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The Best Hiking in San Luis Obispo

Looking for the best hiking in San Luis Obispo? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around San Luis Obispo. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top hiking spots in and near San Luis Obispo

  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Bowden Ranch Trail

    4.0
    3.34 mi / 1286 ft gain
    This short but intense hike on the north east side of San Luis Obispo, offers an amazing view of the town. This hike is roughly 3 miles with 1300 ft of elevation gain. It provides a great cardio workout!  It is also a very popular spot to hike but is less crowded than Bishop Peak. It's a dog frie...
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Madonna Mountain Loop

    4.47 mi / 951 ft gain
    Madonna Mountain Loop is a loop trail that is moderately difficult located near San Luis Obispo, California.
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Lemon Grove Loop Trail

    2.33 mi / 443 ft gain
    Lemon Grove Loop Trail is a loop trail that is moderately difficult located near San Luis Obispo, California.
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    M Trail Loop

    2.48 mi / 610 ft gain
    M Trail Loop is a loop trail that is moderately difficult located near San Luis Obispo, California.
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    South Hills Trail

    2.26 mi / 413 ft gain
    South Hills Trail is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near San Luis Obispo, California.
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    The P

    0.45 mi / 348 ft gain
    The P is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near San Luis Obispo, California.
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Poly Canyon Loop Trail

    6.15 mi / 1020 ft gain
    Poly Canyon Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near San Luis Obispo, California.
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Serenity Swing

    3.52 mi / 607 ft gain
    Serenity Swing is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near San Luis Obispo, California.
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Reservoir Canyon Loop Trail

    5.4 mi / 1397 ft gain
    Reservoir Canyon Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near an Luis Obispo, California
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Reservoir Canyon Trail

    4.9 mi / 1282 ft gain
    Reservoir Canyon Trail is an out and back trail where you may see local wildlife located near San Luis Obispo, California
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Laguna Lake Loop Trail

    1.38 mi / 33 ft gain
    Laguna Lake Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near San Luis Obispo, California.
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Bishop Peak Trail from Patricia Drive

    5.0
    3.86 mi / 1296 ft gain
    Bishop Peak Trail from Patricia Drive is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near San Luis Obispo, California.
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Felsman Loop Trail

    2.53 mi / 581 ft gain
    Felsman Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near San Luis Obispo, California.
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Bishop Peak Trail from Highland Drive Trail

    3.29 mi / 1050 ft gain
    Bishop Peak Trail from Highland Drive Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near San Luis Obispo, California.
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Bishop's Peak Trail

    4.8
    3.17 mi / 928 ft gain
    Bishop's Peak is one of the most frequented hikes of the San Luis Obispo Area. With a 950ft elevation gain in an estimated 3 mile trek, the summit's peak rests at 1,559 feet. The hike is both demanding and rewarding - the panoramic views at the top of the nearby volcanic morros and San Luis Obisp...
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Froom Creek, Poppy, Morro View, Quickshot, Mariposa and King Trail Loop

    5.25 mi / 919 ft gain
    Froom Creek, Poppy, Morro View, Quickshot, Mariposa and King Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near San Luis Obispo, California.
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