I heard the high-pitched screech of the red-tailed hawk. Normally I would look up to catch sight of the hawk, but today I searched the sky below me. I was at the top of 1,347 foot Valencia Peak in Montana de Oro State Park, and I was hiking with the hawks.
Central Coast runners and hikers might be aware of the Tri-Tip Challenge. Get to the top of Bishop Peak, Cerro San Luis and the Cal Poly ‘P’ ridge, then celebrate the achievement with a tri-tip sandwich at Firestone Grill. 3 peaks and a local favorite sandwich. It’s a quintessential Central Coast athletic and culinary experience.
As I was enjoying a tri-tip without the peak hikes, it occurred to me that a mini tri-tip challenge is available to the Montana de Oro hiker: Any combination of Valencia, Oats, Hazard and Alan Peaks (Alan Peak for advanced hikers and runners), the four highest points in the state park.
So here I was with a hawk’s-eye view of Morro Rock, Point Buchon and the myriad shades of ocean blue leading out from Spooner Cove. My feathered friends were surely the descendants of hawks who soared above the Chumash, who spied the Spanish explorers and who nested among the ranchers and trail builders. Hiking with the hawks, I was thrilled to share their views of the rugged coast and the mountains of gold covered with poppies, mustard and monkey flower.
As I gazed below, I wondered if my hiking companions were scanning the landscape for prey. Were they searching for mates? Or were they simply riding the thermals just for the thrill of it? I could only imagine floating on thermals. But the pounding in my chest and the rapid breathing were constant reminders that I was definitely not floating. I was working the switchbacks, straining on the climbs, and carefully focusing each step on the rocky trail. Only the beauty of the sage and wildflowers lining the trail reminded me to stop every now and then. Or maybe it was the burning in my legs… or the sweat in my eyes… or the heat on the back of my neck.
My Garmin watch indicated my actual mileage from the trailhead to the peak. But to my heart and lungs, it felt like much more!
But then I’d turn around and take in the hawk-eye perspective. From Valencia Peak, Morro Rock. From Hazard Peak, glorious golden carpets of wildflowers. From Oats Peak, the Irish Hills. And suddenly it felt as if I were floating.
It’s a 4.5 mile round trip hike to 1,347 feet Valencia Peak. A six mile round trip from the Hazard Peak trail head to the 1,076 foot peak. And a nearly 11 mile roundtrip to 1,373 feet Oats Peak. As I stood atop each peak I wondered about the peak names. Did the Chumash have names for these peaks? Was Valencia Peak named after the Spanish city? Was there an Oat family who settled and hiked in the area many years ago? Surely, the steep drop-offs and canyons surrounding Hazard Peak led to its name.
One thing I was sure of. Returning to my car after the long hike to and from Oats Peak, it was time to replenish some calories. According to Gary Snyder, the red-tailed hawk teaches us to have a broad view of things, while not missing the stirring of a single mouse. Taking a lesson from the hawk, it was time to survey my surroundings, then narrow my focus to search for a meal. So, I looked far and wide…on Google Maps. Only one place to go: Sylvester’s in Los Osos for a tri-tip sandwich. A large, meaty and savory tri-tip sandwich.
The Montana de Oro Tri-Tip Challenge. It’s good for your legs, heart and lungs. And the tri-tip sandwich is great for your taste buds and belly! And the perfect reward for hiking the Montana de Oro Tri-Tip!!
