Estero Bluffs

I FINALLY GOT TO GO HERE!!! IT WAS AWESOME!!!
Seriously though, this place is underrated when it comes to trails. It takes you right up to the edge of the bluffs with serious dips into the earth allowing you to get a full lower body workout. The trails, thankfully, were well made as I wasn’t continuously guessing where the heck I was going. You could see where each trail would lead you and wow, what an adventure it was for every one I went on.
There are a ton of parking spots between Harmony and Cayucos for these trails and what’s so great is how interconnected all of them are. It’s got that whole «walk on the beach vibe» without the whole walk on the beach thing.
There are some shoddy made trails going down into the bluffs to get to the beach and I would not recommend trying that out unless you are a skilled and confident climber. I shudder at the thought of a 10 year old trying to do it, but we did see a young couple and their cute dog strolling along the beach having the time of their lives so depending on how safe it is, you can make it down there.
The trails for the most part are very flat outside of the numerous dips. Again, great workout but take extra care on your ankle. There are also trails that go up semi-​steep hills that offer you the most beautiful views of Morro Rock and the ocean. Luckily they’re not too steep so they’re achievable for the beginner (cough, cough, ME), but wow. These trails would be so much fun to go on with friends or family. I highly recommend checking it out!

Fantastic place to stretch your legs and get some good Bluff walking in.
If you use the google map marker you can see one of the many parking lots for these trails. If you miss that one, there are a few more North (actually preferred).
No matter where you park, there is a trail leading to the bluffs. Keep in mind that there will be no shade along these trails.
My recommendation would be to walk toward the large hill as that makes for a good vantage point to view the whole Estero Bluffs park. If you have small kids, or are afraid of unprotected high places, this hill climb maybe not the best for you. The top is a box of rocks with rubble cascading down the hillsides. Great view, but a little scary too.
— NOTE, be cautious around the bluffs. Someone not paying attention could fall off the cliff and get seriously hurt. One (Suicide) trail is basically a tight wire path which leads to a small outcropping of land. With about a food of stable width, one misstep right or left and you could die. Though it seems to be well used. (See picture)

A relatively new state park (2002) Estero Bluffs is an area I really like. In the early 70’s I would jump the fence, it was private property then, and get to the tidal area and walk along the cliffs to a special spot where at ultra low tides I could get abalone. Ah those were the days. Now the property was deeded to the state and has become preserved for all time. After you leave Cayucos you will find several parking areas on the ocean side of Highway One. Pick one to your liking and find the start of the trail to get to the cliffs. Please use existing trails to preserve the plant life. It grows pretty slow. On my last trip I was greeted by a brisk breeze on the short walk to the bluffs. The waves were breaking powerfully and the birds were flowing easily with the wind. I noted a grouping of about 20 egrets and moved down the bluffs to get a bit closer, but not so close as to disturb them. It was wonderful. A side note some think the egrets only eat fish. Well they like rodentia too! When you see them in a field away from the water they turn into hunters from fishers. It is incredible to see them get a ground squirrel and swallow it whole! Enjoy the stroll, hike, or walk as the coast unfurls for you. It is simply exhilarating to stand on the bluffs and enjoy the panorama.

Certainly you have an unobstructed view of the Pacific, but the best part of the hike was that we were the only ones there as far as the eye can see in the middle of summer. But these bluffs weren’t nearly as impressive as the ones just south of Los Osos 30 minutes away. Still, the walking path was very easy, flat and well maintained. It’s just one of the less striking vistas in the area and if you’re in that area just briefly, I’d walk around Morro Rock or Montana de Oro State Park in Los Osos, CA for a more dramatic coastline experience.

Beautiful coastline right by the small town of Cayucos off of HWY 1. There are several parking lots to Estero Bluffs located along the stretch of the coast line and each lot allows easy access to the seaside with magnificent view of the coast and beach fronts overlooking the bluffs.
This place is truly a hidden gem because not many people seem to stop by here. The reason may be because it just looks like a normal stretch of desolate green pasture by the coast. Once people get close enough by the bluffs looking down then they would realize the beauty that lies beyond these short cliffs.
There are pockets of gradual slopes where people can descend down to the beach. The beach is pristine and very open with a wide assortment of rocks, seashells and coastal wildlife. Many locals come here to walk or run along the coastline. It’s wonderfully relaxing to just sit on the rocks and enjoy the view.

This is a fantastic place to get some exercise. It’s one of the vista stops between Morro Bay and Cayucos. It stands out from the others since you can see the long winding trail leading from the parking lot. Hike a few miles along a windy trail along a beautiful ragged cliffs of the coast. Just be careful and watch the ground as you walk. It’s splitting apart into pitch black cracks and I’m sure in the future will be sliding off into the ocean. Scary stuff… enjoy it while you can and try not to break an ankle. Would not recommend taking kids on this hike due to the very dangerous hazardous conditions.

Nice lil rocky chill beach spot between Cayucos & Cambria ;D

Beautiful area, path starts just north of cayucos. Beautiful scenery and path is easy to walk. Just a FYI, be careful, in some areas the cliff side is starting to slide into the ocean.