Valencia + Oats Peaks Out-n-Back

The route to climb both Valencia Peak and Oats Peak is a solid, 6.7-mile out-and-back in Montana de Oro State Park near the town of Morro Bay, California. This trip begins near Bluff Trailhead along Pecho Valley Road, near Spooner’s Cove. This is quite accessible as a day hike or trail run. The singletrack trail is well marked and graded, and affords excellent views in all directions, especially as one climbs further up and further out. Reach Valencia Peak around mile 1.8, and Oats Peak around mile 3.7. For those looking for further adventure, there are a number of ways to extend this trip, such as by continuing on to Alan Peak or by taking a full loop around the southside of Valencia Peak. There is no water along the way, and this route is certainly exposed, so be prepared for the elements! There is ample parking near Spooner’s Cove but it can certainly fill up on busy weekends. For more information about Montana de Oro State Park, visit the website here: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=592.