Calling all hikers! Night hours are back at popular SLO mountain
Heads up, San Luis Obispo: Evening access to trails on a popular local mountain have officially returned.
Hikers can now trek up and down Cerro San Luis until 8:30 p.m. as long as visitors have a permit in hand, San Luis Obispo’s Ranger Service said in a Thursday news release.
The night hours — known as the Winter Evening Access Program — run from Nov. 2, through March 8, 2026, while standard time is in effect.
The program provides access to 4.9 miles of designated hiking and cycling trails across the Cerro San Luis Natural Preserve, according to the SLO Ranger Service.
“This seasonal offering provides a unique opportunity for the community to experience the natural beauty of the reserve after sunset,” the release said.
Here are the rules around night hiking on Cerro San Luis.
How to get a permit to access Cerro San Luis at night
Before you set out on a night hike or bike ride on Cerro San Luis, you must acquire a permit from the city’s website.
Permits are required from one hour after sunset until 8:30 p.m., according to the city’s website.
Hikers and cyclists can reserve a permit up to a week in advance of their outdoor plans.
A total of 65 permits are available per night, “to ensure the conservation of nocturnal wildlife and the safety of all users,” the new release said.
The Ranger Service urged community members to watch wildlife from a safe distance and resist feeding critters that range from foraging rodents to hunting owls, flying bats and hungry raccoons.
“The reserve comes alive at night with activity,” while typically reclusive, nocturnal animals are wide awake and seeking sustenance, the Ranger Service said.
Tips for night hiking on Cerro San Luis
SLO’s Ranger Service advised night hikers and cyclists to follow these tips:
- Carry water
- Bring a flashlight and extra batteries.
- Familiarize yourself with the trail ahead of time and carry an open space map. You can find digital maps at slorangers.org
- Do not disturb wildlife while hiking or cycling
- Listen for nocturnal sounds and pass by quietly if wildlife is nearby
- Keep the reserve clean by carrying out everything you pack in
Visitors should also stay on established trails and have dogs on a leash at all times, the release said.
For those looking to climb up to the famous Madonna Christmas tree on top of Cerro San Luis, the tree traditionally lights up from Dec. 1 though Dec. 31.
