SLO Outdoor Guide

ELMER ROSS BEACH Elmer Ross Beach is below a steep bluff between The Inn at the Cove hotel and Dinosaur Caves Park in the Shell Beach neighborhood of Pismo Beach, CA. This small cove is also known as Shelter Cove probably because it gets some protection by a rocky point to the west so waves don’t crash hard here most of the time. There are stairs and ramps down to the beach that start on the ocean side of the hotel.At low tide there are tide pools and caves to explore on the far side of the beach below Dinosaur Park. Near the stairway to the beach is a gazebo with views of Shelter Cove and the surrounding area. LOCATION 2651 Price St, Pismo Beach Free parking can be found at Dinosaur Caves Park nearby. From there you can walk along Price Street to the hotel where you can find your way down to Elmer Ross Beach. Signs at the hotel discourage public beach parking there. AMENITIES Gazebo, Grass Park, Tide Pools, Caves DOG POLICY Dogs are allowed on a leash slo outdoor guide 95

PISMO BEACH Pismo State Beach offers all kinds of attractions: hiking, swimming, surf fishing, and digging for the famous Pismo clam. There are tree-lined dunes and the beach is popular with bird watchers. Next to the North Beach Campground is a Monarch Butterfly Colony in a eucalyptus grove which can be viewed when they are present in late October through February. The park has the largest over- wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the U.S. LOCATION Pomeroy Ave and Cypress St, Pismo Beach There is a public parking lot next to the pier at the west end of Pomeroy Avenue. Another parking lot at the end of Addie Street gives access to the south part of Pismo City Beach near Pismo Creek. AMENITIES Restrooms, Showers, Picnic Tables, Boardwalk, Trails, Beach Overlook, Dunes, Restaurant, Golf Course, Butterfly Colony, Fishing Pier, Wheelchair-accessible Fishing Overhang, Lifeguard, Volleyball Courts, Kids Play Area, Benches, Rentals, Trolly Service DOG POLICY Dogs are allowed on a leash 96 beaches

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GROVER BEACH Grover Beach is a wide flat sandy beach that is typically packed firm enough for even passenger cars to drive onto. It is recommended to have 4-wheel drive vehicle to avoid getting stuck in the sand. Near the Grover Beach entance is a day-use plaza with a wooden boardwalk that leads to a platform between the dunes that looks out over the beach. Another boardwalk starts from the plaza and leads north through the dunes next to the Pismo Beach Golf Course. 98 beaches

LOCATION 25 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach Access to Grover Beach is at the west end of Grand Avenue where there is an entrance station and a parking lot. There is a fee for vehicles entering the beach. AMENITIES Restrooms, Showers, Picnic Tables, Boardwalk, Trails, Beach Overlook, Dunes, Restaurant, Golf Course, Accessible Features DOG POLICY Dogs are allowed on a leash slo outdoor guide 99

OCEANO DUNES STATE VEHICULAR RECREATION AREA This off-road area is among the most popular and unique of California State Parks. The 5.5 miles of beach open for vehicle use and the sand dunes available for off highway motor vehicle recreation are attractions for visitors from throughout the United States. Oceano Dunes is the only California State Park where vehicles may be driven on the beach. 4-wheel drive/all-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for driving on the beach and to the camping and off-highway vehicle use areas in the park. Surfing, swimming, surf fishing, horseback riding and bird watching are popular activities. LOCATION Pier Ave and Strand Way, Oceano Drive west on Pier Avenue in Oceano to an entrance station and parking lot. There is a fee for vehicles entering the beach. AMENITIES Dunes, OHV Area, Restrooms, Beach wheelchairs available for loan at the Pier and Grand Avenue entrances to the beach DOG POLICY Dogs are allowed on a leash 100 beaches

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102 trails

DOG BEACHES OFF LEASH Toro Creek Beach / 72 Olde Port Beach / 84 ON LEASH Estero Bluffs State Park / 16 Cayucos State Beach / 70 Morro Rock Beach / 76 Spooner’s Cove / 82 South Palisades Park / 88 Spyglass Park / 90 Eldwayen Ocean Park / 92 Elmer Ross Beach / 94 Pismo State Beach / 96 Grover Beach / 98 Oceano Dunes / 100 slo outdoor guide 103

BONFIRE SPOTS Olde Port Beach / 84 Grover Beach / 98 Oceano Dunes / 100 104 trails

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HAMMOCKING Cayucas State Beach Pier / 70 Coon Creek Trail / 36 Montana de Oro Eucalyptus Grove Morro Rock Beach / 76 Serenity Swing / 42 Cal Poly Architecture Graveyard Bishop Peak / 46 Cerro San Luis (Madonna Mountain) / 44 Avila Beach Pier / 86 Pismo Beach Pier / 96 106 trails

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MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS Hang Glider Hill / 18 Cerro Alto / 20 Black Hill / 22 Hazard Peak / 28 Montana de Oro State Park / 28, 32   East Cuesta Ridge / 38 Morning Glory Shooters   Santa Margarita Lake Stenner Creek / 40 Serenity Swing / 42 Cerro San Luis (Madonna Mountain) / 46 Lemon Grove / 52 South Hills Ridge / 54 Prefumo Canyon Vista Point / 56 Irish Hills Natural Reserve / 60 Islay Hill / 62 Johnson Ranch Open Space / 64 Ontario Ridge (Avila Ridge) / 66 Lopez Lake Regional Park   108 trails

RECREATIONAL BIKING TRAILS Bill Roalman Bike Boulevard Madonna Inn Bike Path Railroad Bicycle Trail San Luis Obispo to Ragged Point Bob Jones City to Sea Trail / 86 slo outdoor guide 109

SURFING Cayucos / 70 Morro Bay / 76 Baywood Beach Hazard Canyon / 80 Cable Landing Avila Beach / 86 Saint Annes Shell Beach / 88 Pismo Beach / 96 110 trails

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FISHING Cayucos State Beach / 70 Morro Strand State Beach / 74 Morro Rock Beach / 76 Lake Santa Margarita Lopez Lake Avila Beach / 86 Pismo Beach / 96 Oceano Dunes / 100 112 trails

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CAMPING 114 trails

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Whether you are an RV camper or a rugged individual seeking solitude on the beautiful central coast, San Luis Obispo County offers well-appointed facilities for everyone. CERRO ALTO CAMPGROUND Cerro Alto Campground is off Highway 41 in a canyon with a seasonal creek. The Cerro Alto Trail starts from here for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. LOCATION CA-41, Morro Bay CONTACT (805) 434-1996 CAMPSITES 22 tent and RV campsites, no hook-ups, trailer and RV’s maximum length 24’ to 35’ AMENITIES Wheelchair accessible campsites, restrooms FEES $25 per night RESERVATIONS Some first come first serve, some spaces can be reserved online DOG POLICY Dogs are allowed MORRO BAY STATE PARK CAMPGROUND Morro Bay State Park Campground is next to a lagoon and a natural bay. There is surf fishing, beach walking, birdwatching and sailing at the beach. The park has a marina and an 18 hole golf course. 116 camping

LOCATION 60 State Park Rd, Morro Bay CONTACT (805) 772-2560 CAMPSITES 135 tent and RV campsites, maximum RV and trailer length 30’ to 35’ AMENITIES Hook-up sites, wheelchair accessible campsites, restrooms, showers FEES $35 per night, electric hook-up $50 per night RESERVATIONS Some first come first serve, some spaces can be reserved online DOG POLICY Dogs are allowed in the campground, but not on the trails MORRO STRAND STATE PARK CAMPGROUND Right by the beach, some popular activities are surf fishing, windsurfing and kite flying. LOCATION 305 Yerba Buena St, Morro Bay CONTACT (805) 772-881 CAMPSITES 75 tent and RV campsites, RV’s and trailers maximum length 24’ to 40’ AMENITIES Hook-up sites, wheelchair accessible campsites, restrooms, showers, next to beach FEES $35 per night, electric hook-up $50 per night RESERVATIONS Some first come first serve, some spaces can be reserved online. DOG POLICY Dogs are allowed in the campground, but not on the trails or the beach. slo outdoor guide 117

EL CHORRO REGIONAL PARK CAMPGROUND El Chorro Regional Park campground has various hiking trails, an off-leash dog park, botanical gardens along with barbeque facilities, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and softball fields. LOCATION CA-1, San Luis Obispo, across the street from Cuesta College CONTACT (805) 781-5930 CAMPSITES 61 tent and RV campsites, RV’s and trailers maximum length 40’ AMENITIES Hook-up sites, wheelchair accessible campsites, restrooms, showers, dog park FEES $23 to $38 per night RESERVATIONS Some first come first serve, some spaces can be reserved online DOG POLICY Dogs are allowed ISLAY CREEK CAMPGROUND Islay Creek Campground is just a short walk to Spooner’s Cove, a popular beach in Montana de Oro. There are trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and backpacking. LOCATION Montaña de Oro State Park, Los Osos CONTACT (805) 527-0513 CAMPSITES 50 tent and RV campsites, maximum RV and trailer length 35’ 118 camping

AMENITIES Wheelchair accessible campsites, restrooms FEES $25 per night plus $10 for additional vehicles for up to 3 vehicles RESERVATIONS Online and phone reservations are taken during the summer months, first come first serve in the winter months DOG POLICY Dogs are allowed on a leash in the campground, but not on the trails NORTH BEACH CAMPGROUND North Beach Campground has a variety of things to do, such as the Monarch Butterfly Grove hiking trail and several other trails, swimming, surf fishing, horseback riding and Pismo Beach. LOCATION 399 South Dolliver St, Pismo Beach CONTACT (805) 473-7220 CAMPSITES 103 tent and RV campsites, RV’s and trailers maximum length 36’ AMENITIES Hook-up sites, dump station, showers, wheelchair accessible campsites, restrooms FEES Non-peak season: $25 per night, peak season: $35 per night RESERVATIONS Some first come first serve, some spaces can be reserved online DOG POLICY Dogs are allowed slo outdoor guide 119

OCEANO DUNES CAMPGROUND The Oceano Dunes State Recreational Area Campground has 5½ miles of beach and sand dunes on 3,600 acres open for vehicles and camping. It is a very popular beach and the only California beach that allows vehicles on the beach. Surfing, swimming, surf fishing, horseback riding and birdwatching are popular activities. LOCATION End of Pier Ave, Oceano CONTACT (805) 473-7220 CAMPSITES Camping on the beach is allowed South of Post 2 on the beach and in the open dune area, 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended to access the site AMENITIES Restrooms FEES $10 per night RESERVATIONS Some first come first serve, some spaces can be reserved online DOG POLICY Dogs are allowed on a leash LOPEZ LAKE CAMPGROUND Lopez Lake has 22 miles of shoreline with lake temperatures around 70 degrees. There is boating, fishing, hiking, camping, equestrian trails, mountain biking, zip-lining, mustang water slides and picnicking. 120 camping

LOCATION 6800 Lopez Dr, Arroyo Grande CONTACT (805) 489-1122 CAMPSITES 350 tent and RV campsites AMENITIES Hook-up sites, showers, wheelchair accessible campsites, restrooms FEES $25 per night, electric hook-up $40 per night RESERVATIONS Some first come first serve, some spaces can be reserved online DOG POLICY Dogs are allowed on a leash on the trails for a $2 fee, but not allowed in the water RV PARKS Camp San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo Pismo Coast Village, Pismo Beach Pacific Dunes Ranch, Oceano slo outdoor guide 121

RENTALS+ ADVENTURE TOURS 122 rentals + adventure tours

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GOOD CLEAN FUN SURF AND SPORT LOCATION 136 Ocean Front Ave, Cayucos CONTACT (805) 995-1993 | goodcleanfunusa.com AVAILABLE TO RENT Kayaks, Paddleboards, Wetsuits, Bodyboards, Surfboards SERVICES Guided kayak tours, surf lessons ROCK KAYAK CO. LOCATION Morro Bay CONTACT (805) 772-2906 | rockkayak.com AVAILABLE TO RENT Kayaks, Paddleboards SERVICES Guided kayak tours SUB SEA TOURS AND KAYAKS LOCATION 2175, 845 Embarcadero # 11, Morro Bay CONTACT (805) 772-9463 | subseatours.com AVAILABLE TO RENT Kayaks, Paddleboards, Canoes SERVICES Sub sea adventure tours, whale watching, memorials at sea, private chartered boats, cocktail cruises, kayak, canoe and paddleboard tours 124 rentals + adventure tours

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MORRO BAY STANDUP PADDLEBOARDING LOCATION 601 Embarcadero #7, Morro Bay CONTACT (805) 225-7967 | supmorrobay.com AVAILABLE TO RENT Paddleboards SERVICES Paddleboard tours and lessons THE PADDLEBOARD COMPANY LOCATION 575 Embarcadero, Morro Bay CONTACT (805) 225-5555 thepaddleboardcompany.com AVAILABLE TO RENT Paddleboards SERVICES Paddleboard lessons, SUP yoga 126 rentals + adventure tours

KAYAK HORIZONS LOCATION 551 Embarcadero, Morro Bay CONTACT (805) 772-6444 | kayakhorizons.com AVAILABLE TO RENT Kayaks, Paddleboards AVILA BEACH PADDLESPORTS LOCATION 3915 Avila Beach Drive Port, San Luis Harbor Recreation Area, Avila Beach CONTACT (805) 704-6902 avilabeachpaddlesports.com AVAILABLE TO RENT Kayaks, Paddleboards SERVICES Guided kayak and paddleboard tours slo outdoor guide 127

CENTRAL COAST KAYAKS LOCATION 1879 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach CONTACT (805) 773-3500 | centralcoastkayaks.com AVAILABLE TO RENT Kayaks, Paddleboards SERVICES Guided kayak tours, kayak lessons, kayak fishing, camps PISMO BEACH SURF SHOP LOCATION 470 Price St Pismo Beach CONTACT (805) 773–2089 pismobeachsurfshop.com AVAILABLE TO RENT Surfboards, Boogie Boards, Wet Suits, Kayaks, Paddleboards SERVICES Surf lessons, kayak tours, kayak fishing THE SURFING GOATS LOCATION 170 Valley View Dr, Pismo Beach CONTACT (805) 440 6925 | surfinggoats.com AVAILABLE TO RENT Paddleboards SERVICES Surf SUP camp, special needs surf camp, lessons and tours, gilligan goat tour 128 rentals + adventure tours

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SaFETY INFO slo outdoor guide 131

TICKS Ticks in San Luis Obispo County are a known problem. Bites from ticks can cause several diseases, including lyme disease, an inflammatory condition that can cause a characteristic rash, flu-like symptoms (headache, muscle-and-joint aches, fever and chills) at first, and the later possibility of arthritis, neurological and cardiac disorders. Ticks can be found year-round, but extra precaution should be taken between March and July. People can minimize their chances of being bitten by following these steps: • Avoid areas where ticks are known to occur. • Stay in the middle of trails; avoid grassy areas, logs or fallen tree branches. • Thoroughly check yourself for ticks for up to three days after activities in tick-infested areas. • Shower soon after returning from a tick habitat • Before washing, place clothing worn in tick areas in a hot dryer for 10 minutes to kill ticks on clothing. • If a tick has already attached itself to your skin, remove it as soon as possible. Use tweezers to grasp the tick’s head as close to the skin as possible. Gently pull the tick straight out, using a firm, steady motion. If the bite area develops any sort of rash or discoloration, seek medical attention immediately. 132 safety info

RATTLESNAKES Generally, rattlesnakes are shy creatures and will gladly retreat if given enough room, but their bites can be extremely dangerous and require immediate medical attention. Most snake bites are accidental and occur on hands, ankles, and feet while hiking or climbing. Rattlesnakes can be found year-round in San Luis Obispo, but take extra precaution between April and September when the snakes are not hibernating in their dens. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends following these precautions: • Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through wild areas. • Stick to well-used trails and wear over-the-ankle boots and loose-fitting long pants. Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where snakes may hide during the day. • Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see and avoid wandering around in the dark. Step on logs and rocks, never over them. • Check out stumps or logs before sitting down, and shake out sleeping bags before use. • Never hike alone. Always have someone with you who can assist in an emergency. • Teach children to respect snakes and to leave them alone. slo outdoor guide 133

POISON OAK Poison oak is widely distributed throughout San Luis Obispo County. In sunny, open areas, poison oak forms a dense, leafy shrub that stands 1 to 6 feet tall and in shaded areas, such as creek beds or oak woodlands, it becomes a climbing vine. Leaves normally consist of three leaflets that are each 1 to 4 inches long and smooth with toothed or lobed edges. Poison oak is considered the most hazardous plant in California and the allergic reaction can lead to skin irritation, itching, and blisters. Transmission of the allergen can occur by direct touching the plant or coming into contact with contaminated clothing, tools, or animals. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends following these precautions: • Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through wild areas. • Stick to well-used trails and avoid walking through plants and brush. • Wash everything that may have touched the poison oak leaves. • If you believe you’ve come into contact with poison oak, wash your skin thoroughly with lukewarm water and soap as soon as possible. You can reduce the effects if the oil is washed off before it’s absorbed into the skin. If your reaction is severe, seek medical attention. 134 safety info

SAN LUIS OBISPO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER 895 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo EMERGENCY SERVICES SLO Police Department (Non-911 line) (805) 781–7317 SLO Fire Department (805) 781–7380 Poison Control Center 1 (800) 222–1222 slo outdoor guide 135



NOTES + SKETCHES + MEMOS