Hikes on California’s Central Coast

The Central Coast possesses some of the most scenic hiking in California, especially for those who enjoy ocean views. Numerous small parks protect the area's green spaces and many are free to the public. Highlights of California's Central Coast [wp_ad_wide_page] Hiking California's Central Coast Los Padres National Forest is the major protective body on the Central Coast, preserving mountain ranges that span across Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. ... Read more.
Latest reports on the Central Coast (page 17)
Central Coast

Johnson Ranch Open Space
in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo | Trails
Trail Rating:
Johnson Ranch Open Space in San Luis Obispo
Johnson Ranch Open Space preserves 242 acres of old ranch land just south of San Luis Obispo. The 3.7-mile Johnson Ranch Loop explores the municipal open space, which is dominated by rolling grassy hills accented by serpentine rocks. A shortcut can be used to trim the hike to 2.5 miles. There is 200 feet of total elevation between the high and low points of the hike, a distance that is repeated several times over the meandering loop. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Free Trails
Distance: 3.7 miles · Elevation change: 200 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: April 25, 2012 Last updated: December 5, 2025
Central Coast

Dune Trail to Hazard Canyon Reef
in Montaña de Oro State Park

San Luis Obispo | Trails
Trail Rating:
Dune Trail to Hazard Canyon Reef in Montaña de Oro State Park
For a quick one-mile jaunt in Montaña de Oro State Park, hike down Dune Trail to Hazard Canyon Reef. At the bottom of this oceanfront ravine is a rocky shoreline graced with engaging tide pools. Explore up or down the coast to extend your stay, or settle in for a picnic on the sandy beach. The postcard views of Morro Rock are a good reason to stick around. ...Read more.
Tagged with · California State Parks · Free Trails · Los Osos · Ocean Views · Tide Pools · Montaña de Oro State Park
Distance: 1 mile · Elevation change: 100 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: April 24, 2012 Last updated: April 8, 2026
Central Coast

Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve
in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo | Trails
Trail Rating:
Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve in San Luis Obispo
The 90-acre Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve protects a pocket of 800-year-old oaks near San Luis Obispo, California. Los Osos Creek Trail, Chumash Trail, and Oak View Trail loop through the park presenting easy hikes between 0.75 and 1.5 miles. The trails pass beneath (and sometimes between) the gangly branches of pygmy oaks, offering quiet hikes through a shady grove. ...Read more.
Tagged with · California State Parks · Free Trails · Los Osos
Distance: 1.5 miles · Elevation change: 25 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: April 23, 2012 Last updated: April 9, 2026
Central Coast

Morro Dunes Ecological Reserve
in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo | Trails
Trail Rating:
Morro Dunes Ecological Reserve in San Luis Obispo
The community of Los Osos on the San Luis Obispo County coast is buffered on the south side by an ecological reserve. A 2.6-mile hike through Morro Dunes Ecological Reserve (also called Bayview Ecological Reserve) ascends 800 feet, briefly entering Montaña de Oro State Park at the trail's highest point. The loop travels over ancient sand dunes that became grown over by grasses and brush. ...Read more.
Tagged with · California State Parks · Free Trails · Los Osos · Morro Bay · Ocean Views · Sand Dunes · Montaña de Oro State Park
Distance: 2.6 miles · Elevation change: 800 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: February 27, 2012 Last updated: April 9, 2026
Central Coast

Elfin Forest Natural Preserve
in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo | Trails
Trail Rating:
Elfin Forest Natural Preserve in San Luis Obispo
Elfin Forest Natural Preserve (also know as Los Osos Elfin Forest and El Moro Elfin Forest Natural Area) lies between the communities of Morro Bay and Los Osos on the coast of San Luis Obispo County. A mile of boardwalk circles the 90-acre preserve, providing opportunities to gaze across Morro Bay and admire nearby peaks in Morro Bay State Park. There is a thin 80 feet of elevation gain along the loop, making it suitable for strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs. ...Read more.
Tagged with · California State Parks · Free Trails · Los Osos · Morro Bay · Morro Bay State Park · Nature Trails · Ocean Views · Stroller-Friendly · Wheelchair-Friendly
Distance: 1 mile · Elevation change: 80 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: February 23, 2012 Last updated: April 8, 2026
← Older Entries Newer Entries →