WONDERFUL HIKE. I did the 6 mile Perimeter loop and absolutely loved it. The view was unreal…read moreespecially when it started to sprinkle a little bit! It really looked like a rainforest. I'm a beginner hiker and was able to do this; however, the two uphills was a little rough. Hike to the top to see a view of SLO!

My family and I hiked this trail, The Lemon Grove Loop Trail, during our SLO visit. I initially…read morewanted to hike Bishop Peak, but after looking at the AllTrails app, it appeared that the Bishop Peak hike had a "hard" rating. One of my family members is not a huge hiker so we decided to find a more moderate hike. I'd rate this hike a 3.75/5 on the difficulty scale. We started the hike ~2PM on a Sunday and it wasn't busy at all. We completed the 4-mile hike in ~2 hours. You gain quite a bit of elevation during the hike as my Apple Watch recorded that I had climbed 1,000+ feet. It was sunny for 95% of the trail. There are some steep descent areas so wear proper shoes with adequate traction. There is a designated parking lot. Note, Google Maps initially tried to route us through Private Property by the Madonna Inn. Don't follow that route.

Madonna Mountain is still of my all time favorite hikes in SLO county! The 360 views are…read morephenomenal, the hike is extremely dog friendly and it is a full 4 miles up and down the mountain! I enjoy this hike more and more every time I complete it!

Fun hike, alittle uphill but not strenuous. Easy to park and the views were spectacular!read more

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.

The hike down is short and very manageable. Be sure to turn right if you're heading to the…read morecove/cave, the left trail leads to the beach. We came here for sunset, and the views were absolutely beautiful. I would definitely recommend stopping by!

Ended up taking the long route to Pirate's Cove (parked near homes and took the trail) which we…read morelater found out is the Shell Beach Bluff Trail. We enjoyed this scenic trail, which had multi-million dollar homes to our right, and the beautiful ocean to our left; and a somewhat steep incline up to the dirt parking lot and Cave Landing trailhead. Good thing the weather was perfect and there was a lovely breeze; otherwise I would've stopped walking and demanded to go back to the car. Once we got to the trail, it was a fairly easy short walk to get to the cave. After taking in the stunning views from the cave, we trekked to the cove. Be cautious going down, as it's a steep dirt path and a couple flights of stairs. Also note that clothing is optional, and you may run into people in their birthday suits on this secluded beach.

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!

The hike is beautiful, a bit challenging for me but always the best feeling when I pass the Ridge…read moreFrom the 101 freeway and am able to say I did that !

Awesome views and beautiful trail. Not for the first timer but novice hike is no problemread more

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!