The Pecho Coast Trail
A spectacular hike out to the Point San Luis Lighthouse. Experience some of the most breathtaking views in SLO County. Accessible ONLY via guided hikes.
The Pecho Coast Trail is located on the south end of the PG&E property and accessed through Avila Beach. This is a 3.75-mile roundtrip hike to Point San Luis Lighthouse.
This scenic coastal trail is a joint partnership between PG&E, the California Coastal Commission and the Port San Luis Harbor District. The hike takes visitors up to the Port’s Historic Point San Luis Lighthouse. Visitors can enjoy a short docent-led tour of the lighthouse by paying a $10 admission fee.
Pecho Coast Trail has been open for guided hikes since 1993 and is known for its panoramic views of Avila Beach. Hikers are treated to stunning landscapes while learning interesting facts from docent naturalists. Topics include the local history of the Avila Beach area and information on the Northern Chumash tribe who once inhabited the area.
The trail is home to many native plants and animals and interesting geological formations. Wildflowers are prevalent along the trail during the spring months, and California gray whales can be seen spouting offshore.
The trail is open year-round, except on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
WHEN & WHERE:
Lighthouse hike: Wednesdays and Saturdays
To preserve and maintain its unique resources, the trail is limited to 20 hikers on Wednesdays and 40 hikers on Saturdays.
All hikes start at 8:45 a.m. at the Fisherman’s Memorial in Port San Luis Harbor.
Trailhead address:
Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Trailhead coordinates:
35.174146, -120.756013
(35° 10′ 26.92″N 120° 45′ 21.64″W)
MAP LINK
For more information:
Call: 805-528-8758
Email: [email protected]
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
The Pecho Coast Trail has a diverse terrain and can pose risks to hikers, including changing weather conditions heat exposure and elevation change. The trail runs along steep cliffs and coastal bluffs with narrow dirt trails, steep grades (up to 45 percent), crumbling earth and possibilities of other strenuous hiking conditions.
Pecho Coast Trail is located on a rare, undeveloped area of coastline with poison oak, thistles and other vegetation that can cause discomfort. There can be wildlife in the vicinity of the trail, as well as rattlesnakes and ticks.
