Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Hike Point Buchon Trail


Went with a group of friends from the CalCoast Singles. On Saturday, September 13 we hiked around Point Buchon Trail.

Hikers have access to three miles of coastline north of Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant. Pacific Gas and Electric Co., which owns the plant and surrounding property, opened the entire length of the Point Buchon Trail to the public June 28.

The trail goes from the southern boundary of MontaƱa de Oro State Park to Crowbar Canyon, a point just north of Diablo Canyon Power Plant. The whole trail is about 3.8 miles in and out.

(1) Short way --Go to the Coon Creek Beach - Point Buchon Lookout- then take the shortcut and come back to the trail entrance.

(2) Longer way --Go to the Coon Creek Beach - Point Buchon Lookout - Disney Point Lookout - last Lookout and turn back.

The trail winds through part of a security buffer zone around the nuclear power plant. As such, the creation of the trail is the first time the public has had access to this secluded part of the coastline in years.

The trail goes south from the loop trail and generally follows the coastline. At several points, it moves inland to avoid ecologically sensitive areas and to give hikers more panoramic views of the coastline.