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Irish Hills Natural Reserve
Prefumo Canyon Rd &, Isabella Way, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, United States
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Ky
Review №1

Beautiful scenery ! The hike is just enough to get your heart rate up, exercise those muscles but not over do it. Great for beginner, moderate or advanced hikers!

Be
Review №2

This place has an awesome network of hiking and mountain biking trails. The views of the valley are awesome! Be prepared to climb hills on loose gravel and in mud, something I happen to enjoy. There are multiple parking area depending on which set of trails you want to start from.

St
Review №3

Oh! This whole city is absolutely beautiful! But these hills... there is this sweet, dark forest tucked within, the trails will lead you through. Rest along the bridges looking into the forested valley below, or try your luck on the wild trail.Either way, one is sure to enjoy themselves.Watch out though, when it rains the trail gets sticky muddy.

Ju
Review №4

The first part of the trail is like walking through magical woods, just beautiful! As you proceed upwards, there are many different trails to hike with most phenomenal views.I saw no critters other than insects and birds (and 2 hawks) the entire hike, but there are nice wildflowers, brush, mosses and the like.The Morro View trail is VERY rocky, so bring trekking poles if you have bad knees and remember to stretch well!

Vi
Review №5

Cool trail with scenic view. Make sure you have covered shoes as it may get mucky in a few patches.

Am
Review №6

So many trails to get lost in. Grateful to love near this trail and park!

Ma
Review №7

Nice vistas with mix of challenging trails as well as easy options.

Ma
Review №8

Going back with long pants for thistle nature trail. Using Trail Guide or GPS would bee best to help navigate Trail distances and altitudes. it is also good to plan on bringing water. Mariposa Trail is long, well maintained and sufficient challenge. Trails link up with Johnson Ranch and to State Park at Montana Del Oro.

Ma
Review №9

The Irish hills have some of the best views of the dormant volcano chain, Morro rock, laguna lake, and the city of San Luis Obispo. The trails are full of interesting flora and geology. Sometimes you can see deer or other wildlife is the trail is not to busy. Different trails will give you a wildly different experience and views. Today it rained on us and we still had a lovely time. Bring a snack or even a lunch and make an adventure of it. Dont forget plenty of water, and a light jacket. There is a lovely collection of geo caches hidden in the hills. Some trails are hiking only while others allow for mountain biking. The trails are marked well and have emergency location markers. Most of the trails are rugged but easily manageable. Worth a visit if youve never been. And lastly, beware of poison oak!

D'
Review №10

Loved this place. Reminded me of my hometown, Woodside, CA. My dog didnt even mind the dirt paths (she normally detests getting her paws dirty). She walked with much interest smelling a lot of wildlife smells. Great place!

Aa
Review №11

Beautiful open space with good trails for running (hiking and biking too I guess), but the location that is listed on here (and their website) is a road surrounded by private property - no access. I went to the Mariposa trailhead at De Vaul Park. Generally the trail markings were easy to follow, but there are lots of random connector trails out there.

Ke
Review №12

You can tell many people in the local community care about this great resource. The trails are everything you need and creative.

Ve
Review №13

Beautiful view therere a lot of trail you can see the chain of nine sister.

Th
Review №14

That was an enjoyable hike. I would recommend this for people. That walk regularly.

Te
Review №15

Irish hills has many trails. Did Froom creek and Canyon trail. Real nice. Easy hike. All that want to go, park in Costco Parking lot back by the gas pumps. From there walk to the left and you can figure out trail you want to hike. Or do them all. Wear sturdy hike boots as some areas have loose rocks. Enjoy the hike. Do look out for cyclists.

Ad
Review №16

Love it! Beautiful place to hike

Da
Review №17

Great trails for hiking/running/biking. Challenging, but nice scenery and views.

Ha
Review №18

Gorgeous!! We hiked Mariposa to Mine and then back. Plenty of parking and well maintained, safe, clearly designated trails.

Ri
Review №19

The location Google Maps takes you to doesnt seem to lead to any obvious trails. It just takes you to a fancy neighborhood with no signs indicating where to go. We had to look up parking specifically. Once you actually get to the hills, theyre nice! The location listed just doesnt get you there.

ye
Review №20

Cool hiking trails and stuff, but its kind of tricky to get to. Google Maps takes you the wrong way. To get there, follow Google Maps directions but DO NOT go in the roundabout. Keep driving, it will become foresty. Eventually there will be a parking lot. Watch out for ticks and rattlesnakes, too. I did not see any, but still.

Ji
Review №21

Very beautiful. Not a lot of shade and the ridge was infested with bees when I went, mine isnt too exciting but overall a great place to get away and get some great views!

ju
Review №22

For you mountain bikers. There are a series of dips coming down the hill. Dont break your collar bone like I did. Beautiful views nonetheless. Will definetly go back once Im good.

Aj
Review №23

Beautiful spacious properties all situated for the best views and privacy really incredible

Da
Review №24

Great spot for mountain biking. Challenging rocky terrain. Some fast single track. Good stuff.

Ma
Review №25

Beautiful trails with views of SLO and Morro Bay. I like to ride my bike there.

Fr
Review №26

Keep going just a bit further down perfumo canyon rd. Parking lot is on the left.

Sh
Review №27

I visited this place during April and its one of the most amazing places to hike to. It is unforgettably beautiful lush green hills filled with colorful flowers.

Mi
Review №28

Fun mountain biking spot, great views. Would give it 5 stars if it wasnt so rocky in spots.

Da
Review №29

Great place to hike or bike

Jo
Review №30

Fun network of various trails and not too strenuous to get some nice views! Also

Da
Review №31

Never ending trails connecting you with ocean views breathtaking this theirs and awesome wildlife

Ka
Review №32

Nice place to hike if you dont rely on google maps to get you there.Make sure your dog is leashed.

Ch
Review №33

Beautiful views, great place to mountain bike and hike!

Me
Review №34

Wonderful morning trail run. If going into the area, be on the lookout for recent alerts about any mountain Lion sightings. Just good to be aware.Also avoid getting into the brush and be sure you do a tick check for good measure once home. Otherwise, enjoy the beautiful views and fresh air on this route.

ru
Review №35

There are a million trails here. My favorite is the ocean view trail by way of the old prospectors trail. At the end is a stunning view of the ocean but on the way you get to see an old mining foundation for the chromite mine as well as a tailings pond and a waterfall and several creek crossings. The waterfall is actually impressive right after rain and seems to flow year - round. Lots of wildflower. Good to have a map but only required if you want to get somewhere specific otherwise the trails all meet up and it is hard to get really lost. Watch for ticks.

Mi
Review №36

Seldom used trail with nice views of San Luis Obispo.

Ke
Review №37

Great place to get your hike on.

Da
Review №38

Great local area for trails. Hiking, jogging with the dog or solo. Or for just getting away but still in town. Great to de-stress and get some physical activity in with beautiful surroundings. Spring is the best in these and surrounding hills. Late spring and summer watch out for snakes and poison oak though. Ticks can get bad up in the back hills so check yourself and dogs after a long time. Bring water and a jacket or long sleeve shirt as the clouds can come in quick at times. .

Be
Review №39

Great hike. Lots of dogs! 3 stars because the map at the trailhead is not correct. Trail is closed after rainy days. Parking is easy.

Da
Review №40

Very nice place to hike. Nice and cool because of the ocean breeze. Not exactly the wilderness because of the distant roar of the freeway. Nice view of the seven sisters at the top of the ridge.

Za
Review №41

Great trails to ride! Been there several times and have really enjoyed both the uphill battles and downhill rides! Plan on continuing to go back for weeks and weeks! Fantastic trail for sure!

Ju
Review №42

Was nice to find a trailhead that wasnt closed off due to the recent rain. Great view. Wildflowers are not in full bloom, yet.

An
Review №43

A little confusing with Google Maps directions since they are building new houses (mansions) on area that is still part of this land. Fortunately there were signs posted where they are building so we were able to re-route and get there. Street parking, steep and gorgeous hike.

Al
Review №44

Beautiful trail with amazing views! How could you not give every trail in SLO 5 stars??!

Di
Review №45

Some beautiful trails and scenery, especially coming down backside and that Waddel Ranch pond and distant view of Bishop Peak, does it get any better? I have been using this area and Bishop peak for play/training. I get it, navigation aids and 40 pound pack not required! Lost my keys somewhere? (Lanyard!) Ergo did this hike 2nd time at night. One of the beasts of the fields that showed up in head light was a deer, not too sure about the other one? Kind of creepy but great experience none the less. Those old mine caverns should not be entered. Im not a local, but this area has a rich heritage and history I think Im going to look into it. I had fun.

Mo
Review №46

Excellent hiking and mountain biking trails. The trails are steep and rocky, so there is a decent technical aspect for mountain biking. Overall they are maintained well by CCCMB. The Ocean View trail is a new addition and provides a nice view out towards Shell Beach and Avila.

Br
Review №47

Great open space. There you can take all kinds of trails from easy to advanced. You can go by bike on most of the trails and dogs on leash.

Al
Review №48

Dog-friendly dirt single track trail system that offers a variety of terrain, from wide open ridgetop views to forested canyons with waterfalls.

Ja
Review №49

Nice hiking trails, not too difficult. Beautiful views, even with this weather.

Li
Review №50

Great hiking...easy or strenuous trails...your choice.

Wo
Review №51

Id give 5 starts if not for terrible trail marks. It was my first time there and neither the trail start was marked properly nor trails junctions. In effect we had to take the same route back, as we were hiking with 2 and 4yr old and we couldnt afford getting too far away by mistake. Apart from that youre getting really nice views, kid, pet and bike-friendly trails.

Bl
Review №52

Beautiful place to hike. Easy to moderate trails. Great views of the valley and surrounding peaks.

Ge
Review №53

Beautifully maintained natural area. Challenging trails lead to beautiful views. Bring your own water.

Jo
Review №54

Awesome bike trails, first time doing jumps and its a got a great table top at the bottom of the starting area. Beautiful area!

Ca
Review №55

Theres poison oak on a lot of the trail so be careful

Da
Review №56

Great views, great weather, dog friendly

A
Review №57

Great Hike and plenty of different trails to take!

Bo
Review №58

I enjoy hiking here. There are some parts of the trails where the path splits and there isnt a sign indicating which trail you are going on. Still a good hike with a good view from the top.

Na
Review №59

If You like hiking ........

Re
Review №60

Ocean View trail was magnificent!

Ke
Review №61

Best pizza in town! Delivered, dine in or quick slice on the go Woodstocks Pizza is the place!

Je
Review №62

Beautiful and well kept. Trail system and signage are wonderful.

An
Review №63

Love this area! This park feels remote fairly quickly, and it gives a nice dose of perspective on the massive shopping Target/Home Depot shopping centers around Los Osos Valley Road. Plenty of trails for all hiking/biking levels.

ch
Review №64

MTBers, watch out when going downhill on shooters, theres dips.

Wa
Review №65

One of SLOs best and least traveled trails: taller than Bishop, with over a dozen miles of trails. Abandoned mines, ocean views, secret windmills next to quiet ponds; this place has it all.

Ta
Review №66

Awesome mountain biking spot. Make sure to study the map before you take off its easy to get lost.

Br
Review №67

Amazing place with absolutely stunning sceanary, not to mention the wonderful and diverse community. This is a quiet and peaceful place in SLO to take walks or make friends.

Ro
Review №68

There are 3 main trails that branch off as soon as you walk past the map area. Each one has its fun course to take and you get an instant view after 5 mins of hiking! Keep going to the top though its worth it!

ji
Review №69

3CMB/ city built trail. Challenging terrain great views

Br
Review №70

Nice hike. Trails are somewhat washed out and rough, and could use a lot of maintenance. All this open space that needs work, and so many non violent offenders in jail who would love to do it...

Da
Review №71

Beautiful trails, well maintained.

da
Review №72

Love hiking here, always a good time!

Li
Review №73

Great trails. You can have a short ot very long hike.

Jo
Review №74

Beautiful vistas and well marked trails!

St
Review №75

Where is me gold on the Irish Hills . Great area a jewel of San Luis Obispo . Krap parking lot fits about 7 cars.

Ca
Review №76

We really enjoy hiking on these trails. Great views of the surrounding landscape and lots fresh air!

Ra
Review №77

Beautiful, serene hiking spot!!!

Ja
Review №78

Love the trails! Very good workout on the mountain bike and some technical spots.

Jo
Review №79

Fun trails, can loop from trail to trail if you want a longer hike..

To
Review №80

Some many hiking trails to explore. A beautiful get in San Luis Obispo.

Ga
Review №81

Favorite place to camp hike run bike and build forts

Ra
Review №82

This area has beautiful trails and scenery. Not a good place for beginner mountain bikers, but awesome for intermediate/advanced riders.

Ti
Review №83

Great hiking trails with lots of up hills.

Be
Review №84

From The Bob Jones Trail..

Sc
Review №85

Great place to enjoy the outdoors. Hiking, biking.

Da
Review №86

Has been a few years since I have hiked up here. I think next will get off the beaten trails as long as I avoid poison oak and Mt. Lions. Look for signs of Chumash, lost Ancestors, civilizations of the past etc. Hike to the Ocean maybe? Im old man very much in food chain, will carry big stick.

Al
Review №87

Love the pizza

Ba
Review №88

Very beautiful place. Ideal for a walk with small kids.

Ma
Review №89

Beautiful view, great hike, make sure you review map closely before you begin.

Ra
Review №90

A great place to hike and see the views close to the city.

Em
Review №91

Lovely! Wonderful trails. Take a picture of the map- trails are a little confusing.

Da
Review №92

Love hiking here. Beautiful views of town

Ke
Review №93

Not as great of views as some of the other hikes in slo but has great options for hiking and biking trails. Some cover at the beginning but pretty open the rest of the way.

Ti
Review №94

Great place to hike or ride

Da
Review №95

Great trails with very little dog poop!

Pa
Review №96

Great place for hiking, and bike riding!!

Da
Review №97

Awesome place to hike, many different trails to explore.

Ph
Review №98

Beautiful, fun trails to run in my current backyard.

L
Review №99

Beautiful hiking. Warning​: it can get pretty dark out there if start your hike too close to sunset.

Jo
Review №100

Wide variety of different trails to hike in the area covering a great variety of scenery, plant and animal life. We had planned to hike about 2 miles and went for 8.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:Prefumo Canyon Rd &, Isabella Way, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, United States
  • Site:http://visitsanluisobispocounty.com/profile/1691/irish-hills-natural-reserve
  • Phone:+1 805-781-7300
Categories
  • Tourist attraction
  • Park
  • Nature preserve
Working hours
  • Monday:8am–6pm
  • Tuesday:8am–6pm
  • Wednesday:8am–6pm
  • Thursday:8am–6pm
  • Friday:8am–6pm
  • Saturday:8am–6pm
  • Sunday:8am–6pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:No
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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