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California Trails

San Luis Obispo, CA: Coon Creek to Rattlesnake Flats Loop

On this easy 3.3-mile loop, wind through the tranquil hills of Montana de Oro State Park en route to jaw-dropping Pacific Ocean panoramas.

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From the parking lot off Pecho Valley Road, fork right onto the Coon Creek Trail to head south toward the creek of the same name. As Coon bends to the west, you’ll duck into a dense hallway of trees peppered with colorful wildflowers. Turn away from the Coon Creek and onto the Rattlesnake Flats Trail as the route turns north and uphill. After gaining the ridgeline, follow Rattlesnake Flats west through chaparral and scrub sage before taking a quick side trail to a bluff-top vantage point offering postcard-like panoramas of the Pacific Ocean. On the hike’s home stretch, you’ll meander downhill through scrub oak and Pacific Madrone adorned with Spanish moss before returning to the trailhead.
For more information on Montana de Oro State Park, visit the park’s homepage. 

-Mapped by Travis Lesicka

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 5.3

Waypoints

CCR001

Location: 35.257942, -120.887005

From the trailhead off Pecho Valley Road, head southeast toward a junction between Coon Creek Trail and Rattlesnake Flats Trail.

CCR002

Location: 35.257632, -120.886623

At the Y-junction, fork right onto the Coon Creek Trail.

CCR003

Location: 35.255029, -120.887632

The trail narrows as it hugs a cliff tracing Coon Creek.

CCR004

Location: 35.253745, -120.878037

Pass a quick sidetrail (15 feet) leading to a small cave.

CCR005

Location: 35.252371, -120.874072

At the Y-junction, turn left to begin climbing the Rattlesnake Flats Trail. The Coon Creek Trail continues west.

CCR006

Location: 35.255161, -120.874214

The trail skirts across a steep slope here.

CCR007

Location: 35.255708, -120.879042

Cross over the hike’s high point (550 feet) as the ocean comes into view.

CCR008

Location: 35.255802, -120.880704

Follow this quick side trail for spectacular panoramas of the Pacific.

Trailhead

Location: 35.257898, -120.886967

The trailhead, which offers picnic tables and an outhouse, is located on the east side of Pecho Valley Road.

Pacific Ocean Panoramas

Location: 35.255782, -120.881624

Savor breathtaking panoramas of the Pacific Ocean from a bluff-top perch off the Rattlesnake Flats Trail.

Hallway Of Trees

Location: 35.254968, -120.886302

Duck through a lush hallway of trees and bustling wildflowers while following Coon Creek to the southeast.

Rattlesnake Flats Trail

Location: 35.253006, -120.873685

Climb between two green-topped hillsides while heading north on the Rattlesnake Flats Trail.

Heading Home

Location: 35.258245, -120.881045

Walk west as the Rattlesnake Flats Trail meanders downhill at a gentle grade.

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