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South Hills Open Space
4.7 ★★★★★ 155 Google reviews · Running trail in San Luis Obispo, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from South Hills 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.
Nature conservation site with trails & native plants & animals in a variety of habitats.
What runners say about South Hills Open Space
“The trails are well-maintained, the views are stunning, and it's a perfect place to escape the city and reconnect with nature.”
“Access is really easy, and the trails are well marked.”
“Gorgeous view of the sunset, nice and easy walk smack in the middle of SLO that looks a little like Ireland”
Parked and accessed the trail from Stone Ridge off of Broad. Access is really easy, and the trails are well marked. I’ve grown up in this area of town and surprised it took me 40 years to finally hike around here. Had a nice afternoon.
This open space is a gem! The trails are well-maintained, the views are stunning, and it's a perfect place to escape the city and reconnect with nature.
Fun little local spot. One entrance is marked by a paved portion of what looks like a drainage ditch along some houses. Trails can be run or hiked easily, saw people with their dogs on main trail.
There are minimal "official" trails, which is nice for the area, and South Hills is a true local open space! As with many other hikes around, it is muddy after rain. Convenient to have in the middle of town with some different views of the surroundings.
Trail conditions & character
“The trails are well-maintained, the views are stunning, and it's a perfect place to escape the city and reconnect with nature.”
“There is one super steep section that is a variation for anybody looking for a short loop with a repeatable super steep section (approach the cell phone tower from the NE).”
“Access is really easy, and the trails are well marked.”
“There is one super steep section that is a variation for anybody looking for a short loop with a repeatable super steep section (approach the cell phone tower from the NE).”
“Trails can be run or hiked easily, saw people with their dogs on main trail.”
Plan your run at South Hills Open Space
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitevisitslo.com
- Phone(805) 781-7302
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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.
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