Los Flores Ranch Open Space is best in spring and early summer. During spring migration (late April and May) migrating warblers, flycatchers, tanagers, buntings, orioles, and grosbeaks may be found moving through the hills and valleys. This is also a good location to observe raptors and migrating swallows.

Species typical of live oak and chaparral-covered interior foothills are common here. Regularly occurring species include woodpeckers, hummingbirds, wrens, California Quail, Pacific-slope and Ash-throated Flycatcher, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, California Thrasher, Oak Titmouse, and Orange-crowned Warbler. Watch the skies for vultures, ravens (uncommon), and several hawk species. Lawrence’s Goldfinch, Greater Roadrunner, and Golden Eagle may be observed. Yellow-billed Magpies are found closer to Highway 101.

Los Flores Ranch Open Space has 15+ miles of interconnecting, multi-use trails from easy and moderate to more strenuous. Many of the trails are wide passing through grassy valleys and oak-covered hills. The main entrance to the park is located at 6271 Dominion Road east of Orcutt. Check-in at the Visitor Center building upon arrival. There is a daily entrance fee for non-Santa Maria city residents. Amenities include rest areas with picnic tables, portable restrooms, and water stations. There is an equestrian entrance off the 101 Freeway at Exit 161 located approximately 3.5 miles south of the Orcutt Clark Ave exit. Equestrians must call ahead for access to the Equestrian Entrance during operating hours.

Suggested Hotspot boundaries: Dominion Road and the “Closed Area” bordering oil-gas lease property (north), the boundary east of the Woodland and Watershed Trails bordering the oil-gas lease property (east), the 101 Freeway (south), and the fence line to the west of the Vineyard Trail (west)

At 1,778 acres (nearly 2.8 square miles), the property lies about eight miles south of Santa Maria in the Solomon Hills. Los Flores Ranch Open Space officially opened in 2009 and offers a place for hiking, biking, horseback riding, nature watching, and exploration. The park is open Thursday through Sunday. Check the website for the hours of operation (Spring/Summer Hours, and Fall/Winter Hours). The park may be closed for safety reasons after periods of heavy rain due to trail erosion and other hazards. There are several free, docent-led hikes available, seasonal events, and special programs such as evening star-gazing parties.

Vista Points are located at Observation Trail, Lone Oak Trail, and Valley Vista Trail.