Hikes in San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo, California is becoming known as the happiest place in America. The beautiful beaches, bustling downtown, and bountiful wineries are often credited with inspiring the mirth, but the great hiking trails must have something to do with it too.

Highlights of San Luis Obispo County

  • This 4.5-mile hike summits a 1,347-foot peak in Montaña de Oro State Park with panoramic coastal views.
  • This 3.5-mile hike summits the tallest of the Nine Sisters for excellent views over San Luis Obispo.
  • This easy hike explores tide pools, beaches, and impressive cliffs on the picturesque coast of Montaña de Oro State Park.
  • This gradual 4.5-mile lollipop loop in Harmony Headlands State Park crosses a coastal valley to reach picturesque ocean bluffs on the rugged coast between Cayucos and Cambria.
  • This 5.35-mile semi-loop bags a panoramic 2,624-foot summit in the Santa Lucia Mountains, along with a scenic ridge south of the peak.
  • This level 1 to 3.5-mile stroll starts from Cloisters Park and crosses Morro Strand State Beach to reach Morro Rock.
  • This tough 2.5-mile hike summits the highest mountain in Morro Bay State Park, a 911-foot member of the Nine Sisters.
  • This 6-mile hike in Montaña de Oro State Park ascends coastal ridges to a 1,076-foot summit with panoramic views that include a dynamic perspective of Morro Bay.
  • This 2.5-mile lollipop loop hike visits an architectural village designed by Cal Poly students at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains.
  • This 6-mile hike crosses a ridge in the Santa Lucia Mountains with panoramic views over San Luis Obispo and ascends to a grove of Sargent cypress in a botanical area in Los Padres National Forest.
  • This 1.5-mile hike visits the top of a cluster of hills near downtown San Luis Obispo, offering fine views over the city and surroundings.
  • This 0.5-mile hike descends to a natural rock bridge at the end of a headland east of Avila Beach.
  • This 2.85-mile hike crosses a boardwalk along a charming Cambria beach in Hearst San Simeon State Park.
  • This scenic 5-mile point-to-point hike connects Johnson Ranch Open Space with Irish Hills Natural Reserve.

San Luis Obispo is famous for the Nine Sisters, or Morros, a stunning string of volcanic peaks stretching from Morro Bay across San Luis Obispo. Five of the Nine Sisters have hiking trails: Black Hill, Cerro Cabrillo, Bishop Peak, Cerro San Luis, and Islay Hill (and you can take a walk up the beach to Morro Rock). Bishop Peak is the tallest of the Morros at 1,559 feet, and is a must-do hike for anyone in the region.

You will discover several other places to hike around San Luis Obispo, including Montaña de Oro State Park and Morro Bay State Park, two gems on the California coast.

San Luis Obispo County Hiking

These trails around San Luis Obispo, California are listed roughly from west to east and north to south. The table may also be sorted alphabetically or by distance to help you pick your next hike. Each hike links to its own report complete with photos, GPS maps, elevation profile, driving directions, and any other information needed to locate and enjoy these hikes. You can also view hikes around San Luis Obispo County on the Hike Finder Map.

Trail
Description
Distance
Location
Point Piedras Blancas075Piedras Blancas
This out and back hike ventures up the coast from the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery to Piedras Blancas Light Station.
3.2 - 4.2 miles
25 feet
35.664401,
-121.262713
Moonstone Beach Boardwalk085Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
This out and back hike crosses a boardwalk along a charming Cambria beach in Hearst San Simeon State Park.
2.85 miles
40 feet
35.569,
-121.105867
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Bluff Trail086Bluff Trail (in Fiscalini Ranch Preserve)
This easy stroll crosses beautiful undeveloped coastline at the center of Cambria.
1.85 - 1.9 miles
50 - 80 feet
35.55613,
-121.1024
Harmony Headlands Trail088Headlands Trail
This gradual lollipop loop in Harmony Headlands State Park crosses a coastal valley to reach picturesque ocean bluffs on the rugged coast between Cayucos and Cambria.
4.5 miles
135 feet
35.477783,
-120.992263
Cerro Alto090Cerro Alto
This semi-loop bags the 2,624-foot summit of Cerro Alto, plus a scenic ridge south of the peak.
5.35 miles
1,600 feet
35.424271,
-120.738988
Morro Rock095Morro Rock via Morro Strand Trail
This level stroll starts from Cloisters Park and crosses Morro Strand State Beach to reach Morro Rock.
1 - 3.5 miles
25 feet
35.38898,
-120.860108
Black Hill Trail098Black Hill
This out and back hike to the summit of one of the Nine Sisters reaches 360-degree views over Morro Bay.
0.6 miles
175 feet
35.358059,
-120.833378
Turtle Rock100Turtle Rock
This easy out and back hike reaches a short rise between Black Hill and Cerro Cabrillo in Morro Bay State Park.
2.1 miles
200 feet
35.34652,
-120.8252
Cerro Cabrillo115Cerro Cabrillo
This tough out and back hike summits the highest mountain in Morro Bay State Park, a 911-foot member of the Nine Sisters.
2.5 miles
900 feet
35.34652,
-120.8252
Portola Point120Portola Point
This loop explores a short hill in Morro Bay State Park just east of Morro Estuary with an easy-to-reach ocean overlook.
2 miles
315 feet
35.34652,
-120.8252
Crespi Trail Hike Morro Bay122Chumash & Crespi Trails Loop
This hike in Morro Bay State Park visits an oak grove and bay views by combining Chumash Trail, Crespi Trail, and Hutash Trail.
2.9 miles
420 feet
35.3315,
-120.81645
Eagle Rock Nature Trail125Eagle Rock Nature Trail
This loop in El Chorro Regional Park climbs to Eagle Rock Viewpoint for an overview of the valley between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay.
2.4 miles
450 feet
35.33567,
-120.727234
Elfin Forest130Elfin Forest Natural Reserve
This easy boardwalk loop explores a pygmy forest on the edge of Morro Bay.
1 mile
80 feet
35.331678,
-120.82539
Morro Dunes135Morro Dunes Ecological Reserve
This lollipop loop serves up panoramic views over Morro Bay as it climbs from Los Osos to Montaña de Oro State Park.
2.6 miles
800 feet
35.308454,
-120.843157
Los Osos Oaks140Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve
This short hikes explores a pygmy forest of coast live oaks, providing a shady level stroll on overlapping loops.
0.75 - 1.5 miles
25 feet
35.306274,
-120.813509
Hazard Canyon Reef145Hazard Canyon Reef
This short hike in Montaña de Oro State Park descends an oceanfront ravine to a rocky shoreline graced with engaging tide pools.
1 mile
100 feet
35.285512,
-120.881105
Hazard Peak via Bloody Nose Trail, Hiedra Trail, and Hazard Peak Trail145Hazard Peak via Bloody Nose Trail, Hiedra Trail, and Hazard Peak Trail
This hike rises through a eucalyptus grove and views of Morro Bay to a panoramic summit in Montaña de Oro State Park.
5.55 miles
950 feet
35.2854,
-120.8801
South Dune Trail – Bloody Nose Trail – Hiedra Trail – Hazard Peak Trail Loop148South Dune Trail – Bloody Nose Trail – Hiedra Trail – Hazard Peak Trail Loop
This four-trail loop through dunes and eucalyptus trees rises to lovely coastal views.
2.67 miles
310 feet
35.277106,
-120.884546
Hazard Peak150Hazard Peak Trail
This out and back hike in Montaña de Oro State Park ascends coastal ridges to a 1,076-foot summit with panoramic views that include a dynamic perspective of Morro Bay.
6 miles
950 feet
35.277106,
-120.884546
Hazard Peak Loop155Hazard Peak - Islay Creek Loop
This loop in Montaña de Oro State Park continues beyond Hazard Peak deeper into the Irish Hills before circling back to the coast on Islay Creek Trail.
9.2 miles
1,00 feet
35.277106,
-120.884546
Islay Creek160Islay Creek Trail
This easy out and back hike in Montaña de Oro State Park follows a wide trail up a coastal canyon flanked by thousand-foot peaks, passing a small waterfall to reach an abandoned barn.
6 miles
300 feet
35.276412,
-120.885504
Reservoir Flats Trail Montana de Oro164Reservoir Flats Trail
This loop delivers fine ocean and canyon views as it explores the bottom of Islay Creek Canyon in Montaña de Oro State Park.
2 miles
200 feet
35.273872,
-120.88553
Oats Peak Hike167Oats Peak
This out and back hike reaches a panoramic summit that looks down over Montaña de Oro State Park.
10.8 miles
1,325 feet
35.273872,
-120.88553
Valencia Peak170Valencia Peak
This out and back hike summits a 1,347-foot peak with panoramic views over Montaña de Oro State Park.
4.5 miles
1,275 feet
35.272858,
-120.888755
Bluff Trail180Bluff Trail (in Montaña de Oro State Park)
This out and back hike of around three miles tours tide pools, beaches, and impressive cliffs along a picturesque coastline.
1 - 5 miles
90 - 140 feet
35.2728,
-120.8887
Montaña de Oro Badger Trail182Rattlesnake Flats Trail – Badger Trail – Bluff Trail Loop
This loop offers a twist on the Bluff Trail, going along and just above the coast of Montaña de Oro State Park.
1.65 miles
150 feet
35.272858,
-120.888755
Coon Creek Trail188Coon Creek Trail
This out and back hike ventures up a coastal canyon at the south end of Montaña de Oro State Park.
5 miles
250 feet
35.257927,
-120.886988
Point Buchon190Point Buchon
This short scenic loop or longer out-and-back hike explores the beautiful coastline south of Montaña de Oro State Park.
1.33 - 6.8 miles
75 feet
35.257964,
-120.887483
East Cuesta Ridge192East Cuesta Ridge
This wide dirt road offers out and back hikes to the tops of Mount Lowe and Lopez Canyon Trail, offering ocean views over San Luis Obispo and inland views over an evergreen wilderness.
8.4 - 10.2 miles
1,015 - 1,075 feet
35.34995,
-120.63175
West Cuesta Ridge193Cuesta Ridge Botanical Area
This out and back hike crosses a ridge in the Santa Lucia Mountains with panoramic views over San Luis Obispo, ascending to a grove of Sargent cypress in a botanical area in Los Padres National Forest.
6 miles
950 feet
35.347125,
-120.63045
Stenner Creek Trail The Eucs195Stenner Creek Trail to the Eucs
This out and back hike goes up Stenner Creek Canyon past a small waterfall and views of Bishop Peak to a collection of freeride bike trails called the Eucs.
3.7 miles
650 feet
35.33016,
-120.6631
Stenner Creek Trail – Red Dog Trail – Poly Canyon Road Loop196Stenner Creek Trail – Red Dog Trail – Poly Canyon Road Loop
This loop goes beyond the Eucs atop Stenner Creek Trail to explore grass-covered slopes at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains.
4.25 miles
550 feet
35.33016,
-120.6631
Cal Poly Design Village200Poly Canyon Design Village
This lollipop loop hike visits an architectural village designed by Cal Poly students at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains.
2.5 miles
300 feet
35.30445,
-120.65845
Felsman Loop Trail208Felsman Loop Trail
This loop crosses oak, sagebrush, and grass-covered slopes around the base of Bishop Peak, providing excellent views of that notable rocky summit and its San Luis Obispo surroundings.
2.7 miles
525 feet
35.30433,
-120.685438
Bishop Peak210Bishop Peak
This out and back hike summits the tallest of the Nine Sisters for excellent views over San Luis Obispo.
3.5 miles
950 feet
35.30433,
-120.685438
Reservoir Canyon220Reservoir Canyon Trail
This steep hike passes a waterfall and a collection of junk sculptures en route to a treeless summit overlooking San Luis Obispo.
5.35 miles
1,350 feet
35.29097,
-120.6280
Summit Trail Bell Tower Hike221Reservoir Canyon Summit Trail
This hike ascends to a point on the northwest end of the ridge above Reservoir Canyon, presenting panoramic views over San Luis Obispo from the base of an old tower with a bell that can be rung with a thrown pebble.
4.1 miles
1,175 feet
35.29097,
-120.6280
Reservoir Canyon Summit Loop222Reservoir Canyon Trail - Summit Trail Loop
This loop ventures up Reservoir Canyon Trail to the summit viewpoint, crosses Ridge Trail to the bell tower, and descends Summit Trail back into Reservoir Canyon.
5.6 miles
1,350 feet
35.29097,
-120.6280
Reservoir Canyon Creek Bypass Trail Loop224Creek Bypass Trail Loop
This short hike connects Summit Trail and Reservoir Canyon Trail with a short trail offering broad canyon views.
1 mile
150 feet
35.29097,
-120.6280
Rinconada Trail225Rinconada Trail & Bell Mountain
This hike near Santa Margarita ascends past an old mercury mine and bucolic views to a grassy saddle with a sweeping perspective over the Santa Lucia Mountains. Extend the outing to a nearby summit for even grander vistas.
3 - 3.25 miles
625 - 865 feet
35.28995,
-120.47485
Lemon Grove Trail230Lemon Grove Loop Trail
This easy loop visits a historic lemon grove on the eastern slopes of Cerro San Luis.
2.2 miles
300 feet
35.2749,
-120.67237
M & Lemon Grove Trail235Lemon Grove & "M" Trails Loop
This outing uses all of the "M" Trail and part of Lemon Grove Loop Trail for a scenic circuit on the east side of Cerro San Luis.
2.4 miles
560 feet
35.2749,
-120.67237
Cerro San Luis240Cerro San Luis
This hike summits one of the Nine Sisters just west of downtown San Luis Obispo.
4 - 5 miles
1,100 feet
35.2749,
-120.67237
M Trail on Cerro San Luis250"M" Trail
This spur off the trail up Cerro San Luis leads to a large white "M" installed halfway up the east side of the mountain.
1.9 miles
560 feet
35.274897,
-120.672369
Cerro San Luis Laguna Lake255Cerro San Luis from Laguna Lake Park
This out and back hike summits one of the Nine Sisters just west of downtown San Luis Obispo.
5.7 miles
1,150 feet
35.26521,
-120.68274
Murray Hill260Sydney Street Trail to Murray Hill (Unnamed Hill)
This out and back hike climbs a steep rugged trail to a stone seating area at a panoramic summit.
2.8 miles
1,275 feet
35.27307,
-120.641322
Terrace Hill Open Space267Terrace Hill
This hike tours a flattened mountaintop in the city of San Luis Obispo that hosts panoramic views of the surroundings.
0.55 miles
110 feet
35.2725,
-120.64886
South Hills270South Hills Ridge Trail
This out and back hike visits the top of a cluster of hills near downtown San Luis Obispo, offering fine views over the city and surroundings.
1.5 miles
425 feet
35.2666,
-120.66434
Morro View280Morro View in the Irish Hills
This out and back hike in Irish Hills Natural Reserve delivers panoramic views over Los Osos Valley and the full chain of Morros.
3.15 miles
850 feet
35.262195,
-120.71195
Froom Creek290Froom Creek Trail Loop in the Irish Hills
This loop explores a canyon on the east side of the Irish Hills before ascending to a nice view over Laguna Lake, Cerro San Luis, and Bishop Peak.
3 miles
500 feet
35.25431,
-120.69525
Old Prospector Trail295Old Prospector Trail Loop in the Irish Hills
This lollipop loop hike ventures up a rugged ravine off Froom Canyon to the ruins of an old mine.
3.4 - 4.4 miles
650 feet
35.25431,
-120.69525
Islay Hill300Islay Hill
This out and back hike summits San Luis Obispo's easternmost Morro.
1.8 miles
550 feet
35.243296,
-120.62713
Johnson Ranch Irish Hills San Luis Obispo308Johnson Ranch - Irish Hills Connector Trail
This scenic point-to-point hike connects Johnson Ranch Open Space with Irish Hills Natural Reserve.
5 - 10 miles
575 feet
35.223448,
-120.693313
Johnson Ranch310Johnson Ranch Loop
This loop explores rolling hills in a grassy open space just south of San Luis Obispo.
2.5 - 3.7 miles
200 feet
35.223448,
-120.693313
Hi Mountain Trail315Hi Mountain Trail
This short trail goes through many phases as it explores the Santa Lucia Mountains east of Arroyo Grande and combines with part of Hi Mountain Road to form a loop.
3.25 miles
575 feet
35.2075,
-120.38237
Bob Jones Trail320Bob Jones Bike Trail
This easy round trip hike or ride follows San Luis Obispo Creek to Avila Beach.
5 miles
50 feet
35.185651,
-120.703016
Sycamore Crest Trail330Sycamore Crest Trail
This out and back hike ascends the north slope of Ontario Hill to a scenic ocean view perch.
1.75 - 3.25 miles
575 feet
35.186,
-120.7146
Shell Beach Bluff Trail340Shell Beach Bluff Trail - Ontario Ridge Trail
This loop explores the coast between Shell Beach and Avila Beach, on and below a 700-foot ridge.
2.8 miles
675 feet
35.1758,
-120.7192
Cave Landing350Cave Landing
This short out and back hike descends to a natural rock bridge at the end of a headland east of Avila Beach.
0.5 miles
100 feet
35.1758,
-120.7192
Point San Luis Lighthouse355Point San Luis Lighthouse via Pecho Coast Trail
This docent-led hike crosses scenic coastal bluffs to reach the historic lighthouse on Point San Luis.
3.5 miles
300 feet
35.174146,
-120.756013
Oso Flaco Lake Trail380Oso Flaco Lake Trail
This hike takes a boardwalk over a coastal lake and across sand dunes to an out-of-the-way beach.
2 miles or more
25 feet
35.0288,
-120.6171

San Luis Obispo County Camping

San Luis Obispo also has places to cam, including this pair of developed campground.

San Luis Obispo hikesCerro Alto Campground
This cozy 22-site campground is the starting point the hike to Cerro Alto and a perfect place to tent camp in the Los Padres National Forest between Morro Bay and Atascadero.
San Luis Obispo hikesIslay Creek Campground
This 50-site campground is located at the heart of Montaña de Oro State Park in Islay Creek Canyon near the coast and several park trails.

 

View Central Coast trails and campgrounds in a larger map
Or explore hikes around San Luis Obispo County on the Hike Finder Map
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M Trail Loop Lemon Grove Loop Trail Hike Cerro San Luis Madonna Mountain Hike to the M San Luis Obispo California
The mountain named Cerro San Luis is one of the top places to hike in San Luis Obispo, and its trailhead is actually in walking distance from downtown SLO. If you're drawn to the large white “M” on the side of the mountain, you're in luck! Not only is the “M” reachable as an extension of the hike to the summit, but thanks to trail created in 2017, hikers can touch... Read more.
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Tagged with · Free Trails · Morros
Distance: 2.4 miles · Elevation change: 560 feet
By: Published: Last updated: March 19, 2021
Reservoir Canyon Creek Bypass Trail loop hike San Luis Obispo California
During the late teens of the 22nd century, San Luis Obispo has developed Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve into a versatile hiking destination, with upgraded trails and features. Reservoir Canyon Trail and Summit Trail deliver great half-day hikes. However, a shorter option exists that packs Reservoir Canyon into a one-mile experience with 150 feet of elevation change. Use Creek Bypass... Read more.
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Tagged with · Free Trails · Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve · Waterfalls
Distance: 1 mile · Elevation change: 150 feet
By: Published: Last updated: February 12, 2019
Reservoir Canyon Trail Summit Trail Loop San Luis Obispo Hike Bowden Ranch Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve
If you've hiked up the hill east of downtown San Luis Obispo on Reservoir Canyon Trail or Summit Trail, you've probably pondered the prospect of connecting the two hikes in order to spend more time enjoying grand views over San Luis Obispo County. Follow Reservoir Canyon Trail up to a stone bench viewpoint, cross Ridge Trail to an old tower housing a bell, and descend Summit Trail to... Read more.
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Tagged with · Free Trails · Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve · Summits
Distance: 5.6 miles · Elevation change: 1350 feet
By: Published: Last updated: February 13, 2019
Reservoir Canyon Summit Trail San Luis Obispo Hike to High School Hill Tower Bowden Ranch Open Space
You'll give a ringing endorsement to this San Luis Obispo hike! Reservoir Canyon's Summit Trail ascends to sweeping panoramas over San Luis Obispo and an old tower with a bell that you can ring with a pebble. The hike from Reservoir Canyon to the High School Hill Tower is 4.1 miles round trip with 1,175 feet of elevation change. Expand your horizons from there by following Ridge Trail up to... Read more.
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Tagged with · Free Trails · Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve · Summits
Distance: 4.1 miles · Elevation change: 1175 feet
By: Published: Last updated: February 13, 2019
Hazard Peak Bloody Nose Trail Hiedra Trail Hazard Peak Trail Hike Montaña de Oro State Park Hike California
The panoramic summit of Hazard Peak in Montaña de Oro State Park has excellent coastal views. Hazard Peak Trail is the most obvious route to the top and a great choice, rising to the 1,076-foot summit over 3 miles. A junction partway up Hazard Peak Trail makes it possible to add a couple other trails to the approach. Bloody Nose Trail and Hiedra Trail are a combined 0.85 miles long,... Read more.
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Tagged with · California State Parks · Free Trails · Irish Hills · Los Osos · Ocean Views · Montaña de Oro State Park
Distance: 5.55 miles · Elevation change: 950 feet
By: Published: Last updated: May 20, 2017