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Hearst Castle, California

Looking for the best hiking in Hearst Castle? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Hearst Castle. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Hearst Castle

  • San Luis Obispo County, California

    Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail

    4.02 mi / 302 ft gain
    The Bluff Trail is a simple walk that takes you along the coast in Montaña de Oro. The trailhead is located just past Spooner's Cove and has parking on both sides of the road. The path is paved, making it easily accessible for anyone who wants to enjoy these incredible views. If you're feeling a...
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  • San Luis Obispo County, California

    Camp at Montaña de Oro State Park

    5.0
    Located about 7 miles south of Morrow Bay, follow Los Osos Valley Rd into the state park. Watch for the signs to park, as you will be cited after 10pm.The campground is located just across the road from the famous Spooner's cove, but there are any number of trails and hikes you can enjoy (check ...
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Eagle Rock Nature Trail

    4.0
    1.66 mi / 430 ft gain
    Eagle Rock Nature Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near San Luis Obispo, California.
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Bishop's Peak Trail

    4.8
    3.17 mi / 928 ft gain
    Bishop's Peak is one of the most frequented hikes of the San Luis Obispo Area. With a 950ft elevation gain in an estimated 3 mile trek, the summit's peak rests at 1,559 feet. The hike is both demanding and rewarding - the panoramic views at the top of the nearby volcanic morros and San Luis Obisp...
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Mountain Bike Cuesta Ridge

    5.0
    7 mi / -1600 ft gain
    Start at the parking lot directly off of Highway 101, head up TV tower Road for 2.8 Miles and a 900' climb from 1500' to 2400'. The trail is an old fire road that has degraded over the years and is full of potholes. Starting October 2015, the road has been closed to vehicles as its being repaved ...
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Bowden Ranch Trail

    4.0
    3.34 mi / 1286 ft gain
    This short but intense hike on the north east side of San Luis Obispo, offers an amazing view of the town. This hike is roughly 3 miles with 1300 ft of elevation gain. It provides a great cardio workout!  It is also a very popular spot to hike but is less crowded than Bishop Peak. It's a dog frie...
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  • Greenfield, California

    Adventure at Arroyo Seco

    4.6
    This off-the-beaten-trail adventure has a little bit of everything for everyone, and is as challenging as you make it. Many just make it about a mile down to the river for a leisurely day of relaxing, swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a few cold beverages. Others embark on a 7+ mile adventure up...
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Point San Luis Lighthouse via Pecho Coast Trail

    3.4 mi / 879 ft gain
    This guided roundtrip hike to Point San Luis Lighthouse has one of the best views of the central coast coastline. You will get a chance to see the Avila Beach, Avila Pier, Call Poly Pier, and Harford Pier from a high point.  The trail crosses through a land owned by PG&E; therefore, the hike...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Hike the Ewoldsen Trail

    4.5
    4.2 mi / 1500 ft gain
    The Ewoldsen Trail is one of the more accessible yet challenging hikes in Big Sur. It is a beautiful ~4-mile loop through the redwood forest that starts in the Julia Pfeiffer state park parking lot, which is across the street from McCay falls. During the first part of the hike, you'll pass picnic...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Hike the Waters Ridge Trail

    5.0
    7 mi / 2100 ft gain
    Access the Waters Ridge Trail from the Ewoldsen Trail, located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Although steep, this path is fairly short, and rewards you with spectacular views at the top. About halfway around the Ewoldsen Trail Loop, you'll come across a turnoff on the right, with a sign dem...
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Ontario Ridge to Shell Beach Bluff Trail Loop

    4.0
    2.79 mi / 679 ft gain
    Ontario Ridge to Shell Beach Bluff Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Avila Beach, California.
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Catch the Sunset at the Avila Sea Caves

    4.0
    When I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I would come out to this place to watch the sunset. It was my favorite spot to sit on a rock and take in the beautiful scenery as the sun went down. You don't really have to hike to get a nice view, you can park the car and walk out to the rock cliffs and...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Explore The Hidden Rock Caves At Partington Cove

    5.0
    Partington Cove which is located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, is one of Big Sur's hidden gems. It's a very short hike with enough views to show why Big Sur earned the nickname " Little Yosemite." The whole hike can easily be completed in less than an hour, although there are definitely eno...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Partington Cove Trail

    5.0
    1.09 mi / 262 ft gain
    Partington Cove Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Big Sur, California.
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  • Big Sur, California

    Hike to Big Sur's Tin House

    4.0
    When it comes to the beauty of Big Sur, a half day on Tanbark Trail to the Tin House captures it all. From the redwood forest along Partinton Creek, to the abandoned Tin House, to Highway 1 and coastal views, you can't ask for much more.The hike starts on the east side of Highway 1 - the northern...
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  • Santa Margarita, California

    Rinconada Mineral Mines

    1.32 mi / 472 ft gain
    My friends and I recently visited this abandoned mercury mine. The site was cleaned-up by the EPA many years ago, but much of the old equipment remains. Up the hill from the equipment are several deep cuts in the earth and a humongous hole in the ground. The sediment at edges of this hole are VER...
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