Hike: Ontario Ridge - Avila

Distance: 2.75 miles

Time: 1 hour 30 mins

Ascent: 576ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Difficulty: Moderate

Some elevation, worth the climb

A decent climbs with proper views at the top to justify it. Nothing technical, but you'll want decent footwear and a snack in your pack

Located 10 minutes from Highway 101 on the road to Avila this ridge is short and sweet, gives you a decent workout and height quickly.

There are two ways to start, both are steep. I started from the Pirates Cove end, parking at the Cave Landing Road parking lot. The trail goes uphill immediately and is one heck of a warm up. I'll be honest with you about the first fifteen minutes: they are brutal as you climb 200ft in that short time. Taking is slow a sure is the only way. The footing is loose in places, the gradient is unforgiving, you may need three points to the deck in places (yes I mean use a hand!). Stick with it. It's worth every step and breathlessness. It will be over in 15 minutes!

Once the mild Type 2 fun is done (you know the type that miserable while it's happening, brilliant once you've done it ) everything changes. The views open up across Avila Bay and towards Shell Beach Pismo, the gradient softens, although still continues up for another 120ft. The rolling ridgeline walk is well marked and a good trail. After about half a mile there's a hidden swing with a view straight down to Pirates Cove. A well earned stop and photo opportunity at this point!

The ridge itself is mostly exposed although some shade comes from the trees dotted along the way. On a warm Central Coast morning this is glorious; it was getting pretty hot once I was on the top and was glad to have done the climb early.

Coming off the ridge, you have two options. A right-hand trail descents fairly easily to Bluff Road it's rocky and needs a bit of care underfoot, but it brings you out onto a flat asphalt path running in front of some spectacular houses perched above Pirates Cove. From here you can see across to Smugglers Cave, and if you have the legs for it, the detour is absolutely worth it. The other option is to ascent again and then descend on the steep nose of the ridge - I decided my knees and butt would prefer the easier option. Be aware that Pirates Cove is a clothing optional beach - it was definately a day for a dip when I did this hike but not about to join that gang!

Bring water and a decent hat. Decent hiking shoes are also a must, and I had my hiking pole which I used on the descent (and in hindsight should have got out for the ascent!).

The swing is tagged on the route so be sure to click below!

Gaia GPS Route Here

The details:

✓ Can be started from either end — Cave Landing Road car park is the Pirates Cove start

✓ Two descent options — take the right fork before the nose for the rocky but scenic route down

✓ Smugglers Cave is worth the detour if you have time and energy left in the tank

!Mostly exposed — hat and plenty of water essential on a warm day

! Loose footing on the initial ascent — take it steady

i Pirates Cove is clothing optional — just so you know what you're walking above