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Point Sal Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 184 Google reviews · Running trail in Guadalupe, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 10 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Point Sal 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.
Scenic hiking spot offering an out-and-back trail to secluded beaches and ridgeline views.
What runners say about Point Sal Trail
“It's a long series of strenuous ups and downs and starts yielding great views of the Vandenberg AFB and Pismo Beach coasts if visibility is good.”
“Easy to follow and good condition.”
Every time I hike this trail it looks different. I truly love it. It’s not an easy hike. I would not recommend for children under 10. Its however a great path. Paved and gorgeous views.
Thrilling vista and views down the coast. Be careful trying to get all the way down to the beach. One of my favorite spots to go where you can work to earn some beach privacy. Mostly a road run/walk with some excellent trail options, check them out on alltrails.
Mind blowing views of the most beautiful landscapes. Bring comfortable shoes and everything else you need for an epic hike to a secluded beach. Guessing the hike was around 11 miles each way to get to beach. Well worth the effort. This might be one of the most magical places I've ever been.
Absolutely gorgeous trail. 5 miles one way. 10 miles total out-and-back. Well maintained and with panoramic coastal views all along. A few important notes: About 3 miles down the trail there's a gate and anything past this gate belongs to the Air Force. The gate may be locked when the area is in use.
Trail conditions & character
“It's a long series of strenuous ups and downs and starts yielding great views of the Vandenberg AFB and Pismo Beach coasts if visibility is good.”
“An out and back trail about 5 miles long, 10 miles for the round trip.”
“The views are spectacular, feels like Ireland, super green and hills have cows and horses across the valley.”
“And finally a more strenuous hike uphill to a beautiful ocean view, with approximately a 3 mile hike back to the parking lot.”
Plan your run at Point Sal Trail
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
- Distance10 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
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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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