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A Day on the Trail: Hiking Through San Luis Obispo's Beautiful Countryside

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Ever wondered what it’s like to spend a day hiking the rugged, sunlit trails of San Luis Obispo? Meet local hikers, Nico Ragasa and Lauren Perales, whose passion for exploring the outdoors has led them to some of the most breathtaking views in the area. “One memorable moment from past hikes is definitely the view. I mean, from Bishop and here, we can see the whole city, and it’s really nice,” Ragasa says, tying his shoes for another adventure. “Some advice I would give to someone new to hiking in the area is to make time for it. I feel like it gives you a lot of mental clarity, especially when you’re stressed,” Perales says. The rugged trail leading to the top of Madonna Mountain offers hikers breathtaking views of San Luis Obispo (Photo/Virginia Hatch). From the first step up a dusty trail to the rewarding summit, follow Ragasa and Perales as they share what it’s like to hike in and around SLO, a town where the mountains meet the coast. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just love...
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From Horseback Trails to Hiking Peaks: How the Outdoors Became Melanie Reynolds' Refuge

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For Melanie Reynolds, a student at Cal Poly , the outdoors is more than just a place for adventure – it’s a way to find clarity, connection, and strength. With a background in horseback riding, she has always felt at home on the trail, but hiking took on new meaning as she navigated the challenges of her father’s cancer diagnosis and her mother’s struggles with mania. Whether trekking through Maui’s ridges or conquering San Luis Obispo’s peaks, Reynolds finds comfort in the climb and the reward of reaching the summit. In this conversation, she shares her journey from childhood walks to discovering how hiking became a powerful source of resilience. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your connection to hiking? Okay, a little bit about me is I enjoy being very active. A big part of my life has been horseback riding, so I guess you could say I have a background in trail rides. So why not connect that to doing the walking myself? I definitely got more into hiking over the past ...
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Bishop Peak Trail Captures a Beautiful Sunset

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Bishop Peak’s story stretches back millions of years, as it stands proudly among the Nine Sisters . The Nine Sisters are a chain of ancient volcanic plugs that surround the San Luis Obispo landscape. These rock formations, known locally as the Morros , are remnants of volcanic activity that shaped the region over 20 million years ago. Named after their unique shapes or cultural significance, each of the Nine Sisters carries its own identity, with Bishop Peak being the tallest and perhaps the most beloved. This landmark offers more than just breathtaking views – it’s a trail filled with stories of determination, reflection, and connection to nature. Generations of hikers have tackled its steep inclines, each step showing their perseverance. From beginners pushing past their limits to advanced adventurers seeking a rewarding climb, Bishop Peak has become a symbol of resilience. Its large rocks and panoramic views have witnessed countless personal triumphs – from hikers completing their f...
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Community Transforms Pismo Preserve into Coastal Sanctuary

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Rolling hills and coastal views greet visitors along this trail, showcasing the Pismo Preserve’s transformation from private ranch to public sanctuary for people who love the outdoors (Photo/Virginia Hatch). Perched above the scenic coastline of Pismo Beach, the Pismo Preserve stands as a testament to the power of conservation driven by the community. Once a 900-acre private ranch, this expansive landscape has been transformed into a public space for outdoor enthusiasts, offering panoramic ocean views, rolling hills, and multi-use trails. The journey from private ranch to public preserve was led by The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo (LCSLO) , a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the area’s natural beauty. Over the years, LCSLO has led several significant conservation projects, including the protection of the Octagon Barn Center and the Santa Rita Ranch. Recognizing the environmental and recreational potential of the ranch, LCSLO embarked on an ambitious campaign to se...
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Transforming Tracks: Old Railroads Become Scenic Trails in SLO County

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This scenic trail offers breathtaking views of San Luis Obispo’s natural beauty, blending history with outdoor activity for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. (Photo/Virginia Hatch) On a crisp morning in San Luis Obispo, walkers and cyclists navigate a newly transformed trail where train tracks used to be. Families stroll past old railroad signs preserved as markers of history, while a group of runners chats as they move along the scenic route. Once a pathway for industry, the trail now buzzes with life, showcasing a growing trend of converting railways into places of recreation across the country. The concept of converting unused railroads into trails, commonly known as “rails-to-trails,” is not new. Nationwide, organizations such as the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy have supported this effort, creating more than 41,000 miles of multi-use trail across the United States. Locally, San Luis Obispo is embracing the idea with enthusiasm, recognizing the potential these projects hold for b...
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