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Johnson Ranch Open Space
4.7 ★★★★★ 363 Google reviews · Running trail in San Luis Obispo, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Johnson Ranch 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.
Well-known option for hiking & mountain biking, with a variety of trails & scenic views.
What runners say about Johnson Ranch Open Space
“Beautiful scenery and short drive outside of SLO.”
“Real bonus here is the shady creek down at the very bottom where my dog likes to take a drink.”
“Fun low demanding trail for all ages.”
Lovely, slow sloping figure-8-shaped trail that is easy on the knees to run and takes almost no effort to hike. My favorite one around here. In the mornings it is typically windless (unless winds are offshore) and sometimes misty, although not as foggy as trails closer to the coast.
Our first time on the Johnson Ranch trails. Majestic & breathtaking. Merry Christmas 2022.
Really enjoyed hiking here and as a beginner I didn't have any issues with the terrain.
This was a beautiful walk but BEWARE OF TICKS! after spending less than an hour on this trail on May 25th completing the 2.3 mile loop, I spotted 3 ticks on myself and my dog. They looked like American dog ticks. Wear long socks and pants and check your self before getting in the car.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful scenery and short drive outside of SLO.”
“There is a nice and short mile or so loop trail with some great rolling hill scenery.”
“There is a nice and short mile or so loop trail with some great rolling hill scenery.”
“Real bonus here is the shady creek down at the very bottom where my dog likes to take a drink.”
“Real bonus here is the shady creek down at the very bottom where my dog likes to take a drink.”
“Bird songs get loud, grasses and spiderwebs take their morning showers in dew droplets and sparkle like twinkle lights when the rising sun hits them just right.”
Plan your run at Johnson Ranch Open Space
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteslocity.org
- Phone(805) 781-7300
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
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.
Johnson Ranch Trailhead
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Hiking haven for the family with several loops and some challenging terrain.
Trail junction with Ocean View Trail
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Irish Hills Natural Reserve
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Large natural area featuring diverse habitats & 8+ miles of trails for hiking & mountain biking.
Bob Jones Trail Head
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Paved trail for walkers and bikers along San Luis Obispo Creek, with stops for food and drink.
South Hills Open Space
4.7 ★★★★★ 155 reviews
Nature conservation site with trails & native plants & animals in a variety of habitats.
