Point Buchon Trail

Visit a pristine area along the California coastline

Point Buchon Trail offers some of the most scenic views of the Central Coast coastline, perfectly preserved and protected. The trail is a 6.6 mile roundtrip hike located on the northern end of PG&E property and is accessed through Montaña de Oro State Park. This scenic coastal trail has been open to the public since 2007 and is known for its panoramic views of beautiful headlands and off-shore sea stacks.

PG&E follows predator-friendly ranch practices so that hikers may observe bobcats, coyotes and badgers and other wildlife. Golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and numerous hawk and passerine species are often observed flying above the coastal bluffs. In addition, the nearshore marine habitats and pristine tidepools support a wide variety of marine wildlife visible from the trail. Brown pelican, black oystercatcher, southern sea otter, and migrating grey whales are common sights.

Wildflowers flourish in the springtime, a benefit of PG&E's rotational grazing practices.

For more information about the history of the trail and the lands, visit Diablo Canyon trails history.

Know before you go

The Point Buchon Trail has a diverse terrain and can pose some risks to hikers, including changing weather conditions, heat exposure and a 300-foot elevation change.

The trail includes areas along steep cliffs and coastal bluffs, with narrow dirt trails, steep grades (up to 21% grade), crumbling earth and other possibly strenuous hiking conditions. It travels along an undeveloped area of coastline with thistles and other vegetation that can cause discomfort.

There can be agricultural operations including cattle and electric fences present. Native wildlife can be seen in the vicinity of the trail, as well as rattlesnakes and ticks.