Hazard Canyon Reef – Montana de Oro State Park

Hazard Canyon Reef is a rocky point on the shoreline of Montana de Oro State Park. It is one of the best tide pools in California and should be visited at low tide if you are tidepooling.

A sandy beach begins here and continues for over five miles on Sandspit Beach to the entrance to Morro Bay. West of the parking lot there is a large sand dunes structure to play around on. Hiking trails meander in all directions in the sandy hills.

Getting here is easy. Head south on the Pecho Valley Road from Los Osos. As you are driving through the eucalyptus tree groves look for a parking lot on the right signed Hazard Canyon Parking.

To reach the reef, walk north from the north end of the parking lot and follow the trail as it drops down a gulch to the water. To find the dunes, walk south from the south end of the parking lot then turn right on the first trail toward the ocean.

Morro Rock is visible in the distance. Check tide tables for the best time to view the tide pools.

Address

Pecho Valley Rd
Los Osos, CA 93402

Phone

805-772-6101

Park Name

Montana de Oro State Park

Other Names

Hazard Beach

Owner

State Park

Pet Details

No dogs allowed

Fees

Free day-use parking

Activities

Tidepooling, Hiking, Beach Walking, Equestrian Use

Amenities

Tide Pools, Trails, Dunes, Toilet

Links

Tide Charts
Water Temperatures
California Beach Weather