The San Onofre Bluffs: 6 mile Beach Loop Hike

I went for a 6 mile scenic hike at one of my favorite coastal bluffs, at San Onofre State Beach. It’s a kind of strange location to find a state park, sandwiched between a border patrol checkpoint to the east of it, the remnants of a nuke plant to the north of it, and the huge expanse of Camp Pendleton, to the south and east of it.

The Vernal Pools

The Vernal Pools are a unique type of wetland and environment. They are located adjacent near the entrance to Sano Surf Beach, and the Songs Plant. This is a unique protected area of vernal pools, and a habitat for fairy shrimp, an endangered species.

San Onofre Bluffs Hike

Just south of San Clemente, off Basilone road, you continue driving south past the powerplant toward San Onofre State Beach, where there is a campground, along with miles of bluffs, and trails.

Mathis Canyon, and Wood Canyon: A 6 mile Hike

I would be hiking down the West Ridge, then making a right on Mathis Canyon. I would then make a left down Coyote Run and explore Wood Canyon, before heading up a trail called Rock it.  This would be a 6 mile hike and great for conditioning.