During the last days of the recent heat wave, as the temperature dropped, we went to Pismo Preserve. We hiked the shortest loop. Part of the shortest loop.
My sister was visiting and we wanted to take her on a hike. Wade’s dad offered to take us on Pismo Preserve for its views.
Overlooking Pismo, the hiking trails here provide some fantastic views of Pismo Pier, the ocean, the town below, and beyond. From Point San Luis to Point Sal and the San Luis Bay. Some trails take you right to the top of the hills, the ridge line. The longest hike – Discovery Trail – takes about four hours. We didn’t have time for that on this day. Morro Bay and Montana de Oro were on the agenda.
Pismo Preserve
Pismo Preserve is 880 acres with 11 miles of multi-use trails. Its highest elevation is 980 feet. It is owned and managed by Land Conservancy, which purchased it in 2014 for $11.5 million. An additional million was needed for the project to complete. The purpose is to conserve and protect this important wildlife corridor, which was ranch land for a long time, and providing public access. For the past several decades, about 250 acres were used for cattle grazing. 20 acres were retained by the seller and remain private.
The trails are for hikers, bikers (no e-bikes), and horseback riding. Bikers, who are required to have a bell on their bikes, can go on all the trails aside from Vamonos Trail and Lover’s Point Spur.
Freedom Trax are offered at no cost through Positive Ride and are battery operated off-road attachments for manual wheelchairs. This helps trails more be accessible and ADA-compliant.
The trails and gates are closed at dusk. This is for our safety and for the animals. Some of the wildlife that live in the area include bobcats, coyotes, deer, owls, badgers, and mountain lions. The Learning Among the Oaks Wildlife Camera Project volunteer teams and supporters, however, make it possible to see some nighttime activity. This project started in 2011. The latest photos are dated 2025. Here’s the link to see the wild life at Pismo Preserve. Here is information if you’d like to volunteer and help with the cameras.
Vanomos Canyon Trail
We did a short loop of the Vanomos Canyon Trail. From the parking lot, the three of us walked to the left to get on High Road. From here it is the steepest part of our hike. At the map, the trail diverges. We veered right. The left takes you to Avila Overlook. The Vamonos Trail loop is only one hour long and has shade protection from oak trees.
During certain times of the year, cattle and goats come graze, as part of fire safety management. If you come across them on the trails, it’s easiest to let them move along first. Be sure to keep the gates closed. Also keep your dogs on a leash. Watch out for hot weather. Bring plenty of water for yourself and your dogs. Some signs to watch for in your dogs – excessive panting, vomiting, difficulty breathing, etc. Lightly press down on their gum and if it stays depressed that’s a sign of distress. Remember not to cool them down too quickly.
We walked by and through beautiful yellow mustard blooms. Birds were abundant. Wade’s dad showed us what Poison Ivy looks like. It’s still early in the season and the leaves were not yet red. Poison Ivy has clusters of three leaves with pointy tips. The middle leaf is bigger than the two side ones. The top of the leaves are darker green and waxy. There’s a sheen to them. Also, don’t touch or eat the berries.
At the D11-2 marker, we turned off and started downhill towards the Oak trees and the stream crossing, which was tiny this time of the year. Wade’s dad pointed out the white sticks which were Oak plantings.
The mist was gone and the skies were blue again. It was getting warm. Glad I took a thin long sleeve and light jogging pants over the earlier choice of a thicker clothing combo. My sister opted for shorts and took off the thin fleece I had lent her, even before we started the uphill walk.
Pismo Preserve Hiking Trails
- Vanomos Canyon 0.75 miles
- Panhandle 1.1 miles
- Lone Oak 2.2 miles
- Spring to Spring 3.4 miles
- Discovery Trail 5.2 miles
Parking at Pismo Preserve
There is a small lot for parking which is open from dawn to dusk, just like the trails. Take exit 191B from Highway 101. The address is 80 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach.
The opening of Pismo Preserve was delayed due to the discovery of a Northern Chumash cemetery. This necessitated a redesign of the parking lot so that the sacred site would be protected. Construction of homes in the area has unearthed many finds over the years. These lands have been the home of the Chumash for over 10,000 years.
We went on a Sunday and the lot was full when we arrived. When we were hiking over the parking lot we saw several cars leaving so you can wait and see. We drove back down to Price Street to park. From there it’s a short walk up to the trailhead.
At the parking lot you also find bathrooms and picnic tables. There is a map that you can take a photo of so you can keep track of which intersecting trail you’re on. Wade’s dad took us on one of their favourite hikes. It’s short and it has shade.
Parking is now $5/day. If you plan on coming regularly, consider the annual pass for $50. If you have a SLO library card, you can grab a parking pass from a library. There are two to take out at the Shell Beach Library, which is the closest to Pismo Preserve. A Shell Beach Library card requires a person to be a resident of Shell Beach.
There are also 200 State and County Parks that you can get a day pass for a vehicle (up to 9 passengers) or for a motorbike with your California library card. In SLO county, the participating parks are as follows:
- Estero Bluffs SP
- Harmony Headlands SP
- Hearst San Simeon SP
- Los Osos Oaks SNR
- Montaña de Oro SP
- Morro Bay SP
- Morro Strand SB
- Pismo SB
For horses, there are three 19×70 feet horse trailer parking spaces available at Pismo Preserve. Reservations are made at www.lcslo.org/PismoHorseParking. There is no fee for reservations, which have two slots – 6 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to sunset.
Pismo Beach is a fun destination in Central Coast. We’ve been based here for a couple of years and continue to explore the area. It is kids- and family-friendly, with Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, tidepools, dog-friendly beaches, outdoor activities, farmers’ markets, whale watching, and a lot more. Read more about Pismo Beach and Five Cities.