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Bob Jones Trail Head
4.9 ★★★★★ 264 Google reviews · Running trail in San Luis Obispo, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Bob Jones Trail Head's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Paved trail for walkers and bikers along San Luis Obispo Creek, with stops for food and drink.
What runners say about Bob Jones Trail Head
“Winds parallel to the creek that through a beautiful gold course, over the creek and plops you out literally at the beach!”
“Good distance great for walking jogging or bike ride.”
“Mostly flat and fully paved with lots of tree canopy to protect walkers/bikers from the sun, and many places to stop along the way.”
“Beautiful trail, perfect for all ages!”
One of the most scenic, well maintained trails to take in the Avila/San Luis Obispo area! The trail is a 5.1 mile trail out to the ocean and back to main trail head. Beautiful scenic views including walking past a Buddhist temple, the Sycamore Hot Springs, and a cute watering hole called the Secret Garden!
So for me when I read a review what I really want to know is if the person writing the review will actually go back and do business at this particular location again. Really that's all that matters right? It's either yes I can't wait to come back or no this place is not for me so what's my answer?
Great paved, accessible trail for walking, bikes, etc. My wife has CP and limited leg mobility and had a great time with her electric assist trike, as I walked along. Signs, benches and stopping points along the way. Some moderate incline may be hard with wheelchair. Was a lovely trek.
Beautiful easy paved trail to beach 2.5 approximately miles to beach lots of tree shade 2 nice stops of restaurants on the way. Definitely a must do in Avila. Take a lunch chill on the beach and walk back. Your body, soul and mind will thank you
Trail conditions & character
“Winds parallel to the creek that through a beautiful gold course, over the creek and plops you out literally at the beach!”
“Mostly flat and fully paved with lots of tree canopy to protect walkers/bikers from the sun, and many places to stop along the way.”
“I came across a group of vultures, birds, saw some lambs on the hillside, a few golfers, early bird runners and people walking their dogs.”
“Mostly flat and fully paved with lots of tree canopy to protect walkers/bikers from the sun, and many places to stop along the way.”
“Huge parking area and safe but I wouldn't leave items lose in the back of an open truck.”
“Sycamore Springs Trail is more of a moderate trail because of the incline.”
“Mostly flat and fully paved with lots of tree canopy to protect walkers/bikers from the sun, and many places to stop along the way.”
“Great paved, accessible trail for walking, bikes, etc.”
Plan your run at Bob Jones Trail Head
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Running trails near San Luis Obispo
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Pismo Preserve
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Trail junction with Ocean View Trail
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