Absolutely Amazing!! The greenery after the rain makes this trail a must see. The pond is flowing with rain water, the ducks and quail are delighted with nature's natural pleasures. So quiet I could hear birds chirping in the near distance. Wild flowers are blooming spurraickily all over. It was a definite pleasure to take a long overdue walk in nature. So beautiful!!! read more

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We went on a Monday morning. The trail was pretty quiet with very few people. The weather was foggy, but made for some interesting photos. The map trail on the board at the entrance was very confusing to us. As we walked, we followed the yellow arrow trail, but there was also an orange arrow as well. The trail was narrow of about 12 to 18 inches at times and rocky in some areas. It had a change of elevation. It was not just a flat walk through a field, but up and down the surrounding hills. There were wildflowers blooming along the way. Some sections went through an area which had trees, but otherwise the trail was mostly open, which would make it hot in warm weather. There are little bridges to cross, but the streams are dry right now. Made for some interesting photos. You also have to pass over a few cattlecrossings. Next time we revisit this trail, we will follow the orange arrow from the parking lot and see how we like that part of the trail. The distance listed on the board was very confusing. It took us two hours just to do the yellow arrow trail. I am always happy to do a loop trail so I don't feel like I am lost. I was so happy to finally see the parking lot below as we transversed the hill. read more

3.5 miles the way I go.. hour and 10 or 20 minutes w/dog ... you get elevation and a great view read more

Johnson Ranch Trail - Field , and ranch - Hiking Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

This is a real hidden gem of a trail run! Located off the far end of Higuera street, this large open space will have your thinking that you are far off in the country, not just a mile south of San Luis Obispo. The views are absolutely stunning with rolling hills and oak trees in every direction. I often find myself stopping mid-run to snap a pic of the unbelievable scenery. If you decide to do the entire loop of the Johnson Ranch Trail, it is just under 4 miles with only a few mild inclines. I find it to be a perfect mix of slight uphill and flat land. It is a great challenge if you are like me and get bored running on flat land all the time. However, due to the lack of major uphills, this trail is popular with mountain bikers, especially on the weekends. Make sure to turn down your music if you are running so you can hear them coming and move out of the way. The best time to visit this trail is a day after it rains, when the mud is dried back to dirt and the hills turn into a stunning green. I would also aim to visit on cold or foggy SLO day because there is practically no shade. This trail is one of my all time favorite trail runs. I highly recommend it! read more

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Fun spot. Went with a 1yo in a Bob stroller and was doable. Bit tricky over the rocks in some spots but not bad. read more

Johnson Ranch Trail - Pretty creek about half way along the orange trail - Hiking Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

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This is a really beautiful trail you can complete in about 1 1/2 to 2 hours depending on how much you stop for photos or to rest etc. the views are really spectacular and so are the photo opportunities. The trail is up and down and you should have some decent comfy and decent hiking boots/shoes. Given the recent rain, the hike is very green with lots of wild flowers along the way. A suitable trail for kids 10 years+ old but a bit on the long side for there attention span (according to my daughter!). There were some mountain bikers using the trails as well. Overall a very positive experience and worth taking if you love the outdoors and hiking trails! read more

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I LOVE open space preserves and Johnson Ranch is no exception. I like getting my fitness on with like-minded folks who are out enjoying nature...and sweating! Nothing better than the coastal hills of California - so beautiful! Pick your activity: Hiking Mountain biking Running Dog walking (on leash) JRT is great for all - and it's close to town. 5 stars. read more

Johnson Ranch Trail - Beautiful place to hike. - Hiking Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

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OMG why did I wait so long to come here? It's so wonderful. I did the longer trail and got 3.36 miles on the gps. If you come to any forks, stay to the right for the longer trail. It's about 1 mile less for the shorted trail. I saw many bikers too but make sure you have a mountain bike, helmet and some experience - it's pretty rocky and narrow at many points! Great for trail running...it's hilly but no HUGE hills to climb. This place gets busy on the weekends. Most of the trail is exposed to the sun too so keep that in mind when dressing. read more

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Having been to over 20 different countries, this trail is one of my favorite places to walk in the entire world. Although it has the tendency to become really dry and dusty in the summer, I've found that it really is most beautiful a couple of weeks after a nice rain. It has a lot to offer, with both exposed rolling hills and areas with tree cover. You even cross a creek at one point. There is also a secondary loop which you can take if you want a longer walk that connects to even more walks such as Filipponi Ranch. I once took that walk into Irish Hills and finally into the Prefumo Canyon neighborhood, and it was absolutely beautiful. I'd also like to highlight San Luis Obispo County's willingness to purchase large spaces of land and open them to the public as preserves. I wish more counties in California would do this, as it creates beautiful public spaces that can be enjoyed by all. Major props for that! read more

Great family hike! I especially liked the flexibility of distance between 2.3 and 4.6 miles (you can take the yellow or orange path or do both). The green rolling hills were breathtaking! read more

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Bring your sunblock. No shade to be found 90% of this trail. I went with a friend only to discover rattlesnakes out on the trails near the wooden bridges reported by a hiker who preceded us. Dry boring landscape minimal views. read more

Excellent running trail! The long trail is only about 3.3 miles or so, but the hills make it a bit more of a challenge. The trail is well maintained (with a number of bridges for creek-crossings and well-trimmed trees creating a sort of natural looking alcove in the shady sections), and provides some beautiful views of SLO's rolling landscapes. read more

Johnson Ranch Trail - Hiking Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

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Great trail, you are going around some mountains so there are some slight hills to go up. Overall not too difficult but I would definitely bring some water because it can get hot up on the hills. This trail can be extended or shortened depending on the path that you choose on a few of the forks you come across on the trails. This trail also allows dogs but they must be kept on a leash. read more

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Ridden this trail many times and do the connector to Irish hills. The trail has some great climbs and great views. If you do just JRT, it is an easy 3.40 miles with 440 feet of elevation according to my Strava. If you are in somewhat fit shape this can be done easily under an hour. I have done multiple laps to get more mileage in also. read more

Great place to go biking, hiking, or running and bring your dogs. Several well maintained trails that snake in and out of oaks. Its great that it connects to the Irish Hills open space to really give you a massive trail system to explore. People are always friendly here and the CCCMB bells are well stocked. read more

Enjoyed this at a perfect 66°, grassy nuances on the opening. Shades of oaked notes towards the middle with a minerally finish. Enjoy alone or paired with a friend. read more

Beautiful! It was great for a photography shoot. There was little traffic on the trail and flat areas to take the session to the side of the path in the tall flowers. read more

Challenging trail run / relatively flat, easy hike through beautiful terrain. If you're running, keep an eye on the uneven trail so you don't wreck an ankle. Surprisingly well-populated--even at 7:30am on a random weekday. Map directions to get here weren't right. The exit from the 101 S is Higuera, and then right after you exit you'll see a little gravel parking lot. If you're coming from the South, I think you'll have to go to Las Osas, turn around and get back on the 101 S, and then get off at Higuera. I went two days in a row because I loved it so much. Bring your pup, but per the sign at the entrance, watch out for mountain lions.... read more

Johnson Ranch Trail - An inviting path to run... - Hiking Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

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Nice hike... Busy trail... Clean... I took my two small dogs and they came back covered with ticks... They were hidden in the tall grass...

Loved this trail. Short and sweet. Incredible views, friendly people, sweet dogs.

Great day in the Central Coast. Enjoying this day, hike, and Adventure with my Wife. This hike is Amazing for kids, mountain bikers, and trail runners. read more

Great family like. I especially liked the flexibility of distance between 2.3 and 4.6 miles. The green rolling hills were breathtaking.

Beautiful hike. Not too difficult. Parking sometimes an issue. Be careful to look out for bikes. This trail is foot and bike friendly, mountain bikes not street bikes. read more

Very picturesque hike. This is a great trail that can be hiked and biked. Good scenery dont forget to bring water.

Very beautiful .. Not too strenuous.. Getting more popular so often there are a lot of people now but I will keep going... We are so lucky to live in a beautiful city read more