After 1.75 miles the trail descends into a ravine, crosses a small beach, then rises to a stand of eucalyptus. The path soon brings you near the tip of Cayucos Point, then continues across the headlands.
More than three miles out, you'll walk a mile across grassy bluffs. The trail crests on a low dune, then descends to a sandy beach. Walk the beach to the mouth of Villa Creek.
Your return trip will be along the same route, but down-coast panoramas include the pier, Morro Rock, Guadalupe dunes and Montana de Oro State Park.
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For more of John McKinney's hiking tips, visit http://www.thetrailmaster.com.
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California Coastal Trail
* WHERE: Cayucos.
* DISTANCE: From Cayucos Pier to Villa Creek is 9 miles round trip.
* TERRAIN: Gently-sloping, grassy marine terrace; sandy beaches.
* HIGHLIGHTS: Surprisingly wild coastline, vistas of Morro Rock.
* DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate.
* PRECAUTIONS: Some poison oak in ravines; avoid areas marked as snowy plover nesting sites from March 1 to Sept. 15.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
State parks district office, tel. (805) 549-3312;
Cayucos Chamber of Commerce, tel. (805) 995-1200.
