by site editor Rick McCharles
I drove into the Happiest City in America, SLO (San Luis Oprah) VIDEO directly to Tourist Information. Happily the girl at the desk was a hiker. She immediately recommended the Mountain of Gold. And sold me the SLO adventure trail maps by Central Coast Books. ($10)
There are a number of official trails of varying difficulty and terrain. This State Park is “miraculously free of charge“, considering the deficit California budget.
Dogs are not permitted. But you’ll see horses, mountain bikes and trail runners.
In fact, I’d say this destination is even better for bikers than for hikers.
I was hoping to climb this feature …
Morro Rock is a 581-foot (177m) volcanic plug located just offshore from Morro Bay, California, at the entrance to Morro Bay Harbor. A causeway connects it with the shore, effectively making it a tied island. The area surrounding the base of Morro Rock can be visited. The rock is protected as the Morro Rock State Preserve.
Climbing on the rock or disturbing the bird life is forbidden by law. …
… Too bad.
There is a guidebook for the region published by the Sierra Club – San Luis Obispo County Trail Guide
But leave a comment if you’ve a personal recommendation on BEST HIKES Montaña de Oro.
besthike.com 
What kind of camera do you use? I like your pictures.
An inexpensive Lumix:
Can’t say I’m all that impressed with it. The zoom is very slow. Cannot zoom in video mode.