Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Hike #1
Join CNPS for a hike to the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. This hike to the heart of the dunes complex at Oso Flaco Lake near Nipomo, CA is offered in collaboration with the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center and The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County with permission from US Fish and Wildlife Service, California State Parks Oceano Dunes District, and the generosity of the Mill’s Family Farm.
This is the first of three hikes to be held to the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes on the first three Saturday mornings in March 2026. Each hike is limited to 20 participants.
— REGISTRATION REQUIRED —
Click the Tickets link below to register for this hike and sign the waiver.
These hikes usually fill up so we recommend you pick one of the three dates (March 7, 14 or 21), find that page on our website calendar, and sign up as soon as registration is available. The March 7 and 14 hikes will visit the Refuge dune complex for a four-hour, more strenuous hike with a gradual 300-foot elevation gain to observe the wide range of plant diversity, including the giant coreopsis (Leptosyne gigantea) and several rare dune plants. The March 21 hike is a shorter and less strenuous hike to only Coreopsis Hill if that best fits your needs. For those who are unable to obtain tickets for the three outings in March, CNPS will offer additional field trips to the Refuge later in 2026.
Participants should be prepared for walking on steep dunes, across loose sand, and through waist-high dune scrub brush and European beachgrass for portions of the hike. It is essential that you keep up with the leaders and that the group stays together on these hikes. Long pants and closed shoes are recommended as the habitat is coastal dune scrub and there is the possibility of poison oak and ticks (we will watch for and point these out so they can be avoided; bug repellent recommended). Heavy rain cancels this trip; for light rain, bring appropriate outer wear. Dress in layers, bring water, snacks and sun protection. Bring your “Dune Mother’s Wildflower Guide” by Dr. Malcolm McLeod for reference during the trip or purchase a copy at the start of the hike ($13.00 please bring exact change if possible).
NOTE: Pets, smoking, or alcohol are not allowed on the Refuge, including the parking area, or other properties accessed during the hike (i.e., State Parks and private property). Pets must NOT be left in cars in the parking areas. Remember to please pack out what you pack in.
DIRECTIONS: Follow these directions carefully as this is a closed area to which we are being allowed special guided access. Meet at the end of Beigle Road (fenced area) off of Oso Flaco Lake Road (35.022257, -120.608392). The gate will open a half hour before the hike starts, and be locked at the hike’s starting time. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Because the gate will be locked, do not arrive late or expect to leave early on this hike. The Oso Flaco Lake State Park lot is another ¾ miles west of Beigle Road, if you need to use a restroom before the hike (there are none along the hike route).
Directions from the north: Take Hwy 101 south from San Luis Obispo. Turn right (west) at the 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 (on left). 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). Look for a 6’ tall wire mesh fence and steel gate.
Parking: We will have people posted at the gate at Beigle Road and Oso Flaco Lake Road to direct parking. The gate will be open about a half hour before the hike start time. Please do not park on Oso Flaco Lake Road near the gate as there is not much room and it could be hazardous. There should be plenty of room to park inside the gate along Beigle Road.
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 pioneer/foredunes; coastal dune scrub; riparian woodland; coastal dune freshwater marshes, ponds, and swales; and active interior dunes. The flora includes many endemic plant species, and dunes habitats support numerous rare, threatened, and endangered plants and animals. For more information on the history, culture, and biology of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, we recommend the Dune Center website or a visit to the Dunes Center building and garden located at 1065 Guadalupe Street in the town of Guadalupe. Additional information can be found at the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge website for more information.