Montana de Oro State Park has 8,000 acres of cliffs, sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including the 1,347-foot Valencia Peak. The park has many hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails, as well as a campground.
Los Osos Oaks State Reserve preserves centuries-old coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia) growing atop relict sand dunes. The 85acre park was established in 1972.
The Elfin Forest is a 90-acre natural area. Its plant communities include coastal brackish marsh, riparian woodland fringe, pygmy oak woodland, maritime chaparral, coastal dune scrub, and oak and manzanita complex.
With 18 acres at the end of Monarch Lane in Los Osos, the Monarch Grove Natural Area offers plenty of habitat. With the help of a retired Cal Poly biology professor, this Monarch butterfly habitat is becoming a more welcoming site for Monarchs.
