Islay Hill Open Space
A short, steep hike offering breathtaking 360-degree views of San Luis Obispo and a quirky cow statue.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, golden light
Islay Hill Open Space
Best Time
Cooler temps, golden light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A short, steep hike offering breathtaking 360-degree views of San Luis Obispo and a quirky cow statue.
"The panoramic views of SLO from Islay Hill are incredible, making this short hike a must-do!"
🎯 Beat the Heat
Hike at sunrise or sunset to avoid the summer heat and enjoy the best light for photos.
📍 Navigate Wisely
GPS can be tricky; use the Sweet Bay Lane trailhead for a reliable start.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic SLO Views
Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of San Luis Obispo and the surrounding rolling hills. Perfect for photos!
The SLO Cow Statue
Summit
A quirky, iconic cow statue awaits at the top for a uniquely San Luis Obispo selfie.
Blooming Native Flora
Various trails
Discover beautiful native plants and flowers, especially vibrant during ranger-led hikes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trailhead Smarts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Beat the Heat
Hike at sunrise or sunset to avoid the summer heat and enjoy the best light for photos.
📍 Navigate Wisely
GPS can be tricky; use the Sweet Bay Lane trailhead for a reliable start.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Loose rocks and steep sections make good hiking shoes essential, especially for mountain biking.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friend! There's a 'bowl' at the top for thirsty pups.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Beat the Heat
Hike at sunrise or sunset to avoid the summer heat and enjoy the best light for photos.
📍 Navigate Wisely
GPS can be tricky; use the Sweet Bay Lane trailhead for a reliable start.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Loose rocks and steep sections make good hiking shoes essential, especially for mountain biking.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friend! There's a 'bowl' at the top for thirsty pups.
🐄 Cow Encounters
You might get lucky and hike alongside grazing cows on the lower parts of the hill!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Islay Hill Open Space for its accessible, short hike and spectacular panoramic views of San Luis Obispo. The unique cow statue adds a fun, local touch. While the lack of shade can make it hot in summer, early morning or sunset visits are highly recommended for a more comfortable and picturesque experience. +1
"Small hill and relatively easy hike, with two separate entrances that can both lead up to the top. Offers great views in all directions from the top, a cow statue for distinctly SLO flavored selfies, a geocache, and bowl at the top of the trail for any thirsty doggos."
Zach Roper
"This is a short but steep hike. 1.2 miles round trip. At the top you get to see a cow statue and some lovely views. Careful asking Google to get you there. It took me to a resort place. The real trail head is in a neighborhood a short distance away."
Brenna Polanco
"This open space has wonderful hikes, and great mountain biking, although arguably not the best for beginners, with large loose rocks and steep sections. Many of these trails are usable even with a little rain, whereas there are many other local trails that become completely unusable due to the high clay content in the soil. It affords some wonderful vistas over San Luis Obispo."
Thor Larsen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Islay Hill Open Space has multiple access points. While GPS can sometimes be unreliable and lead to incorrect locations like resorts, the Sweet Bay Lane trailhead is a recommended starting point. It's a popular spot in San Luis Obispo, so look for signs directing you to the neighborhood access points.
Parking is typically available in the neighborhoods surrounding the trailheads. Be mindful of local parking regulations.
Information on public transportation routes directly to the trailheads is limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services.
Yes, Islay Hill offers trails suitable for mountain biking, though they can be challenging for beginners due to loose rocks and steep sections.
Islay Hill is frequently recommended as a top hike in San Luis Obispo for its accessibility and great views. Other popular options include Cerro San Luis and South Hills Open Space.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Islay Hill Open Space is a public park and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's free to access and enjoy.
As an open space park, Islay Hill is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. It's best to check local park service advisories for any specific hours or closures.
There is no admission fee to enter Islay Hill Open Space. Enjoy the natural beauty and hiking trails without any cost.
Yes, the San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation department occasionally offers ranger-led hikes, which can be a great way to learn about the local flora and fauna. Check their website for event schedules.
Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions beyond standard park rules. However, always be aware of any temporary closures or advisories issued by the city.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike to the top of Islay Hill is relatively short, typically around 1.2 miles round trip, and can take about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit.
At the summit, you'll find panoramic views of San Luis Obispo, a unique cow statue for photos, and often a geocache.
The hike is described as short but steep, making it a moderate challenge. It's not considered overly strenuous for most hikers.
There is very little shade on the trails at Islay Hill, making it quite hot during the summer. Visiting during cooler parts of the day is highly recommended.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Islay Hill Open Space. It's a great spot for a walk with your canine companion.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting a warm glow over the landscape and the city. The panoramic views are stunning at any time, but the golden hours are particularly magical.
You can capture sweeping landscape shots of San Luis Obispo, unique selfies with the cow statue, and close-ups of the native flora.
While drone usage regulations can vary, the open space and scenic views could offer great opportunities. Always check local drone laws and park policies before flying.
The summit itself, with its 360-degree views and the cow statue, is the primary photo spot. The winding trails also offer picturesque scenes.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the panoramic vistas. A standard zoom lens will also be versatile. Don't forget a tripod for low-light sunrise/sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the expansive vistas. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Islay Hill Hiking Experience
Visitors often highlight the incredible panoramic views from the summit as the main draw. You can see the entire city of San Luis Obispo spread out below, offering a fantastic perspective of the area.
Pro-tip: Due to the lack of shade, it can get very hot during summer. Many locals prefer to hike Islay Hill at sunrise or sunset to avoid the midday sun and capture the beautiful golden hour light.
Navigating and Accessing Islay Hill
It's important to note that Islay Hill is a public space, meaning there are no admission fees or tickets required to enter.
For those interested in learning more about the local environment, keep an eye out for ranger-led hikes. These events, often organized by SLOParksandRec, can offer insights into the native plants and wildlife of the area, enhancing your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit