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El Moro Elfin Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 871 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Osos, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from El Moro Elfin Forest's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
90-acre natural area with prehistoric sand dunes, rare plants & birds, plus benches & a boardwalk.
What runners say about El Moro Elfin Forest
“The views are stunning, and the trail is easy to walk, making it ideal for anyone looking to enjoy some peaceful time outdoors.”
“The board walk is easy to walk along for all abilities.”
Visiting Avila Beach this week and this popped up on Google so we made a point of visiting on a return from other adventures. It was early evening in April and the fog was heavy. Tucked between the estuary and residential is this slice of nature.
The location is a short board walk trail along the inner costal of Moro Bay. The walk is very well maintained and there is parking at the end of 11th street (see the website). The trail loops back to each of the roads and has alot packed in.
The trail and hike was perfect for our family. It was my birthday when we visited because for me, no birthday is complete without some outdoor exercise. I especially enjoyed reading the historical information along the trail. The views were beautiful. I bet this would be the perfect place to enjoy the sunset!
I was looking forward to visitLos Osos Elfin Forest during my short stay in Los Osos,CA. I was not disappointed, it’s an easy stroll on a boardwalk that took me 90 minutes to complete. With views of the Morro Bay estuary and so many different species of plants and birds it’s definitely a very nice way to be I.
Trail conditions & character
“The views are stunning, and the trail is easy to walk, making it ideal for anyone looking to enjoy some peaceful time outdoors.”
“There's a boardwalk that circles the perimeter with several stations to learn about the area and the native plants.”
“The main walkway is a elevated boardwalk loop that is about a half mile long.”
Plan your run at El Moro Elfin Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteelfin-forest.org
- Phone+1 805-528-0392
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–5 pm |
Running trails near Los Osos
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Morro Bay State Park Boardwalk
4.8 ★★★★★ 52 reviews
Estuary with trails and boardwalks for birding and enjoying nature.
Black Hill Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 175 reviews
Popular hiking destination with a scenic overlook of Morro Bay, Los Osos, and Morro Rock.
