Point Buchon Trail

Hard to believe a few others claim there wasn’t much to see. Panoramic views, ground erosion such as sink holes and arches beneath the ground’s surface make for just part of this ultra scenic place. It’s a landscape photographers’ heaven as far as coastal view points go. I’ve been to the 12 apostles in southern Australia outside of Melbourne and this is equally as jaw dropping (search this online and you’ll see what I’m referring too). We visited this trail a week ago and I’m unable to stop thinking about our journey. The wind can be intense as well as the ultra violet rays. We were fooled by gray cloud cover and when we returned our faces were red for several days. The glare of the ocean and sky can be a bit much, sunglasses and sun screen recommended.
I’ve posted 7 photos at my flick account which is here:

Not a bad trail but not much to see nor was it very challenging. It’s a very flat trail that basically wraps around. You get to walk alongside the ocean which was very nice, but the view didn’t change much so it got a little boring after walking for about 30mins. The most challenging part is probably making it from the parking lot to the check-​in point since there was a nice little hill. Other than that, not too exciting. There is one small part of the trail that you can hike down to a small beach, but the beach is covered with kelp and the waves come crashing, almost half way into the beach. If you’re wearing tennis shoes (which you should be to hike) then you might not want to get wet. We did go down to take a few pictures but again, it wasn’t super exciting. And when we came back up to the trail, my shoes were filled with sand, as were my socks. X_​X Fail. Had to shake it out before continuing. I would say that it’s not the best trail out there, but if you want to get a good stroll in, this can be your place. Remember to bring water and do your business before your start the trail– portable bathrooms next to check in point.

It’s quite lovely to go when the wildflowers were at their peak. Get ready for a jaunt through:
* Grassy expanses where cattle roam free
* Windswept hills — hold onto your hat!
* Curious and completely otherworldly coastal rock formations
Thank you, PG&E, for opening up this wild private space for public enjoyment!

This a a great hike. Not too strenuous, and beautiful scenery. There are a few random unteathered cows and horses that are a little scary in one part, but they leave you alone.
Word to the wise: We showed up at 2:15pm or so on a Sunday and we were the last ones let in. They want you off the trail by 4:45. We were able to go the length of the trail except for the last leg of it in two hours.

*This trail is NOT a part of the Montana De Oro State Park*
This trail is called Point Buchon Trail. The land is owned by PG&E, but last year they’ve opened up the land to the public for hiking. When you drive all the way through the Montana De Oro State Park to the end, there is a parking lot. From there you see a gate and a sign «Trail Open» and trail hours (see picture). Walk through the gate about ¼ mile and there is a «check in» station manned by 2 guys, who’d ask you to sign a waiver to enter the trail.
Well let me tell you, it is well worth the trouble of signing the waiver and all that. The view from the trail is very beautiful, and trail is well marked (over marked I would say) and well taken care of. There are some roped areas where could be dangerous (i.e. sink hole), some edge of the cliffs are eroding but use your common sense not to cross the rope and stand on the edge of the cliff to look into the ocean or to take pictures… jeez…
The whole trail is about 3.8 miles, in and out.
(1) Short way –Go to the Coon Creek Beach — Point Buchon Lookout– then take the shortcut and come back to the trail entrance.
(2) Longer way –You can go to the Coon Creek Beach — Point Buchon Lookout — Disney Point Lookout — last Lookout and turn back.
* please see the picture of the trail map
My fiancé and I were at a gallery in downtown Morro Bay and one of the photographer who was showing a picture taken at this trail at the gallery told us how to get here. Trail is very quiet, could be foggy and windy/​chilly but we were very glad to find this trail. Hope PG&E will keep this trail open for public.