🌻Coreopsis Hill-Wildflower Hike

Community Hike to Coreopsis Hill 🌻

📅 Saturday, April 12, 2025
🕘 Meet at 9:00 AM at Oso Flaco Lake

Step into spring with us for a rare and unforgettable guided hike to Coreopsis Hill—a visually stunning and ecologically rich corner of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, typically closed to the public. Thanks to special permission from the Wildlife Refuge and the generosity of Mill’s Family Farm, we’re thrilled to offer you this unique opportunity to explore protected land that’s rarely accessible.

This exclusive hike will be led by  Mark Skinner, botanist, who will spotlight the extraordinary native flora currently in bloom—Giant Coreopsis, Dune Wallflower, Crisp Dune Mint, and more. Accompanying us will be Dunes Center docent Ray Segovia, who will share powerful stories and history about the people, places, and conservation efforts that have helped safeguard this landscape for future generations.

We’ll also visit the beloved Coreopsis Hill monument, placed by Kathleen Goddard Jones, known as The Defender of the Dunes, in honor of the Enos Family, early stewards of this remarkable land.

Please note:
🚫 Pets, smoking, or alcohol are not permitted on the Refuge, including the parking area and all properties we’ll access during the hike. This includes State Parks and private land.
🚗 Do not leave pets in cars.
🧴 Please pack out what you pack in and help us preserve the beauty of this fragile ecosystem.
🚻 There are no restrooms along the hike route. If needed, restrooms are available at the Oso Flaco Lake State Park lot, about ¾ mile past Beagle Road.

👟 Please wear sturdy shoes, dress in layers, and bring plenty of water. This is a moderate hike with uneven terrain.

📍Directions to the meeting location:
From the North (San Luis Obispo):
Take Hwy 101 South. Exit at Willow Road (Exit 180) and head west for about 4.3 miles to Highway 1. Turn left (south) on Highway 1 and drive 2.7 miles. Turn right (west) onto Oso Flaco Lake Road. Go 2.5 miles, then turn left onto Beagle Road, just past a 6’ wire mesh fence and steel gate. Follow Beagle Road about ¼ mile to the parking area.

From the South (Santa Maria/Guadalupe):
Take Hwy 101 North and exit at Main Street toward Guadalupe. Turn right onto Highway 1, and go about 3 miles past the town. Turn left on Oso Flaco Lake Road, go 2.5 miles, then left onto Beagle Road and follow it ¼ mile to the parking area.

🚙 Parking Info:
We will have staff posted at the entrance gate of the USFWS access road to direct parking. The gate will open at 8:30 AM. Please do not park on Oso Flaco Lake Road near the gate—it’s narrow and can be hazardous. There will be ample space to park along the USFWS access road.

🌼 Space is limited—reserve your spot today and be part of this truly special adventure into a part of the Dunes few have the chance to see.

Register Here!