The Nicolas Flats Hike via Leo Carrillo is a more difficult hike that rewards with amazing ocean views. The trailhead is located inside Leo Carrillo State Park at Camp Trail 13. There is free parking on the beachside of PCH near Leo Carrillo. If you want to score one of these street spots, be sure to arrive early as beachgoers are competing for the same parking. If not, you can pay for parking inside the park.
There are many ways to enjoy this hike while getting a decent workout. We recommend taking the detours for scenic overlook trails. That way you reap all of the benefits of the Pacific Ocean views in return for the moderately steep inclines that populate most of the trail.
Total distance of this hike is 6.9 miles and will take you around 3.5 hours.