Page 74 - San Luis Obispo Visitors Guide - Summer 2025

74 SUMMER 2025 slovisitorsguide.com
Atascadero
From lakeside walks to mountain summits,
explore Atascadero’s hidden trails
One of the better-kept local
secrets is a trail system spread
throughout the city of Atascadero
that offers pleasantly surprising
outdoor adventures. The trails
range from easy strolls around the
Atascadero Lake to a challenging
four-hour trek that climbs to
1700 feet.
The ter-
rain includes
oak-covered
foothills,
cotton-
wood and
willow-
lined wa-
terways,
grassy
open
spaces,
and moun-
tain and
valley views. A
variety of wildlife
frequents the trail ar-
eas. Native California plants
are plentiful.
There is a small parking fee
for the Cerro Alto trails. The rest
are free. Horses and dogs are al-
lowed on most of the trails, as are
bicycles. Trail etiquette and leash
requirements ensure everyone’s
enjoyment.
Stadium Park Trails
Just under two miles, this easy-
to-difficult trail is open to eques-
trians, hikers, joggers, cyclists, and
dogs. The trail passes through hills
and native oak trees.
Directions: Exit to Morro Road
(Highway 41) and head east to
Capistrano Avenue. Turn left onto
Capistrano Avenue, then right
at the stop sign. The entrance is
Cerro Alto Trails
Two moderately difficult trails
starting from the Cerro Alto
Campground parking are open to
equestrians, hikers, joggers, cyclists,
and dogs. Each trail takes about 4
hours.
Directions: Entrance to Cerro
Alto Campground is located on
Highway 41, eight miles east of
Morro Bay and 12 miles west of
Atascadero.
Juan Bautista de Anza Trail—
North
Almost six miles of easy-
to-modernly difficult trails are
accessible from multiple trailheads.
Easy-to-find trail markers provide
directions. Open to equestrians,
hikers, joggers, cyclists, and dogs.
Directions: Exit at Del Rio
Road; head east and turn left at
Potrero Road to Traffic Way. Trail-
heads are located along Traffic Way
and Ferro Carril Road.
Family friendly, dog
friendly, equestrian
trails, and mountain
biking
Juan Bautista de Anza Trail—
South
An easy 1.7-mile trail provides
abundant views of wildlife and na-
tive California vegetation. Open to
equestrians, hikers, joggers, cyclists,
and dogs.
Directions: Exit at Curbaril Av-
enue. Head east and turn right into
the parking lot on Cortez Avenue.
Atascadero Lake Park Trail
An easy walk around Atas-
cadero Lake that is open to hikers,
bicyclists, joggers, and dogs. The
trail has access to park facilities.
Directions: Exit at Morro Road
(Highway 41). Head west on Morro
Road 1.3 miles to the public park-
ing on the left.
Learn more
For more information about
the City of Atascadero trails, visit
visitatascadero.com/things-to-do/
hiking-and-cycling/, or call
(805) 470-3148.
on the
right, just
under the
overpass.
Las Lomas Trail
A moderately difficult
trail with two routes less than a
mile long, travels through hillsides
covered with native grasses, oak,
and pine trees. The trail is open to
hikers, joggers, cyclists, and dogs.
Directions: Exit at Santa
Barbara Road. Head east, then left
onto Alondra Road. The trailhead
is on the left.
Jim Green Trail
This moderately difficult 1.5-
mile trail is open to equestrians,
hikers, joggers, cyclists, and dogs.
The trail overlooks Heilmann Park,
follows the golf course then loops
back through the oak forest.
Directions: Exit at Curbaril Av-
enue and drive east. Turn right onto
Cortez Avenue to the parking lot.