Hike to Coreopsis Hill

Join us for a Hike to Coreopsis Hill in the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Wildlife Refuge. This hike is sponsored by the San Luis Obispo Chapter of the California Native Plant Society and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and will be led by Jenny Langford, Dirk Walters, and other local botanists and volunteers. The hike will begin at 9:00 AM (please plan to arrive between 8:45 and 9:00), leaving from the south end of Beigle Road at the USFWS access road (fenced road). It will be a casual walk through the dunes to the top of Coreopsis Hill. This is a moderate hike, about 3 hours round-trip with some walking on sandy terrain. Dress in layers and sun protection, bring water and snacks, and have your “Dune Mother’s Wildflower Guide” by Dr. Malcolm McLeod for the trip. 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 clothing).

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 may not be left in cars in the parking areas. Remember to 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 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 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).

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. Please do not park on Oso Flaco Lake Road outside the gate as there is not much room and it could be hazardous. There should be plenty of room to park along the USFWS access road inside the gate. The Oso Flaco Lake State Park lot is another ¾ miles west on Oso Flaco Lake Road, if you need to use a restroom before or after the hike (there are none along the hike route).

Additional Information: 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 the dune 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 you check out the Dunes Center website or visit the Dunes Center building and garden located at 1065 Guadalupe Street, in the nearby town of Guadalupe.