Valencia Peak Loop
A 7.3 mile loop up Montaña de Oro’s Valencia Peak. This is a challenging run with stunning coastal views and plenty of California Quails to show you the way.
The Details
Location: Montaña de Oro State Park
Trail Start/End: Islay Creek Campground (Pecho Valley Road, Los Osos, CA)
Distance: 7.3 mi
Ascent: 1,550 ft
Type: Loop
Parking: Lot
Fee: Yes
Water: Yes
Bathroom: Yes
The Flight Plan
0.0 - 0.5 mi
Begin by running along the paved street towards the Islay Creek Campground. You will pass by plenty of bathrooms and water spigots if you need any amenities. At the final campground cul-de-sac, you will see a fence with a trail entrance marker for the Reservoir Flats Trail on your left, next to one of the campsites.
0.5 - 1.2 mi
Follow the Reservoir Flats Trail until an intersection. Make a sharp right turn to continue along following Reservoir Flats Trail.
1.2 - 1.4 mi
The Reservoir Flats trail will bring you to an unmarked intersection. Taking either right or left will bring you to the same point. I opted for left, which is more direct.
1.4 - 1.7 mi
Continue along the Reservoir Flats Trail, bearing left at one more intersection until the trail brings you to a junction with the Oats Peak Trail.
1.7 - 3.2 mi
Turn left onto the Oats Peak Trail and continue running. You’ll be going uphill, but it will feel gradual. This portion of the trail is also accessible to mountain bikes, so keep an eye out for any cyclists taking their downhills quickly.
3.2 - 4.3 mi
The Oats Peak Trail intersects with the New Oats Peak Trail. At this intersection, make a left to stay on the Oats Peak Trail. You’ll continue climbing up a series of switchbacks.
4.3 - 4.5 mi
The Oats Peak Trail will again intersect with the New Oats Peak Trail. Take a left to stay on the Oats Peak Trail a short distance longer towards a spur of the Valencia Peak Trail.
4.5 - 4.8 mi
The Valencia Peak Trail will wind around the side of Valencia Peak. When I ran this trail, it was more overgrown than other trails in Montana de Oro State Park. Enjoy the views, but keep an eye out for poison oak!
4.8 - 5.2 mi
Make a left to stay on the Valencia Peak Trail towards the summit!
5.2 - 5.4 mi
Once you’ve taken in the 360 views from the top, descend back down the Valencia Peak Trail. At the first intersection, veer left towards the ocean. In other words, don’t go back down the overgrown section you came up.
5.4 - 6.1 mi
The descent is quick with loose rocks that are easy to roll an ankle on. You’ll also likely see a lot more hikers on this portion of the trail. At the junction with the Badger Trail, stay straight to continue on the Valencia Peak Trail.
6.1 - 7.0 mi
At approximately the 7mi mark, you’ll encounter another intersection. At this point, you’ll be overlooking the campground. Turn right onto a short trail spur that will bring you to the Oats Peak Trail. (Depending on where you parked, you could skip these turns and stay on the Valencia Peak Trail all the way down to Pecho Valley Road).
7.0 - 7.3 mi
Turn left onto the Oats Peak Trail to descend down to the entrance to the campground. Finish off your run with a dip in the ocean at Spooner’s Cove!
View of Valencia Peak from Oats Peak Trail
Valencia Peak Trail as it winds to the summit
Foggy view of Oats Peak Trail (see the switchbacks!) from Valencia Peak
Tips
Montana de Oro is a popular park on weekends. It is also home to a few local trail races throughout the year, such as the the Montana de Oro Trail Run by Pacific Coast Trail Runs. Make sure to avoid race weekends - unless you’re racing! And try to arrive early for your best shot at parking.
Mountain bikers love Montana de Oro, so be prepared for a few stops to let them pass by as you make your way up towards Valencia Peak, especially the Oats Peak Trail portion of this run.
