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Cerro Alto Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 49 Google reviews · Running trail in Atascadero, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Cerro Alto Trail'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.
Hiking area featuring rocky trails with views of Morro Bay, plus a campground.
What runners say about Cerro Alto Trail
“Great views at the summit but some important things to note: - Be sure of your footing; some of the path may have loose dirt that can cause slips/falls -Bring water.”
“Beautiful views and a nice shaded bench to sit at and enjoy them at the top of the loop.”
The Cerro Alto Trail is a great hiking trail you can access from the Cerro Alto Campground. The parking fee for a day is $10. The hike is 6 miles total, three miles to the top of the mountain and three miles back down. There are some uphill stretches, especially near the start.
First off it's $10 to park for a hike regardless of how long or short. ( No issues here, but if $ is an issue there are plenty of free options nearby ). Parking is first come and there are approximately 15-20 spaces depending on car size and how well people park. ( Dirt floor ) We hiked Boy Scout-W.
Great views at the summit but some important things to note: - Be sure of your footing; some of the path may have loose dirt that can cause slips/falls -Bring water. The trial is over 5 miles of incline on the way up and over 6 miles of decline on the way down.
Great trail, we didn’t hike up to the summit but did the campground loop. Depending on which entrance you decide to enter, you’ll have a challenging uphill hike and an easy decent, or a mellow up hill hike and a steeper decent. Either way is fun, we’ve done both several times.
Trail conditions & character
“Great views at the summit but some important things to note: - Be sure of your footing; some of the path may have loose dirt that can cause slips/falls -Bring water.”
“Depending on which entrance you decide to enter, you’ll have a challenging uphill hike and an easy decent, or a mellow up hill hike and a steeper decent.”
“Parking is first come and there are approximately 15-20 spaces depending on car size and how well people park.”
“We had dogs, no issues, bring water for everyone though as it gets hot in the open and in the afternoons.”
“Cuesta-Ridge-AT&T Cable- Cerro Alta Campground trail loop which is 5 miles total.”
“Beautiful views and a nice shaded bench to sit at and enjoy them at the top of the loop.”
“Hike is rocky until Eucalyptus grove then not too bad crushed smaller rocks.”
“The first time I did this hike it was more mid day and it was an unenjoyable level of exposure in heat.”
Plan your run at Cerro Alto Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
Running trails near Atascadero
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Three Bridges Oak Preserve Trailhead
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Kid-friendly trail offering scenic views as well as wildflower and oak sightings.
Morro Road Bike Path
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Atascadero Lake Park
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Lakeside park with playground, paddle boats, a volleyball court & housing the Central Coast Zoo.
Atascadero Protected Grassland
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Paloma Creek Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 389 reviews
Park with athletic facilities such as baseball and softball fields plus batting cages, and a playground.