Manzanita Hike #3 Nipomo Mesa

This hike will walk from the Nipomo Native Garden to the undeveloped north side of Nipomo Regional Park to view the rare sand mesa manzanita (Arctostaphylos rudis) as well as other Nipomo Mesa endemics. Some of these ancient relics may be the largest manzanitas in the county. Sand mesa manzanitas are one of nine locally endemic manzanitas, occurring only on the Central California coast.

Meet at the parking lot for Nipomo Native Garden located near the corner of Osage St. and Camino Caballo in Nipomo (35.036733, -120.503224). From there we will walk through the garden to the regional park. The hike is a total of 2 miles in sandy soil, with a 150 ft. elevation gain. Bring water, snacks, hat, sturdy shoes, and dress in layers for the weather.

A carpool option from San Luis Obispo will be available from Santa Rosa Park located at the intersection of Oak St. and Santa Rosa St. (35.289530, -120.665144) https://goo.gl/maps/gM1BY68Gr7qGPknV9, and departing at 9:00 am.

Information sheets and photos of some of the plants at the Nipomo Native Garden can be found here.

Rain or threat of rain cancels.

NOTE: This Nipomo Mesa hike is a replacement manzanita hike due to the weather-related closure of Los Padres National Forest which is preventing us from going to the original location of West Cuesta Ridge on January 22. The manzanita hike to West Cuesta Ridge will be rescheduled at a later date.