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    Bob Jones Trail

    4.8 (133 reviews)

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    Bob Jones Trail: Walk or bike,  nice little trail!
    Lorri D.

    Nice easy paved trail. We have ridden our bikes and there is plenty of room to pass walkers and families. Trail is nicely maintained and clean. Plenty of things to do around the trail area, so be sure and take some time to shop around Avila Beach or cool off by the ocean.

    Bob jones bike trail
    Julio G.

    Did the Bob Jones Bike Trail and it was a really nice, easy ride. There were a few people walking but nothing crowded. We started around noon from Sycamore Mineral Springs Spa and Resort and made it to Avila Beach in about 20-25 minutes, going slow just to enjoy the ride. Weather was good and the trail felt safe since you're not riding next to cars like on a regular road. Definitely recommend it if you're in town. Only reason that I don't give it a 5 is because I've done bike trails in Lake Tahoe and some of those are nicer.

    Bob Jones Trail
    Emily G.

    Great trail if you are looking for something easy with kids! The trail is paved so you can also bring or rent bikes. You'll walk right past the Avila Golf Course and straight to the beach! I highly recommend if you're looking for something easier than the other local hikes

    Michelle F.

    Drive slow, or you will miss the entrace and parking lot. We turned around and parked in the gravel lot. Their is a big sign notify you of trail parking. Parking is free. Easy trail, flat paved road and beautiful scenery. High recommend.

    Cheryl R.

    Beautiful trail within walking distance of Avila Beach. We enjoyed the open green space, estuary with numerous birds, pedestrian bridges. We witnessed a majestic eagle perched on a tree. Watch out for bikes!

    Erica G.

    I'm an avid walker and everywhere I go on vacation ... I have to fit in a walk /hike! This trail was nice!! A bit Over 5 miles! Great walk to stretch my legs after a 2.5 hour drive from SoCal! They even have a little trailer where you can buy a drink.

    Trail to the beach
    David R.

    So for me when I read a review what I really want to know is if the person writing the review will actually go back and do business at this particular location again. Really that's all that matters right? It's either yes I can't wait to come back or no this place is not for me so what's my answer? The answer is ABSOLUTELY YES!! Awesome trail from the city to the beach. If you plan on visiting Avila Beach I would recommend that you consider a nice walk to the beach.

    Creek
    Anna A.

    We stopped to ride our E-Bikes along the Bob Jones Trail on our way to Paso Robles & what a surprise it was!!! The paved, tree-lined trail is absolutely breath taking and so enjoyable to ride!! This trail takes you along the San Luis Obispo Creek and also through a beautiful golf course!! We rode to Avila Beach, stopping at Pier Front for a beer & an appetizer (delicious)!! On our ride back we stopped at The Secret Garden (nestled away within the trail)... what a fun place to relax, eat a little something & play a game of corn hole!! Its a really cool spot to check out!!! HIGHLY recommend this trail if you're visiting or passing thru!!!

    Sara B.

    We walked the trail for only a few miles. We didn't make it all the way to Avila beach because the trail which was shady at first, seemed to have more spots of pure sun once we got to the golf course. We were able to see the Steelhead trout in the stream so that was nice to see. I also could not help but laugh that there was the Sycamore Spa's Secret garden as a pit stop where you could buy alcohol during your walk/bike ride. I think I actually would have enjoyed this trail more on bike. So if you are thinking of giving it a go, I would recommend bikes.

    A beautiful mangly tree
    Sanaz S.

    This is a fantastic trail if you are looking for an easy paved walk. I learned about Bob Jones from the signs on the trail. He sounds like a pretty terrific man, anybody that's an environmental pioneer gets a thumbs up in my book. There's so much lush foliage to see as you are walking on this trail, and there are streams and creeks that run along side it as well. It's really just so beautiful. You can take this from the city to the sea, as the sign says. Or you can take it to other trails, which is what I did. I took it to the Sycamore crest Trail which gives you fantastic views of Avila Beach and Avila Valley. The only downside of this is that it is heavily trafficked with people, cyclists, strollers, etc. unless if you get there early enough. But obviously it's going to be heavily trafficked as it really is a terrific walking trail. I'd recommend going mid week, early in the morning.

    Bob jones trail
    Cassy S.

    We love Bob Jones Trail. We try to walk it a couple times a month. It's usually busy with bikes, electric bikes, walkers, and runners. It's a great flat surface. Once you past the neighborhood, it opens up to a much larger road where there is plenty of space for everyone. Sometimes it gets a little tight in areas. You also need to pay attention and listen for bikers. Not all of the riders let you know they are behind you and ready to pass. Overall, this is one of the best trails around. It's definitely family friendly. It has a playground halfway. The trail leads to Avila beach and you can't beat the weather.

    California Kingsnake
    Sean B.

    I enjoy frequenting this trail once or twice a month. Most people are courteous of others. Lots of bikes, scooters, and skaters along the trail. Haven't had a negative experience to date.

    Native vines
    Barbara H.

    Great place. The trails are very easy and well marked. This is a wonderful place to observe birds, animals and plants. My Merlin app identified several interesting and unique birds there

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    3 years ago

    Great bike path! Took our two bikes with our son in his child seat and had a blast all the way to the beach and back.

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    Fantastic Trail for conventional bike riding, walking, or electric bike riding. An alternative to pedaling down the busy streets.

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Bob Jones Trail

    What is the name of the hideaway bar on the trail,?

    I believe it's The Secret Garden

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    Review Highlights - Bob Jones Trail

    I took it to the Sycamore crest Trail which gives you fantastic views of Avila Beach and Avila Valley.

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    Big Falls Trail

    Big Falls Trail

    5.0
    (2 reviews)
    11.9 mi

    As of Oct 17, 2020 this place is still temporarily closed due to the El Dorado fire…read more The road leading to the trailhead may close seasonally. Please DO NOT park in undesignated spots as you are likely to get towed. Adventure Pass or National Parks Pass is required for entry. Due to many search and rescue situations in the past, hikers may not venture past the waterfall at the end of this route. There is a large parking lot at the trailhead with BOTH free and PAID parking. The gravel lot to the left is free. The lined spots require a day pass which you can purchase at the general store a few miles down the road. Making it to the very top requires a little scrambling and rock climbing, but its doable. So many places to relax and enjoy nature. Overnight camping is no longer allowed, but if you want to hang out for the day and set up a little picnic there are spots and bathrooms. Upper Big Falls is currently closed until 5/21/21 due to public safety. The closure is from the observation deck up to the waterfalls itself. Do not hike or climb past the observation deck. Forest Adventure Pass Daily Pass--Costs: $5 per dayForest Adventure Pass Annual Pass--Costs: $30 Annually Forest headquarters 602 So. Tippecanoe Ave San Bernardino Ca 92408 Tel no (909) 382 2682 (800)735 2922

    We decided to come here for a hike, we drove like 50 minutes from AG. The rode goes up a mountain…read morethen descents towards a series of creek passings (about 18). Luckily we took a pick up truck because the creek water level in some of them were about 3ft deep. No 4x4 is needed but definitely helps, car height is more important. When we actually got to the end of the road we went on a hike crossing a couple more creeks. When just about made it to the falls it was tough to get down if your a inexperienced hiker or kid. You have to climb down with a rope, pretty sketchy.. We just decide to hang out at one of the creeks we crossed by foot, very tranquil.

    Photos
    Big Falls Trail
    Entrance
    Entrance
    Big Falls Trail

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    Poly Canyon Trail

    Poly Canyon Trail

    4.6
    (15 reviews)
    9.6 mi

    Visiting SLO and my wife heard about this trail. I checked online on how to access...unfortunately…read morethe article was from 5 years ago and seemed to be outdated. Make sure you have plenty of time as there is quite a bit to see. We had a little over an hour and weren't able to see everything. We parked at the parking village drive parking garage, which was $10. There are 2 trails that head to the entrance arch shown in the picture..the first we ran across connected to the living quarters as was a narrow trail in the grass leading to the woods. This is a tad more challenging as the other trail is a gravel road with a slight incline and this route is a small path through the woods ( incline, decline, over branches and roots, etc). After about 14 mins it connects the gravel travel. To access from the gravel trail start from the parking garage opposite of the parking garage entrance there is a sidewalk path leading to a bridge, cross the bridge and you'll be on your way. Immediately, we saw some horses wandering around and crossing us on the trail. They were calm and a pleasant surprise. I won't post much of our photos, but there are lots of interesting structures that gave me a burning man feel. Lots of graffiti too, not sure if that is welcome or just vandalism. This was a nice change of pace trail and I would recommend.

    If you've heard of the Architecture Graveyard, this is the way to get there! Other reviews have…read moregood directions but I highly recommend going on a weekend so you don't have to worry about finding parking. There's also a parking garage that isn't too far, in addition to the nearby staff lots. Trail is a fire road, and occasionally there are cars/trucks on it, so stay aware. You'll eventually come to a route to your right with a bridge for a hidden trail, but keep going to the left to get to the graveyard - plan to spend an hour or two if you really want to wander around and see all the structures. The trail itself is shady, but several of the projects are out in the open - take sunblock and water, and use common sense. For better or worse, most of the architecture displays are run-down, broken, and/or vandalized with graffiti - it lends a cool dystopian vibe to the area but it's a shame that the university let them get so damaged. Still cool to explore, though, stop by to take a look and get in some steps on a nice day!

    Photos
    Trail to the entrance
    Trail to the entrance
    Horses on the trail
    Horses on the trail
    Poly Canyon Trail

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    Sycamore Crest Trail

    Sycamore Crest Trail

    4.4
    (16 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    I hiked Sycamore Crest Trail in late July. The weather was pleasant--high 70s--but unfortunately,…read moreonce we reached the top, ocean fog completely blocked the views. Total bummer since the panoramic photos I'd seen online were what drew me in. The trail itself was tougher than expected. AllTrails listed it as kid-friendly, but I definitely wouldn't take my 4-year-old on this hike. The way up is a steady incline that really works your calves (be ready for some breaks), and the way down was surprisingly slippery due to loose gravel--even with solid hiking shoes. It's not dangerous, just tricky in spots, and you'll want to watch your footing. Overall, it's a nice enough trail, but I wouldn't call it "easy." It's one of those hikes I might try again on a clearer day just to catch that view--but in my opinion, there are much better hikes in California. For example, Point Lobos was easier and had way better views. Bottom line: manage your expectations, don't bring young kids, unless they are older kids and check the fog forecast before you go!

    This a fun, short hike up to a great and vantage view point of Avila Bay and Port San Luis. I was…read morechecking the Sycamore Mineral Springs resort out and saw this trail and decided to go for it. Total mileage out and back is only 1.5 miles but it's a great workout. It was a pretty warm day and I worked up a sweat pretty quickly. Definitely steep but I appreciated the climb. I made it up to the top pretty fast so I was all happy with myself. The elevation gain is quick so be prepared. Lots of pretty views going up but at the top by far is the best. I loved all the gorgeous oak trees that provided some much needed shade along the trail. Once you are at the top, the view is pretty epic and you will want to linger. I could see the Pismo Dunes to my left and the beautiful bay and Port San Luis to my right. Should you desire to continue your hike then head left hike along the Ontario Ridge. Just can't beat the Central Coast of California!

    Photos
    Sycamore Crest Trail
    Finally found the trailhead- inside Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort
    Finally found the trailhead- inside Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort
    Sycamore Crest Trail

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    Irish Hills trails

    Irish Hills trails

    5.0
    (2 reviews)
    4.7 mi

    A fun jaunt amongst hike-lovers. The terrain is reasonably safe, with lots of mud and cow pies…read more During these atmospheric rivers, I'd urge you to wear, at minimum, mid-height water proof hiking shoes. Bring water, because there will be lots of beautiful sun exposure. Great spots to take pictures of the rolling green hills against a cloud lit backdrop and the historic Waddell Ranch Estate. Will return with the kid's and plan to hike the entire loop. (As long as the crest side isn't fully flooded.)

    What a great location…read more First, it couldn't be easier to find as it is at the end of Madonna Road (at Devaul Ranch Rd) in between two houses, with Laguna Lake Park across the street. Residential parking is easy to find. You can even watch someone's TV while you stretch. Second, there is a variety of hikes. Check the a map out front. Take a picture of that. You will have some forks and decisions to make and that will help. We climbed UP the Maricopa trail. The first half is a steady incline under a shady canopy. Shady in both senses of the word: a) it shields you from the sun, b) it's a sneaky place for a mountain lion to hide. You will cross some teeny-tiny bridges. The second half is under the sun. There are at least three stretches steeper than 45 degrees, so stretch first. We made it to the fork and decided to go down. We were close to the 600' elevation gain, or so I'd like to think. I'm mid-40s with premature arthritis and I'm 20-30% heavier than I should be, so it wasn't too hard, but I didn't want to push it. We went down King trail. King trail has no shade as it zigs and zags through an open meadow of knee-high fire bait. That will do a number on your calves. The decline is much more consistent that the Maricopa, and is longer. You could go UP the King and DOWN the Maricopa, but I feel Maricopa's uneven terrain is better suited for climbing. Plus, going up the King, backwards in my eyes, you would be zagging and zigging.

    Photos
    Our new friend, Elva, is a local that guided us to this trail and kept an astounding pace. Thanks for the good times!
    Our new friend, Elva, is a local that guided us to this trail and kept an astounding pace. Thanks for the good times!
    The perfect rainbow
    The perfect rainbow
    At the end of Madonna Road, or 1600 Devaul Ranch, or Laguna Lake Park, if you need to GPS it.

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    At the end of Madonna Road, or 1600 Devaul Ranch, or Laguna Lake Park, if you need to GPS it.

    Bob Jones Trail - hiking - Updated August 2026

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