HomeCaliforniaSan Luis Obispo › Terrace Hill Open Space

Terrace Hill Open Space

4.8 ★★★★★ 114 Google reviews · Running trail in San Luis Obispo, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Terrace 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.

ScenicFlat & fastHilly

Hilltop park with a circuitous path, offering 360-degree views of the area - popular for sunsets.

What runners say about Terrace Hill Open Space

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (114 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“A quick but very vertical hike brings you to a plateau with beautiful views of the majority of San Luis Obispo.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“Terrace Hill, San Luis Obispo CA - great 360° views, perfect for sunset & fast, easy, short hike for all ages & fitness levels.”

If you would like to plan a low cost date for the wife or girlfriend. Terrace Hill is the perfect place for this to happen. Bring along dinner, beverages of your choice, and music. She well have a very memorable evening watching the sun go down.

★★★★★ — 805 , Apr 2021

Terrace Hill, San Luis Obispo CA - great 360° views, perfect for sunset & fast, easy, short hike for all ages & fitness levels. 1/2 mile or less each way. Near corner of Bishop & Johnson Avenue (near French Hospital).

★★★★★ — Nw , Feb 2021

Love to do this hike with my 9 year old daughter. We go to Sally Loos for lunch and walk down to the open space and up the hill. It's one of my favorite afternoon excursions! Beautiful views and a great place to fly kites at the top! Not too much for kids who aren't really into hiking 😊

★★★★★ — Mikhail , Dec 2021

Short hike to a beautiful view. My son loves climbing one of the rocks and running around. My family has enjoyed picnics at the top overlooking SLO, but it gets REALLY windy.

★★★★☆ — J , Jul 2017

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 114 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 20 mentions

“Terrace Hill, San Luis Obispo CA - great 360° views, perfect for sunset & fast, easy, short hike for all ages & fitness levels.”

More trails like this →

⛰️ Hills / elevation 9 mentions

“Terrace Hill, San Luis Obispo CA - great 360° views, perfect for sunset & fast, easy, short hike for all ages & fitness levels.”

More trails like this →

Flat & fast 2 mentions

“As the name might suggest, the top of the hill is larger and completely flat with a few benches scattered around.”

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Plan your run at Terrace Hill 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.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • Phone(805) 781-7300

Hours

Monday 6 AM–9 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 6 AM–9 PM
Thursday 6 AM–9 PM
Friday 6 AM–9 PM
Saturday 6 AM–9 PM
Sunday 6 AM–9 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Terrace Hill Open Space

Bishop St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Get directions

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

San Luis Obispo, CA

under a mile away

Vulture Peak

4.7 ★★★★★ 23 reviews

San Luis Obispo, CA

Natural surfaceScenic

under a mile away

South Hills Open Space

4.7 ★★★★★ 155 reviews

San Luis Obispo, CA

LoopScenicDog-friendly

Nature conservation site with trails & native plants & animals in a variety of habitats.

1.0 miles away

San Luis Drive Trail

4.9 ★★★★★ 8 reviews

San Luis Obispo, CA

1.2 miles away

Lemon Grove Loop Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 105 reviews

San Luis Obispo, CA

LoopScenicDog-friendly

Mountain for hiking featuring a Christmas tree at its summit, plus views of the surrounding city.

1.2 miles away

Islay Hill Open Space

4.6 ★★★★★ 136 reviews

San Luis Obispo, CA

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Popular park featuring hiking trails with scenic views, tennis courts, and a cow statue.

2.4 miles away

All running trails in San Luis Obispo, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.