Hikes on California’s Central Coast

Islay Hill stands at the eastern end of the chain of volcanic plugs running across San Luis Obispo. If Bishop Peak is the most iconic Morro, than Islay Hill is about the easiest to hike (with the exception of Black Hill). The dome-shaped 776-foot summit is more mound than mountain, but you will find 550 feet of elevation gain on the 1.8-mile round trip hike to the top. ...Read more.

On the east side of the Irish Hills, there is a canyon with a surprisingly southwestern feel. Though surrounded by traditional coastal chaparral, the trail follows an old road up a canyon akin to the old mining roads converted into hiking trails found in the California desert. Above the canyon, there are broad views of San Luis Obispo's most prominent Morros, Bishop Peak and Cerro San Luis. ...Read more.

An expansive network of trails explore the thousand-foot ridges that make up the Irish Hills southwest of San Luis Obispo. While the regions notable chain of volcanic peaks gather greater attention from hikers, you can actually get a great view of the Morros from the Irish Hills, with smaller crowds. From Prefumo Canyon, one of the two main trailheads in the Irish Hills Natural Reserve, take Mariposa Trail to Morro View, a landing on the hillside where you can gaze seaward to the westernmost Morro, Morro Rock in Morro Bay. ...Read more.

From a less heralded summit in the Santa Lucia Foothills northeast of San Luis Obispo, you will find triumphant views of the peaks and valleys surrounding this gem on the Central Coast. The hike from Reservoir Canyon to this 1,715-foot crown is not for the meek. The 5.35-mile round trip hike ascends 1,350 feet, and over 800 of those feet come in the final grueling mile. ...Read more.

In the mountains above Santa Barbara, a plot of privately owned land surrounded by the Los Padres National Forest. On that land stand the remains of a palatial estate that burned down seventy years ago, the so-called Knapp's Castle. To the ruins and back is a 0.8-mile round trip hike with 50 feet of elevation change. The majestic views from this unique spot far exceed the effort. ...Read more.