There's a reason people like hiking to high places in San Luis Obispo. This Central Coast adventureland is surrounded by ancient volcanoes, rolling green hills, and a dramatic coastline. Toss in some tree swings, and see SLO from new heights on any of these three hikes.
Sister Act
Nine sisters makes a big family, and it's even better when they're all good looking! San Luis Obispo is surrounded by nine ancient volcanoes known as morros, and affectionately called the Nine Sisters. For one of the best views of this family portrait, go on a challenging 5-mile (round-trip) hike in Reservoir Canyon, with an added benefit of a tree swing break. The trailhead is marked by a fire road gate. Hike next to a creek for about a mile before reaching the tree swing, hanging from a large eucalyptus tree nestled between the green hills. After passing several mysterious abandoned metal teepee and fort structures, the final section to the summit is tough, but the reward is worth it. Views span from Islay Hill, the southernmost of the Nine Sisters, to Cerro San Luis and Bishop's Peak, the tallest of the morros. Cuesta Ridge, separating San Luis Obispo from the east, stretches in the distance. Keep left and continue up the trail for less than a quarter of a mile; you'll come to a circular stone bench built into the ground, offering shelter from wind, and more great views.
BONUS: Post-hike, refuel in downtown SLO at the popular Firestone Grill. Their outdoor patio is lively and their tri-tip is world-famous (on the Central Coast!).
From 101 N take the second exit past Monterey St. (last exit in San Luis Obispo) at Reservoir Canyon Road. Drive under half of a mile to the end of the road (cars will be parallel parked on this road on a weekend). The trail is marked by a gated fire road. The Reservoir Canyon hill goes by several names, including Murray Hill, High School Hill, and Lookout Hill. Dog-friendly!
Activity: Hike ,Dog-friendly
Region: Points Beyond
Swinging Single
San Luis Obispo's "serenity swing" earns honors for living up to its name and meeting high expectations! The swing hangs from a large, lone oak tree secluded on top of a hill high above Poly Canyon. Reaching it requires hiking up to one of the most (yes) serene settings on the Central Coast. The 3.8-mile (round-trip) route is found behind the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus. The trail begins on a shaded creekside fire road before opening up to Poly Canyon, where a ribbon-like fire road rises through bright green hills dotted with oak trees, and cows. The final push to the summit involves steeper singletrack and a very steep final half-mile. From serenity swing you can see out towards Cuesta Ridge to the east, towering Bishop's Peak to the south, and even famous Morro Rock—emerging from the ocean. It's rare to stumble across others at the swing, so you'll most likely be able to enjoy it all to yourself. Even on hot days, the canyon breeze keeps things as cool as the views.
TIP: En route you can make a detour to visit the Poly Canyon Design Village (aka Architecture Graveyard) located on a grassy hillside and featuring geodesic domes and experimental structures by architecture students.
Exit Hwy. 101 at Grand Ave. and head north to the Cal Poly campus entrance. Park for free on weekends. The hike starts at the Poly Canyon fire road at the corner of Village Dr. and Poly Canyon Rd. From the start of the Poly Canyon fire road take the trail about 0.8 mile before seeing the entrance to Poly Canyon Design Village. Veer up to the right and proceed through three marked Cal Poly gates on the fire road before turning left up a steeper singletrack. At around 1.3 miles you'll reach an intersection with a gate on your left and trail to the right, but continue going straight up the very steep final half-mile before reaching the peak and oak tree. Return the way you came. Dog-friendly!
Activity: Hike ,Dog-friendly
Region: Points Beyond
That's A-Morro!
Most swing sets are found in a playground, but this set of swings is found in a grove of large eucalyptus trees overlooking one of San Luis Obispo's iconic formations: Morro Rock, the northernmost of the ancient volcanoes dubbed Nine Sisters and the only one that emerges from the ocean. Head out for a 2.5-mile (round-trip) hike featuring the swings and continuing on to Broderson Peak Trail for a premier vantage of Morro Bay. The trail starts in Los Osos and travels through Baywood Ecological Reserve up towards Broderson Peak. Hike for about a quarter of a mile before reaching the tree swings tucked in the grove. The view from the swings looks out over the long sand-spit that separates Morro Bay from the Pacific and offers a fantastic vantage of Morro Rock rising from the sea. Continue along the sandy singletrack for about half a mile before turning right up the hill that takes you to Broderson Peak. Hike up through sand dunes and across a brief section of Monterey shale rock. Along the way you'll pass more eucalyptus groves and views of Black Hill, Cabrillo Peak, and Hollister Peak, all part of the Nine Sisters chain. At the top there are two benches: one looking out over Morro Rock and the other facing the ocean and the back side of Montaña de Oro State Park. Two cool!
TIP: Nearby Montaña de Oro State Park gets spectacular golden wildflowers in spring, but it's also the Pacific-hugging bluffs and utterly pristine coastline that make this place a standout. Find solitude, secluded sands, wild waves, and tranquil tide pools on the 4-mile (out-and-back) Bluff Trail.
From Hwy. 101, take Los Osos Valley Rd. west until it becomes Pecho Valley Rd. in Los Osos. Continue on Pecho Valley Rd. and take the second left, onto Rodman Dr. Drive up the hill and park at the end of the street. The trail begins after a “Dead End” sign and gate. The trail meets up with what is known as Broderson Peak Trail (coming up from Los Osos). The trail you'll take is unnamed; however, it is a clearly defined singletrack trail that is well maintained and easy to follow. Dog-friendly!
Activity: Hike ,Dog-friendly
Region: Points Beyond
Spring for the Central Coast!
Five minutes to the mountains, 10 minutes to the beach, 15 minutes to wine tasting. California's best base camp for spring adventures is San Luis Obispo (SLO). Consistently named a Top 10 destination, SLO is surrounded by ancient volcanoes, miles of soft-sand beaches, beautiful wine country, and a lively downtown. Go on a hike or mountain bike ride in the Irish Hills, where wildflowers are popping up along hiking trails that overlook famous morros (aka ancient volcanic formations). Check out more hiking and biking options, including many that are just minutes from downtown SLO. Spend the day at Avila Beach, where you can swim in the ocean, go on a sunset kayak, or stroll the piers. Just 15 minutes from SLO takes you to Edna Valley wine country, where bike-friendly roads lead to down-to-earth tasting rooms with relaxing picnic spots among rolling vineyards. In April, SLOWine hosts events throughout Edna Valley. At night, San Luis Obispo's downtown is an ideal place to unwind SLO-style. Creekside bistros meet seasonal bounty as chefs prepare fresh-picked produce just hours before it's on your plate. And special events are always happening in SLO, from Thursday nights' famous Farmers' Market to Ranger Led Explorations, Barrels in the Plaza, and the upcoming San Luis Obispo Marathon + Half (a Boston qualifier!).
STAY & SAVE IN SLO: Check out some of the current great deals and packages from downtown boutique hotels to family- and pet-friendly hotels.