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Islay Hill Open Space
4.6 ★★★★★ 136 Google reviews · Running trail in San Luis Obispo, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Islay Hill Open Space'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.
Popular park featuring hiking trails with scenic views, tennis courts, and a cow statue.
What runners say about Islay Hill Open Space
“Offers great views in all directions from the top, a cow statue for distinctly SLO flavored selfies, a geocache, and bowl at the top of the trail for any thirsty doggos.”
Great hike! Combines easy and difficult trails in a short hike. Dog on leash is required. Excellent view of the valley from the top. Cow sculpture on top.
It's called open space, but it's definitely a park. There is a parking lot, next to the parking lot there are bathrooms and right against the parking lot is where the play structures are. There are several play structures as well as 4 swings: 2 baby swings and two big kids swings. There are also tennis courts.
Can get hot during summer because there is no shade. I personally like hiking it at sunrise and sunset because of that! If you are lucky, you might get to hike through a group of cows that graze on the lower part of the hill. That's my favorite part!
Great place to hike with great views of the Laguna lake? ( Mud hole) depth of so called lake is 2 ft. Nice park clean bathroom's. Dog park for you dog lovers🐺
Trail conditions & character
“Offers great views in all directions from the top, a cow statue for distinctly SLO flavored selfies, a geocache, and bowl at the top of the trail for any thirsty doggos.”
“This open space has wonderful hikes, and great mountain biking, although arguably not the best for beginners, with large loose rocks and steep sections.”
“There is a parking lot, next to the parking lot there are bathrooms and right against the parking lot is where the play structures are.”
“Great hiking trail with panorama views of the surrounding area , could be a bit muddy after a storm.”
“There is a parking lot, next to the parking lot there are bathrooms and right against the parking lot is where the play structures are.”
Plan your run at Islay Hill Open Space
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteslocity.org
- Phone(805) 781-7300
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–7 PM |
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.
Islay Hill Peak
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Hiking area where the presence of cows is a common topic of conversation in reviews.
Terrace Hill Open Space
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South Hills Open Space
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