Loading Events

« All Events

  • This event has passed.

Coreopsis Hill Hike

March 25, 2023 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

A casual hike to the top of Coreopsis Hill in the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes.Total distance is 3 miles with an elevation gain of 300 ft. and the last portion is walking on sand dunes. The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes/Point Sal Coastal Area contains the largest, relatively undisturbed coastal dune tract in California and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974. Five major plant communities are represented including foredunes; coastal dune scrub; riparian woodland; freshwater marshes, ponds, and swales; and active interior dunes. The dunes support many endemic species including numerous rare, threatened and endangered plants and animals.  This hike is sponsored by CNPS, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and The Dunes Center. Don’t forget your “Dune Mother’s Wildflower Guide”  by Dr. Malcolm McLeod or purchase one at the trailhead for $13 at the beginning of the hike.

This hike is limited to 70 people so RSVPs are required by contacting Lauren at 805-570-7993 or lbrown805@charter.net . With your RSVP, provide your name and the number of people who will be arriving in your vehicle.

Bring water, snacks, hat, sturdy shoes, and dress in layers for changing weather. Long pants and closed shoes are recommended as there is a possibility of encountering poison oak and ticks on nearby shrubs. Bug repellent is recommended for small flying insects. Pets, smoking or alcohol are not allowed on this USFWS Refuge including the parking area or other properties accessed during the hike (i.e., State Parks and private property). Pets may not be left in cars in the parking areas. Restrooms are available at Oso Flaco Lake State Park, ¾ miles further west on Oso Flaco Lake Road for use before and after the hike. Rain or threat of rain will cancel this trip.

For more information on the history, culture, and biology of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, refer to the Dunes Center website or visit the Dunes Center building and gardens at 1065 Guadalupe Street in the nearby town of Guadalupe.

DIRECTIONS: Follow these directions carefully as this is a closed area to which we are being allowed special guided access and make sure to arrive at 8:45 am at Oso Flaco Lake Road and Beigle Road intersection (35.022296, -120.608400). Hike begins at 9:00 am.

Directions from the North: Take Hwy 101 south from San Luis Obispo. Turn right (west) at the new Willow Road off ramp (Exit 180). Proceed west on Willow Road for about 4.3 miles, to Highway 1. Turn left (south) on Highway 1 and proceed for 2.7 miles, to Oso Flaco Lake Road. Turn right (west) on Oso Flaco Lake Road. Proceed west on Oso Flaco Lake Road for 2.5 miles to Beigle Road. Look for a 6’ tall wire mesh fence and steel gate.

Directions from the South: Take 101 north to Santa Maria and take the Main Street exit toward the town of Guadalupe. Turn right onto Highway 1 and head north to Oso Flaco Lake Road (about 3 miles north of Guadalupe), turn left onto Oso Flaco Lake Road and proceed 2.5 miles to Beigle Road (on left).

Parking: We will have people posted at the entrance of the USFWS fenced road to direct parking. The gate will be open around 8:30. Do not park on Oso Flaco Lake Road. There should be plenty of room to park along the fenced USFWS access road.

 

Details

Date:
March 25, 2023
Time:
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Event Category:
Website:
https://cnpsslo.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=10761&preview=true

Organizer

Lauren Brown
Phone
805-460-6329
Email
lbrown805ATcharterDOTnet

Venue

Coreopsis Hill
2763 Oso Flaco Road
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 United States
+ Google Map