Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge Hike

The Dunes Center is teaming up with California Native Plant Society and Westin Namanny from The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo to bring our community on an adventure through the Wildlife Refuge! We will explore rare native plants, discuss restoration efforts in the dunes, and enjoy the beauty of this natural area with permission from US Fish and Wildlife Service, California State Parks Oceano Dunes District, and the generosity of our long-time partner the Mill’s Family Farm. Registration is required, scroll down to find the registration link!

This hike will be longer and more strenuous to observe the wide range of plant diversity, including the giant coreopsis (Leptosyne gigantea) and several rare dune plants.

Participants should be prepared for walking on steep sand dunes and through waist-high dune scrub brush and European dune grass for portions of the hike.  Long pants and closed shoes are recommended as the habitat is coastal dune scrub and there is the possibility of poison oak, ticks, and rattlesnakes (we will watch for and point these out so they can be avoided; bug repellent recommended).It is essential to stay together on this hike in order to follow the leader. These hikes are about 4 hours in length and start at 8:30 AM

Please sign the CNPS Liability Waiver and obtain tickets for the March 7th trip by clicking the link to the CNPS-SLO website. Directions from the north and south, parking instructions and additional information can also be found at our CNPS-SLO website.

NOTE: Pets, smoking, or alcohol are not allowed on the Refuge, including the parking area, or other properties accessed during the hike (i.e., State Parks and private property). Pets must NOT be left in cars in the parking areas. Remember to please pack out what you pack in.

DIRECTIONS: Follow these directions carefully as this is a closed area to which we are being allowed special guided access. Meet at the end of Beigle Road (fenced area) off of Oso Flaco Lake Road (35.022257, -120.608392). The gate will open a half hour before the hike starts, and be locked at the hike’s starting time. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Because the gate will be locked, do not arrive late or expect to leave early on this hike. The Oso Flaco Lake State Park lot is another ¾ miles west of Beigle Road, if you need to use a restroom before the hike (there are none along the hike route).

Directions from the north: Take Hwy 101 south from San Luis Obispo. Turn right (west) at the Willow Road off ramp (Exit 180). Proceed west on Willow Road for about 4.3 miles, to Highway 1. Turn left (south) on Highway 1 and proceed for 2.7 miles, to Oso Flaco Lake Road. Turn right (west) on Oso Flaco Lake Road. Proceed west on Oso Flaco Lake Road for 2.5 miles to Beigle Road (on left). Look for a 6’ tall wire mesh fence and steel gate.

Directions from the south: Take 101 north to Santa Maria and take the Main Street exit toward the town of Guadalupe. Turn right onto Highway 1 and head north to Oso Flaco Lake Road (about 3 miles north of Guadalupe), turn left onto Oso Flaco Lake Road and proceed 2.5 miles to Beigle Road (on left). Look for a 6’ tall wire mesh fence and steel gate.

Parking: We will have people posted at the gate at Beigle Road and Oso Flaco Lake Road to direct parking. The gate will be open about a half hour before the hike start time. Please do not park on Oso Flaco Lake Road near the gate as there is not much room and it could be hazardous. There should be plenty of room to park inside the gate along Beigle Road.

The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes-Point Sal Coastal Area contains the largest, relatively undisturbed coastal dune tract in California and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974. Five major plant communities are represented including pioneer/foredunes; coastal dune scrub; riparian woodland; coastal dune freshwater marshes, ponds, and swales; and active interior dunes. The flora includes many endemic plant species, and dunes habitats support numerous rare, threatened, and endangered plants and animals.

For more information on the history, culture, and biology of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, we recommend the Dune Center website or a visit to the Dunes Center building and garden located at 1065 Guadalupe Street in the town of Guadalupe. Additional information can be found at the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge website for more information.

REGISTER HERE