Naturalists at Large, Backpacking

Central Coast & Mountains

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Central Coast & Mountains

California’s central coast and coastal range exhibit a beautiful array of biomes.

Here students may explore verdant tide pools along the windswept beach, or rock climb on the ancient remnants of a volcanic caldera.  These sites are great for an introductory camping experience.
Morro Bay State Park
Located midway between LA and the Bay Area, this park features a lagoon and natural bay habitats. Explore Morro Rock, or go kayaking in the pristine saltwater marsh. Study the cultural history, geology, and oceanography of the area.
Montaña de Oro State Park
Nestled in a secluded canyon near the ocean, this site offers extensive hiking trails, stunning beach walks, tidepools, and dramatic scenery. Shuttle time to Morro Bay is twenty minutes.
Rock Climbing @ Pinnacles
Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles offers unique geology, diverse flora/ fauna, and varied human history. Enjoy an abundance of rock climbing opportunities, a result of the area's volcanic activity. Wonder at chaparral-covered slopes and brilliant wildflowers.
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