Home › California › San Luis Obispo › Lemon Grove Loop Trailhead
Lemon Grove Loop Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 105 Google reviews · Running trail in San Luis Obispo, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Lemon Grove Loop Trailhead'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.
Mountain for hiking featuring a Christmas tree at its summit, plus views of the surrounding city.
What runners say about Lemon Grove Loop Trailhead
“The lemon trail is a pleasant rolling stroll through the lower portion of the mountain with lots of great views of the city and lots of old growth stands of opuntia cacti.”
A leisurely trail to a cute little grove at the base of the hill. There’s a hose and a water dish for dogs when you get to the lemon grove. Beautiful views everywhere, lots of people on the trail always.
Gorgeous. Parking lot is normally busy but still worth it. Great little day hike to get the sweat going. 🙂
This is a wonderful little hiking area right next to downtown SLO. The trails range from easy to moderate with lots of alternate paths and loops. The lemon trail is a pleasant rolling stroll through the lower portion of the mountain with lots of great views of the city and lots of old growth stands of opuntia cacti.
This is the trailhead that will take you up to the top! Just download the map on AllTrails to get there since there are a lot of splits as you hike up.
Trail conditions & character
“I did notice Poison Oak on both sides and came across a snake, (Which happens in these demographics, waited for it to pass over trail and off I went to discover miraculous Views.”
“There is a kiosk at the trailhead with a map of the trails or use the AllTrails app for more info.”
“It is dog and bike friendly, the trails are well marked, and the Lemon Grove Loop to the M trail has lots of beautiful Oaks which provide shade.”
“It is dog and bike friendly, the trails are well marked, and the Lemon Grove Loop to the M trail has lots of beautiful Oaks which provide shade.”
“I really like this trail, still a good work out Steep in some area's, Much easier than Bishop Peak (Less Stones And jagged rocks to hike on and through!”
“It is dog and bike friendly, the trails are well marked, and the Lemon Grove Loop to the M trail has lots of beautiful Oaks which provide shade.”
Plan your run at Lemon Grove Loop Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
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.
San Luis Obispo Creek Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 13 reviews
South Hills Open Space
4.7 ★★★★★ 155 reviews
Nature conservation site with trails & native plants & animals in a variety of habitats.
Terrace Hill Open Space
4.8 ★★★★★ 114 reviews
Hilltop park with a circuitous path, offering 360-degree views of the area - popular for sunsets.
San Luis Drive Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 8 reviews
Irish Hills Natural Reserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 343 reviews
Large natural area featuring diverse habitats & 8+ miles of trails for hiking & mountain biking.