Meandering south from San Luis, SR 227 eventually enters downtown Arroyo Grande and shortly thereafter intersects Hwy 101. However, about half a mile before this intersection, turning left on Huasna Rd provides a scenic country detour with one of the most unexpected photo-ops.
The Huasna Valley consists of the small, unincorporated community of Huasna. Huasna's origin dates back to a Mexican land grant and descendants of the original grantee still operate a ranch to this day. It's also known for its agricultural production and oil deposits, though economic gains from the latter have yet to be realized as a result of an intense battle between residents and oil producers.
Because Huasna Rd dead-ends into private property, it's a common route for cyclists. This, along with the many blind curves and hills, can make navigating the narrow road tricky.
Shortly before Huasna Rd terminates, it intersects Huasna Townsite Rd, which is the heart of the Huasna Valley and where most of the homes in the community are located.
Huasna Townsite Rd spans for about three miles and also terminates into private land. However, the payoff comes sooner than that. Halfway down the road, the most unlikely yard ornaments appear.
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| A tyrannosaur is located left of center |
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| This is the best zoom I could muster |
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| Brontosaurus in the distance |
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| He appears to be feeding on one of the surrounding oaks |
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| Triceratops with another tyrannosaur in the background |
Separated by hundreds of feet, these large steel dinosaurs dot the landscape of one of the ranches near the 6000 block of Huasna Townsite Rd. The triceratops is the most visible from the street and serves as a cue to scan for the others. Being that they are located on private property, zooming in with a camera from the barbed wire fence at the street is the best viewing option.
Surprisingly, there's very little information available about these dinosaurs. The property is owned by Peter Keith, who is a former mayor of the nearby city of Grover Beach. There are said to be six sculptures in total, though I was only able to identify four: two tyrannosaurs, a brontosaurus, and the triceratops. With the exception of the triceratops, they blend in with the landscape, especially during the dry (brown) season.
The dinosaurs of Huasna Valley are an oddity whose mystery and remote location are part of their appeal. Though it's only about 20 miles from San Luis, it's approximately a 40 minute drive (one way) due to the nature of the country roads.
