Bluff Trail, Montana de Oro State Park

On the bluffs of Montana de Oro State Park there are several hiking trails. The Bluff Trail follows directly on the edge of the cliffs, with overlooks above glorious coves and rocks. Each new view is more lovely than the next! Come in the morning when the sun's rays shine from behind the views, making for great photos. A clear day is best if you want vibrant colors, so check the weather forecast first. August to December is the time when it's most likely to be clear by the coast. There is no shade on this trail, just low scrub, but on days with wind it's so cold by the ocean that you need the sun to warm up anyway!

The trail is hard-packed dirt and wide in most places. It's an easy, flat walk, and you can walk for four miles (two each way). It's best to start from the north end of the trail, because the south end parking lot is further inland, meaning that you have to take a long, hot walk through dry scrub before you get to the oceanfront cliffs. 
You can often see deer, especially in the magical eucalyptus forest that you drive through to get to the hike. The drive to the hike is almost as good as the hike itself. 
If you want to check out tidepools below the walk, take the stairs down to Corallina Cove. 
Make sure you stop to check out the pebbles, sea glass, and shells at the large beach called Spooner's Cove, which is just below where you park your car for this hike. 
You can also drive to the end of Pecho Valley Road to the four-mile Point Buchon Trail, which is incredible in spring (open 8-4, closed Tues and Wed). 
Another trail to check out, if it hasn't rained, is the short 0.3 mile Hazard Reef Trail. It takes you downhill, past eucalyptus forest, to tide pools along the coastline. It's main problem is that it usually has one muddy section that you have to cross on stepping stones, and many people turn back. I love its eucalyptus forest though, and ocean views from high up. It just needs some help from the state park. It is near the beginning of Montana de Oro State Park, at a large dirt parking lot on your right as you begin the drive, so you can stop there on your way in or back.
After your walk, have a coffee at Nautical Bean or sandwich at High Street Deli where you can sit outside at their blissful outdoor area on 2nd Street in Los Osos. Yokoso Coffee is another nice spot, with good indoor seating (a rare thing!), in Los Osos town. 

Directions

You can park your car either on the north end or the south end of the trail.
The north end parking lot is near the most scenic part of the trail.  The parking lot consists of many parking spaces along Pecho Valley Rd by Spooner Ranch House. Google maps calls this parking lot: "Parking Lot and Valencia Peak Trailhead." If the parking spaces are full, people park along the road further along.
The south end parking lot requires that you drive a bit further on Pecho Valley Rd. The trail here has a long, hot walk through scrubby bushes before you get to the ocean, so it's not as nice.
There is a stinky vault toilet in each parking lot. You could also wait and find a restroom in Los Osos town after.

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