Hikes in California’s Central Coast
Below is a list of trails in the central coast region of California. These hikes are listed from west to east and north to south, but the table may also be sorted alphabetically or by distance to help you pick your next hike. Each trail links to its own report complete with photos, maps, directions, and all the other information needed to locate and enjoy these hikes.
Hiking the Los Padres:
The Los Padres National Forest is the major protective body of the coastal mountain ranges spanning across Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. The highest peak in the Los Padres, Mt Pino rises to 8,831 feet. Twenty miles to the south is the tallest waterfall, Rose Valley Falls.
Many of the trails in the region are free, but an adventure pass is required to access much of the approximately two million acre of land protected by Los Padres National Forest. A day pass can be purchased for $5 and an annual pass is only $30. The passes are valid at other National Forests in California as well. Passes may be purchased within the park, at various local retailers, and online.
| Trail | Description | Distance | Latitude, Longitude |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Partington Cove This out and back visits a tunnel-accessed cove and a secluded beach along the scenic Big Sur coast. | 1.5 miles 230 feet | 36.175267, -121.696075 |
 | McWay Falls This out and back hike looks out on a stunning Big Sur waterfall that pours 80 feet right on to the beach. | 0.6 miles | 36.15776, -121.672406 |
 | Jade Cove and Plaskett Rock Point This loop across ocean bluff visits a prominent peninsula and a small cove. | 1.5 miles 150 feet | 35.917096, -121.469079 |
 | Salmon Creek Falls This out and back visits a fine 120-foot waterfall near the start of Salmon Creek Trail. | 0.6 miles | 35.816032, -121.356699 |
 | Laguna Lake Park to Cerro San Luis Obispo This out and back summits one of the Nine Sisters just west of downtown San Luis Obispo. | 5.7 miles 1,150 feet | 35.282632, -120.680573 |
 | Gaviota Wind Caves This 2.5-mile hike just off the 101 visits wind-carved caves with great ocean views. | 2.5 miles 650 feet | 34.482657, -120.238502 |
 | Lizard’s Mouth This short out and back visits a unique rock formation with amazing views over Santa Barbara and the Pacific. | 0.5 miles | 34.502263, -119.867721 |
 | Tangerine Falls This out and back crosses a lush canyon to a beautiful waterfall on the edge of Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara. | 2.5 miles 900 feet | 34.46978, -119.65893 |
 | Sespe Creek to Willett Hot Springs This out and back follows Sespe Creek to a relaxing hot springs. | 19 miles | 34.5765, -119.050698 |
 | Rose Valley Falls This out and back trail leads to the lower tier of this two-tier 300 foot waterfall. From there one can scramble off trail to the much taller upper tier. | 1 - 3 miles | 34.528041, -119.180816 |
 | Wheeler Gorge This loop explores the creek and forest around this 70-site Campground. | 1 mile | 34.518444, -119.271208 |
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