Contents

• Project Overview
• Directions to Trailhead
• Trail Description
• Trail Brochure (PDF)
• The Morros(Nine Sisters) Preservation Fund

Project Overview

This project is a joint effort between the Sierra Club and the County of San Luis Obispo. The Sierra Club and its many volunteers help create all the new signage and developed the informational brochure you read as you explore the hillside trail.

The "Eagle Rock Nature Trail" is now complete. Informational signs are installed. The trail has been brushed and re-graded by Sierra Club Trail Volunteers for all to enjoy. A few park benches will be installed for your the convenience.

The Nature Trail Brochure may obtained up at the informational display located at the walk-in area of the park, just before the Eagle Rock Trailhead. It can also be downloaded here.

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Directions to the Trailhead

The Eagle Rock Nature Trail Brochure can be obtained from a brochure box just to the right of the pedestrian access gate, or downloaded here.

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Trail Description

The Eagle Rock Self-Guided Nature Trail is a 1.8 mile trail exploring a section of El Chorro Regional Park. The trail was constructed by the County Parks service in 1992, then improved to a nature trail starting in 1995, by the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club. This easy trail is great for beginner hikers and offers many examples of coastal flora and fauna. There are a variety of wildflowers present in late winter to early summer which include: shooting stars, blue eyed grass, hummingbird sage, checker bloom, red maids and more. The trail offers many views of the Morros, a chain of ancient volcanoes formed 25 million years ago and are part of the Franciscan Formation. East of El Chorro Regional Park is Cuesta Ridge, part of the Los Padres National forest. The Highway 41 fire in 1994 devastated this area. But signs of new growth indicates the area will recover fully in the next 20 years. Be sure to take a brochure to get more information about flora and fauna along the trail.
The brochure can also be viewed/printed here.

Distance in Miles

• 0.0 - Start of Eagle Rock Self Guided Nature Trail: Elevation 360 feet. The trail starts a slow and steady climb through a well established oak grove. Notice the variety of trees, black sage, monkey flowers and lichens on the rock.

• 0.2 - Trail Sign pointing left: Follow this trail a short distance to a vantage point of El Chorro Regional Park and to some a Chumash mortar holes, Trail Post #3. These holes were used to grind acorns in the early pioneer days.

• 0.4 - Trail Junction: Go right to continue to eagle rock continue another 0.3 miles to Eagle Rock for great views of the Morros and Cuesta Ridge. The trail to left is the Oak Woodland Trail. This trail returns to the main road and cuts our trip by 0.6 miles.

• 0.7 - Eagle Rock View Point: At an elevation of 760 feet, this vista offers views of Camp San Luis Obispo and the botanical area below. Off in the Distance you can see the chain of ancient volcanoes known as the Morros. On a clear day you can see Morro Rock next to the PG&E power plant.

• 1.0 - Return to trail junction from Eagle Rock: The trail to the right is mostly down hill and wanders through oak woodlands, chaparral and a small stream. It is well worth taking this lush trail.

• 1.0 - Cattle Gate: Pass through the cattle gate and enter the oak woodland.

• 1.2 - Nature Post #9: Look for many piles of sticks as these are homes for wood rats.

• 1.3 - Start of Switchbacks: The start of several switch backs and a no trespassing sign can be found.

• 1.5 - Open Meadow: The trail comes to an open meadow surrounded by California Sage, and Coyote Bush. From the meadow you get a good view of El Chorro Regional Park and the drainage for Dairy Creek.

• 1.6 - Perennial Stream: The trail reaches a perennial stream full of lush ferns. The trail then follows the stream until it reaches the paved road.

• 1.8 - Paved Road: Reaching the paved road, turn left and walk 0.4 miles back to your car along Dairy Creek.

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