Page 28 - SLO Visitors Guide Spring 2024

San Luis Obispo
Hike the new Bog Thistle Trail in Irish Hills
Trail adds a new picturesque loop to a 9-mile trail system
The City of San Luis Obispo has completed the 1.3-mile Bog Thistle Trail in the Irish Hills Natu- ral Reserve. The new trail extends the former 0.4-mile trail and hikers can now travel from the Perfumo Canyon trailhead to the Mariposa and the Mine trails. The extended Bog Thistle Trail creates a 3.4-mile intermediate-level hike that loops back to the trailhead or gives hikers the option of longer hikes on the connecting trails.
Hikers can expect sweeping views of the Morros, Laguna Lake, Los Osos Valley and a path through picturesque oak canopy and chaparral habitats. Designated as
a hiking-only trail, the Bog Thistle Trail plays a vital role in promot- ing a quality multi-use trail system and provides an alternative route
for hikers to access the Irish Hills Natural Reserve trail system from Perfumo Canyon Road.
The Irish Hills Natural Reserve interconnecting trail system meanders through 720 acres of riparian, grassland, oak, chaparral and serpentine habitats. The reserve is home to a variety of California wildlife including deer, coyotes, snakes, mountain lions and thou- sands of birds.
Irish Hills is named after Irish immigrants who moved into the area in the 1800s. Evidence of their farms can still be seen in some loca- tions and the old schoolhouse is still standing at the trailhead. Chro- mium and mercury mines operated in the area in the 20th century
and some remains of these mining operations are still present. Major trails in the Irish Hills Natural Reserve connect into a larger trail system operated by the City of San Luis Obispo and access thousands of acres of natural reserves and open spaces. The Bog Thistle Trail also provides access to the larger trail system.
The Bog Thistle Trail was
made possible by planning and coordination between Park and Recreation’s Ranger Service and the Office of Sustainability and Natural Resources, and the dedication of
a core group of skilled volunteers who contributed over 900 hours
of work. Special attention and
care went into safeguarding scenic views, mature oak trees, and water- ways. To protect potentially sensi- tive habitats and species, the ranger service conducted field botanical surveys to identify any sensitive species listed by the California Native Plant Society, as well as state and federally-listed threatened and endangered species.
More great hiking around San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is rich with trails for viewing wildlife, native vegetation and panoramic views of the coastline, valleys and moun- tains. The city has preserved the natural beauty and resources of thousands of acres of open spaces at various locations for the enjoyment of the public.
Trail maps and more informa- tion about open spaces and hiking trails are available online from the Parks and Recreation Department Ranger Services or call (805) 781- 7300.
In addition to the Irish Hills trail system, more hiking and cy- cling trails are easily accessed from San Luis Obispo. Most are leashed dog friendly, but some of the trails can be challenging to a dog or a person not in good physical shape.
The Bog Thistle Trail connects to the longer Irish Hills trail system.
28 SPRING 2024
slovisitorsguide.com
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