The Bishops Peak hike is 3.5 miles with an elevation gain of 950 feet.
From casual strolls to challenging peaks, enjoy the views, wildlife and invigorating outdoors
—San Luis Obispo is rich with trails for hiking, cycling, viewing wildlife, native vegetation, and panoramic views of the coastline, valleys, and mountains. 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.
Most of the trails are leashed dog friendly, but some of the trails can be challenging to a dog or a person not in good physical shape.
Trail maps and more information about open spaces and hiking trails are available online from the Parks and Recreation Department Ranger Services or call (805) 781-7300.
Bishop Peak Natural Reserve
Bishop Peak is the highest of the Nine Sisters volcanic peaks spanning 12 miles between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay. This reserve has two interconnecting trails totaling nearly 8 miles with varying degrees of difficulty.
Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve
Cerro San Luis is a 1292-foot peak in the Nine Sisters volcanic chain. Cyclers and hikers are allowed on the 2.1-mile Lemon Grove Loop. Hiking only is recommended for the “M” Trail, a 2.6-mile loop and a 640-foot climb. The trails merge for about a half-mile at one point. The trailhead is from Carriage Road.
Irish Hills Natural Reserve
Irish Hills was given the name by Irish Immigrants. The old schoolhouse that was once the center of the Irish Hills School District still stands near the trailhead. The Irish Hills reserve is full of interconnecting trails for both hiking and cycling with the highest climb being 960 feet. Levels of difficulty range from easy to advanced. Trail names like Bog Thistle, Mariposa and Poppy promise a variety of views and adventures. Access to the reserve is on Isabella Way.
Islay Hill Open Space
Islay Hill is a smaller peak in the Seven Sisters formation. There are three different access points linking to the Islay Hill Trail, ending at 776 feet providing a panoramic view of Edna Valley and the Santa Lucia Mountains. There are three access locations to trailheads the most common starts at the top of Sweet Bay Lane. The other two are from Spanish Oaks Drive of Huckleberry Lane.
Johnson Ranch Open Space
The Johnson Ranch Loop is a two-segment trail. The 2.6-mile segment is recommended for cycling and the 2.3-mile segment for hiking. There is also the Filipponi Connector that hikers can take to trails in the Irish Hills Nature Reserve. Originally a 242 acre working ranch, the land has been preserved by the City of San Luis Obispo. The landscape is rolling grassy hills accented by serpentine rocks. The trailhead is just off of Highway 101 between San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach.
Laguna Lake Natural Reserve
Four intersecting trails bring hikers and cyclists to Laguna Lake. Two trails, the Allen K. Settle Trail and the Lakeside Trail are ranked as easy. Laguna Lake Upper Loop Trail is an intermediate trail. Laguna Lake Ridge Trail is expert only. The entrance is at 504 Madonna Road in San Luis Obispo.
Reservoir Canyon Open Space
Reservoir Canyon Trail is a 5.35-mile round-trip moderate to difficult hike through oak and eucalyptus groves, featuring waterways, a waterfall and a 360-degree view from the top. Leashed dogs are welcome. Mountain bikes are prohibited.
Stenner Springs Natural Reserve
Stenner Springs Natural Reserve trail system has seven different trails that total a little over 20 miles with varying levels of difficulty. The shortest trail, the Stenner Creek Trail to Elevator Trails, is a 2.9-mile moderately challenging loop. The longest trail complex, which includes the Morning Glory, Botanical, and Shooters Loop for hikers and mountain bikers, is a challenging 9.3-mile loop that takes over four hours to complete.
Bob Jones Trail
This is a 5-mile family-friendly paved loop connecting San Luis Obispo and Avila Beach. Start at Ontario Road and walk or bike along the San Luis Obispo Creek, through the Avila Golf Course, enjoying shade from sprawling oaks along the way.
