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    Sycamore Crest Trail

    4.4 (16 reviews)

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    Sign at the parking lot for the resort  Don't park here-park at Bob Jones Trail and walk over. The streams make it worth it :)
    Sanaz S.

    This is one of the best trails I have hiked in quite a while. It came recommended to me from my cousin that is a total outdoors and nature seeker. Her recommendations usually always hit just right for me. There's not direct parking access, so your best bet is to park at the Bob Jones Trail head park and ride lot. That does add a few miles to your whole route, but the alternative is to park illegally in the resort parking lot and risk your car getting towed. But honestly I really recommend parking at the Bob Jones lot because it's good to get a few miles of cardio walking that easy flat paved path before you do the incline of Sycamore Crest Trail. It's a wide dirt path that goes up and ends at the top where you will overlook Avila Beach on one side and Avila Valley on the other. There's a lone swing hanging from a tree on each side. And there are other trails up there as well that will give you even more rigorous workouts. When I got to the top we just sat on the ground and enjoyed the view for awhile. The weather was great and the air is so fresh. I definitely recommend going on a clear day because that makes the whole experience. You can see all the way to Pismo Dunes on one side and Port San Luis at the other. I definitely recommend taking water. I took a pack with extra water, snacks, etc. It's interesting also the muscles you'll feel working on your way up versus the muscles you use on your way down. I felt great afterwards, and look forward to coming and doing this hike again.

    View of Shell Beach
    Conny L.

    I love the Sycamore Crest Trail! One of the best views of the area, and easy to customize length and difficulty. If you're walking from the Sycamore Hot Springs, you will walk up for about one mile to arrive on top. It's strenuous, but absolutely doable if you're average fit and don't have any health issues. The trail is wide and smooth for your way up. Dogs are allowed on leash! If you have an aggressive dog, better leave him at home, as there's usually a lot of puppies out here. Once you're up top, you can stroll around to enjoy the view, or sit on either of the two swings on either side of the ridge, providing excellent views. I like to go towards the highway across the ridge to get a little workout with many ups and downs, then walking along the Shell Beach trail along the beach, and back up what I call the "firefighter hill" - an EXTREMELY steep portion of the trail that connects Pirate's Cove back with the top of the ridge where you started earlier. You get quite a bit of variation on these trails, or opt to add the Bob Jones trail from the start at Sycamore Springs.

    Most of the trail looks like this shade/sun
    Janel L.

    ****Attention***** This trail is uphill for a full mile. For those like myself, it's very hard on the back on the return. Also, it was extremely hot in my books (anything over 75 with sunlight not okay).

    Dusk
    Erin L.

    Awesome trail to the top of Ontario Ridge! Park in the Sycamore parking lot and go up the road to the left of the gift center. Stay to the right as you make your way up to the start of the trail. Once you get to the top, go to the right and go up the highest hill for the best views of Avila and SLO! The trail is not closed! There is just a gate in the front saying not to park in front of it. I saw just a few other people on the trail so it was really peaceful and quiet. I'll be back again and again!!

    Nice uphill walk
    Liv M.

    Awesome uphill hike. Sadly it was overcast so couldn't see the view or ocean from the top, but a great way to start our day. Surrounded by lush trees, nice incline, and beautiful picture spots. There's even a swing attached to a large tree which overlooks the ocean view without the fog.

    B C.

    Went on a super hot day, but still loved it! Bring water and watch out for poison oak. Friendly hikers on the trail. Beautiful trees and vistas. Pretty magical tree swing, across the trail from a majestic, photogenic oak overlooking the boundless blue.

    Lulu W.

    Moderate uphill hike with an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean at the top! Picturesque Scenery!!! Definitely worth the hike! Lovin' it...

    Jalama M.

    Super cool trail!!! Nice wide path, could easily get a stroller up it if your strong enough to push-up an incline! We parked at the resort, but what appeared to be a manager came out and made it very clear that unless you are a hotel guest, you may not park there! I had 4 kids under 10 with me, and he was nice enough to allow it this one time!!! This hike was one of the prettiest hikes I've been on!!! The views from the top are spectacular!!! The swing on the top is beautiful and a great picture spot!!! Will most definitely go again soon!!!!

    Hiking with 4 year old isn't easy but she made it!
    minty b.

    We stayed at Sycamore Hot Spring Resort and they told us about this trail. It's a 2 mile hike (round trip) and you'll get a great view of Avila Beach when you make it to the top of the hill. It was challenging for my 4 year old but she made it without any help.

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    We couldn't figure out how to access this hike without parking illegally in the hotel parking lot. So unfortunately, never got to do it.

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    Review Highlights - Sycamore Crest Trail

    It's a 2 mile hike (round trip) and you'll get a great view of Avila Beach when you make it to the top of the hill.

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    Big Falls Trail

    Big Falls Trail

    5.0
    (2 reviews)
    21.3 km

    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.

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    Big Falls Trail
    Entrance
    Entrance
    Big Falls Trail

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    Pirate's Cove

    Pirate's Cove

    4.2
    (107 reviews)
    1.0 km

    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.

    While visiting SLO, I was looking for an ocean hike to complete and found this hike on All Trails…read moreso I went for it. I took the long way traversing through a million dollar neighborhood of gorgeous homes lining the street. Once I was in the dirt I could see the cove from above. The beach is beautiful and not crowded. Of course, clothing is optional but I didn't come for the beach. I came to see the cove. You have to hike down to the cove as it sits on the water, but no biggie. Hiking back up and out for some may be challenging for some so just go at your own pace. When I arrived there was a guy playing a guitar so that was nice, not too many peeps around which allowed me to take a couple of pics. The cove itself is picturesque but the graffiti sucks!! Why must people have to paint on rocks in nature?? I just don't get it!! Go paint on abandoned buildings etc. I stayed for a few minutes then I walked out on the rocks and took in the views of the mighty Pacific Ocean. So gorgeous! I could have sat there all day. You can also access this cove and beach by driving directly to it and then following the path down to it, but I preferred the mini hike instead. Remember to Leave No Trace always.

    Photos
    Pirates Cove Beach in Avila.
    Pirates Cove Beach in Avila.
    Pirate's Cove
    Pirate's Cove

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    Poly Canyon Trail

    Poly Canyon Trail

    4.6
    (15 reviews)
    16.8 km

    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!

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    Entrance
    Entrance
    Poly Canyon Trail
    Poly Canyon Trail

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    Irish Hills trails

    Irish Hills trails

    5.0
    (2 reviews)
    8.6 km

    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.

    Sycamore Crest Trail - hiking - Updated July 2026

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