am wake up time on my mind.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
The Essentials
Just be sure to come prepared, bring the 10 essentials, and Pack Out Your Trash to keep the wilderness pristine for future hikers.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer:
The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2026 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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