Pismo Preserve is finally opening 11 miles of trails to the public. Here’s what you’ll find
The Pismo Preserve will open to the public beginning Jan. 25 — unlocking 11 miles of new trails that wander through oak-studded canyons and rolling grasslands with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
Yes, dogs are allowed. So are horses and mountain bikes. And yes, it’s free.
The opening comes after years of anticipation, construction delays and setbacks; The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County raised $12 million to purchase the 880-acre property six years ago with broad community support. About a third of the inland acreage will remain off limits to people in order to support local wildlife.
Kaila Dettman, executive director of The Land Conservancy, has been an integral force behind the work to protect the land that sits prominently as the backdrop to the Five Cities area.
The Preserve, she said, “hits on all the important points about what’s so special about this county”: It connects people to nature and is good for people’s health. It provides critical open space and homes for local wildlife. It protects an important cultural space for the Northern Chumash. And, it attracts visitors to local businesses.
“We believe we’re protecting the character of the area,” Dettman said.
Are you ready to visit? Here’s what you need to know.
When will Pismo Preserve open to the public?
The trail system at Pismo Preserve is open to the public from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily beginning Jan. 25. Evening hours extend to 9:30 p.m. daily March through October. The gated property will lock at closing time every evening. Overnight parking and camping is prohibited.
The Preserve will be closed during significant rain events.
Where can I park opening weekend?
Opening weekend is Jan. 25 and 26 and big crowds are expected. A new lot has 54 parking spots available. Shuttle service on opening weekend will provide transportation to and from overflow parking at Pismo Beach City Hall.
Land Conservancy staff will be available throughout the weekend to answer questions.
Who can use the trails and what amenities are available?
Most of the 11 miles of trails were designed to be multi-use. Mountain bikes, horses and dogs on a leash are all welcome. Picnic tables and benches are available throughout. Bathrooms are available in the parking lot.
Equestrian parking is available but limited. All equestrian users must register for a designated parking space prior to arrival at https://lcslo.org/pismo-preserve-equestrian-parking-registration.
Guests with limited mobility can access an ADA-compliant picnic table at the trailhead. (A wheelchair-accessible trail is in the plans.)
What are the trails like?
Multiple trails offer varying degrees of difficulty. Download a trail map at https://lcslo.org/pismopreserve.
Here’s a quick guide:
Bring the little ones: Vamonos Canyon is a 3/4-mile, family-friendly trail with no mountain bikes allowed.
Take a moderate hike: The Lone Oak trail is a 2.2-mile hike with gentle elevation gain that will take about 1.5 hrs.
Explore oak-studded canyons: Spring to Spring trail is a fun, longer hike at 3.4 miles with mid-level elevation gain.
See the best views: Haul yourself up to the ridge top with a strenuous hike on the 5.2-mile loop Discovery trail and take a short jaunt out to Lover’s Point at 780 feet.
Who lives in the conservation area?
The Oak Woodland Conservation Area in the back of the Preserve conserves hundreds of acres for animal homes and travel corridors.
Wildlife cameras in the area since 2016 have captured photos of deer, fox, mountain lion, coyote, skunk, red-tailed hawk, raccoon, turkey, opossum, and bobcat.
Need more information?
Read all about Pismo Preserve at https://lcslo.org/pismopreserve.
