46.17 Taft, California: Where? Tule Elk Trail into the heat. 46.18 Morro Bay and Valencia Peak in Montana de Oro, a contrast.
Less than 100 miles between the interior harsh land and the coastal (cute) town, the contrast is clear but each has its own attributes. Nevertheless, the latter, Morro Bay wins by a mile (probably a 100, at least.) The hike (Tule Elk), close on 9 miles (we added on extra), with a decent climb surrounded by attractive sights, provided a surprisingly good experience notwithstanding the high temperatures. The Wind Wolves Preserve, home to the trail, reaches temperatures well over 100 degrees. In Morro Bay, the highs sometimes might be a shade above the 60's. It's hard to beat that unless of course you're a sunbather and wishes to avoid shade. Valencia Peak, one of many, is a dominant feature of the park, Montana de Oro. It's a place where one can immerse oneself in tranquility while exposed to ocean, bay and morro views, plus a whole host of other opportunities. We have learned over the years that by exercising some patience, views will change and previously clouded o...