Reservoir Canyon Trail
Discover hidden waterfalls and panoramic views on this challenging loop trail in San Luis Obispo. A must-do for nature lovers!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waterfalls are flowing
Reservoir Canyon Trail
Best Time
Waterfalls are flowing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover hidden waterfalls and panoramic views on this challenging loop trail in San Luis Obispo. A must-do for nature lovers!
"One of the best views in the county all year but especially in a rainy spring."
Wear sturdy shoes
The trail can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:
Check trail conditions
Waterfalls are best after rain, but trails can be muddy. Plan accordingly! :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hidden Waterfall
Reservoir Canyon Trail
Discover a stunning waterfall, especially vibrant after rainfall. A true gem of the Central Coast!
Panoramic County Views
Summit of Reservoir Canyon Trail
Experience breathtaking vistas of San Luis Obispo County from the trail's peak. Unforgettable scenery!
The 'M' Trail
Cerro San Luis Obispo Trail
Hike to the iconic 'M' on the hillside for a moderate challenge and rewarding views. A local landmark!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Timing
Check weather forecasts and consider visiting during drier periods for easier footing. Early mornings offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.What to Expect on the Trail
Be prepared for a good workout with significant elevation gain. Dogs are welcome, but keep them leashed.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy shoes
The trail can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:
Check trail conditions
Waterfalls are best after rain, but trails can be muddy. Plan accordingly! :cloud:
Bring plenty of water
It's a challenging hike with elevation gain, so stay hydrated. :droplet:
Dog-friendly hike
Leash your furry friends and enjoy the scenic route together. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy shoes
The trail can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:
Check trail conditions
Waterfalls are best after rain, but trails can be muddy. Plan accordingly! :cloud:
Bring plenty of water
It's a challenging hike with elevation gain, so stay hydrated. :droplet:
Dog-friendly hike
Leash your furry friends and enjoy the scenic route together. :dog:
Capture the views
The summit offers incredible panoramic views of the county. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Reservoir Canyon Trail's stunning waterfalls, especially after rain, and the breathtaking panoramic views from the summit. It's considered a challenging but rewarding hike with beautiful scenery. Some find the steep sections demanding, and trail conditions can be muddy post-rain.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The entrance to the Reservoir Canyon Loop Trail is accessible from San Luis Obispo. While specific access points can vary, it's often found near residential areas. Checking local trail maps or asking locals can help pinpoint the exact starting point.
Reservoir Canyon Trail is located in San Luis Obispo, which is about a 1 hour and 20-minute drive from San Jose, making it a feasible day trip or weekend escape.
Driving is the most common way to reach the Reservoir Canyon Trailhead. Parking can be limited, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
Public transport options directly to the trailhead are limited. It's generally best to drive or use a ride-sharing service to reach the starting point.
Reservoir Canyon Trail is located in San Luis Obispo County, which is typically a drive of around 3 to 4 hours from San Francisco, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Reservoir Canyon Trail is a public hiking area and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to access and enjoy the natural beauty.
Reservoir Canyon Trail is generally open from dawn to dusk. It's a natural area, so there are no strict opening or closing times, but it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety.
There is no entrance fee for Reservoir Canyon Trail. Access to the trail and its natural features is free for all visitors.
Reservoir Canyon Trail does not require reservations. It's a public trail, and visitors can access it on a first-come, first-served basis.
No permits are required for general hiking on Reservoir Canyon Trail. However, if you plan on any specific activities like organized events, it's always good to check with local authorities.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Reservoir Canyon Loop Trail is considered moderately challenging, with a significant elevation gain of about 1,400 feet over 5.5 miles. It's a good workout with some steep sections.
The average time to complete the Reservoir Canyon Loop Trail is around 1 hour and 20 minutes, though this can vary based on your hiking pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.
Yes, Reservoir Canyon Trail is known for its beautiful waterfalls, especially after rainfall, making it a popular spot during the rainy spring season.
While the trail offers rewarding views, its steep sections and elevation gain might make it challenging for absolute beginners. It's more suitable for those with some hiking experience or a good level of fitness.
The summit of Reservoir Canyon Trail offers stunning panoramic views of San Luis Obispo County, making it a highly recommended spot for photography and enjoying the scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
The most photogenic spots include the hidden waterfall, especially after rain, and the panoramic vistas from the summit. The 'M' on Cerro San Luis also makes for a great photo opportunity.+2
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the landscape. Late afternoons can also provide beautiful golden hour light, but be mindful of the time needed to descend safely.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local park authorities or the San Luis Obispo city website for any restrictions on drone operation in the area.
A versatile camera with a wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and waterfalls. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or capturing long exposures of water.
The combination of waterfalls, rugged terrain, and sweeping county views offers a unique photographic experience. The 'M' on the hillside is also a distinctive local landmark to capture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The 'M' Trail on Cerro San Luis is another great option for families, offering a clear landmark and manageable climb.Key tips for families: Pack plenty of water and snacks, wear sturdy shoes, and consider starting early to avoid the hottest part of the day. Dogs are welcome on a leash, which can be a fun addition for families with furry members.
⛰️ Avid Hikers & Fitness Enthusiasts
This trail provides a solid cardiovascular workout and a chance to test your endurance. The challenging ascents are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding San Luis Obispo County.If you're looking for other challenging hikes in the area, consider exploring Valencia Peak or Oats Peak in Montana de Oro State Park, which are also known for their demanding trails and stunning coastal vistas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Reservoir Canyon Loop
The trail is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring lush vegetation, creek crossings, and, most notably, stunning waterfalls that are particularly impressive after periods of rain.Hikers often describe the trail as offering a great variety of scenery, from the initial water features to the expansive views from the summit.
It's a trail where you can truly immerse yourself in the natural landscape of the Central Coast. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as some sections can be steep and potentially slippery, especially when wet.For those looking for a more specific landmark, the nearby Cerro San Luis Obispo Trail, also known as the 'M' Trail, offers a similar moderate challenge with its own iconic hillside 'M' and rewarding views.
Best Times for Waterfall Views and Hiking
Beyond the waterfalls, the trail offers excellent hiking conditions throughout the year. For a more comfortable experience, early mornings are highly recommended. This timing allows you to beat the midday heat, enjoy cooler temperatures, and often find fewer fellow hikers on the trail.
It's important to note that while the waterfalls are a highlight, they also mean the trail can be muddy and slippery after rain.
Always check the weather forecast and trail conditions before you go, and be prepared with appropriate footwear. The summit views are also spectacular year-round, offering a different kind of reward for your hike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit