5 trails match your filters.
Falcon via Blinn Ranch Loop
StrenuousSanta Margarita Lake Recreation Area · Blinn Ranch backcountry access, Santa Margarita
15.4 mi2,424 ft gainLoopBest: Oct–Apr
Hikers say
…it's a strenuous backcountry loop combining the exposed Blinn Ranch fire road with the Falcon Trail, with great lake views in the interior — more demanding than the standalone Blinn or Grey Pine routes and less frequently recommended as a first-time Santa Margarita hike.
Remote lakeshore, solitude, true backcountry experience.
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Bikes
- Allowed
- Parking
- Remote trailhead; verify conditions before going
- Hazards
- Long exposed route; avoid summer heat
Morning Glory Botanical and Shooters Loop
StrenuousWest Cuesta Ridge · TV Tower Road parking area, off Hwy 1 N of SLO
9.5 mi2,020 ft gainLoopBest: May–Jun, Sep–Oct
Hikers say
…this rocky singletrack descent from the TV tower road is one of the best trails on West Cuesta Ridge — chunky and technical with creek crossings, an always-stay-left navigation rule, and a grueling climb back up Shooters that rewards with ridge views of eight of the Nine Sisters.
Toughest near-town ridge loop, varied singletrack, wildflowers.
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Bikes
- Not allowed
- Parking
- Informal ridge parking off TV Tower Rd
- Hazards
- Remote; rough tread; fire season closures
Poly Canyon / Cuesta Ridge Road Loop
StrenuousPoly Canyon / West Cuesta · Poly Canyon Rd gate, Cal Poly, SLO
9 mi1,800 ft gainLoopBest: Oct–May
Hikers say
…Poly Canyon Road is deceptively easy for the first 1.5 miles past the Architecture Graveyard before hitting three steep pitches to the ridgeline — mud after rain makes the road terrible, and the upper section tops out just below the railroad tracks with limited but genuine views of SLO and Morro Bay.
Cal Poly canyons, Cuesta Ridge panorama, Santa Lucia views.
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Bikes
- Allowed
- Parking
- Cal Poly Lot P (fee weekdays)
- Hazards
- Long exposed ridge; limited water; rattlesnakes
Turkey Ridge Trail
StrenuousLopez Lake Recreation Area · Lopez Lake, Arroyo Grande
5.5 mi1,100 ft gainLoopBest: Oct–May
Hikers say
…the technical switchbacks and classic Lopez Lake singletrack style make the full loop 13 miles of pure variety — one of the more serious hiking challenges available in the SLO county lake system.
Ridge panorama, lake views, chaparral, wildlife watching.
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Bikes
- Not allowed
- Parking
- Lopez Lake day-use lot; $10 county fee
- Hazards
- Steep sustained climbs; rattlesnakes; hot and exposed in summer
West Cuesta Ridge Trail
StrenuousLos Padres National Forest · TV Tower Rd gate, off Hwy 1 N of SLO
6 mi1,400 ft gainOut-and-backBest: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov
Hikers say
…panoramic views of all eight of the Nine Sisters appear within the first half-mile, with Sargent cypress in the botanical area at 3 miles being the surprise highlight — strong winds on the exposed ridge are a consistent complaint, but it's the best vantage point for the full Morros chain accessible near SLO.
Sargent cypress botanical area, panoramic SLO views, rare serpentine flora.
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Bikes
- Allowed
- Parking
- Pullout at TV Tower Rd gate; free; limited space
- Hazards
- Remote; minimal shade; fire road closures possible; rattlesnakes
hidden gem