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.
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.
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.
