· Volunteers Needed
   · Ranger-Led Hikes
   · Trail Workdays
   . Jr. Ranger Activity Camps
   · Virtual Tour
   · Living with California Mountain Lions
   · Hiking Trails/Open Space Map
   · Directions for Hikes & Workdays
   · Slacklining

The Ranger Service acts as the voice of nature, speaking to the users, and uniting them to help protect the natural resources. Through enforcement, education, maintenance, and rehabilitation of the parks, creeks, and open space, Park Rangers help the public enjoy the areas but also protect it for future generations.

Protecting open space is a job for not only the Rangers. The City encourages every user to aid in the preservation of the natural surroundings while enjoying time spent in the area. Through environmental education on Ranger-Led Hikes, after school programs, and public contacts, the community becomes more aware of their effect on the natural environment and how they can help restore it’s natural beauty.

Some simple guidelines to protect the participant and make the most of the experience are:

Use sunscreen
Stay on the trail
Wear sturdy shoes
Bring plenty of water
Follow other posted guidelines
Keep dog on leash and pick up after them

Volunteers Needed

Another key element for the preservation of the open space is involvement of community groups and volunteers. Volunteers donating time, hard work, and genuine interest in caring for nature are invaluable to the care and upkeep of the 3,000 acres of open space. Volunteering is not only rewarding, but there is scarcely a better way to take part in what occurs in open space than being personally involved in the process.

Volunteers have become the focal point for the Ranger Service. With only a handful of hired staff to manage the land, it is crucial to have community service events, Trail Workdays, Volunteer Trail Lookouts hiking the trails, and groups adopting a specific open space.

Wondering what a volunteer does? 

• Pick up garbage

• Help build and maintain trails

• Help restore native vegetation along the creek corridor

• Build bridges, catwalks, benches and much more

If any service groups, associations, organizations, clubs, students, families, individuals, or anyone else would like to take part in the preservation of the City's open space, volunteering is encouraged.  Please call the Senior Park Ranger at (805) 781-7302 for more information.

Ranger-Led Hikes

Ranger-led hikes offer a wonderful personal tour of the City's Open Space.  It is important to follow the simple guidelines for hiking, listed above.  Anyone can schedule their own hike or join one of the following scheduled Ranger-led hikes:

Call 781-7302 for more information on upcoming hikes

All hikes start at 1:00 p.m. Hike duration varies with group. We ask that all participants please wear study shoes and bring plenty of water to drink. 

Want to take a hike on your own?  View our hiking trail map online for more information.  A trail map of Irish Hills Open Space is available online, you need Adobe Acrobat to view.

Fitness Hiking Club:

These hikes are designed for active adults to get acquainted with the many fabulous trails in the county.  Explore hidden gems of the City's Open Space and other 'within reach' county destinations.  Hike pace and distance will be catered to the individual group.  Trails are clearly marked should someone want to turn around early or continue farther.  Hikes are led by Parks and Recreation staff and OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) docents.

All hikes meet at designated trailheads at 8:30 a.m. unless otherwise stated (please see hikes denoted in italics). 

2009 Schedule
(Listings in italics are Osher Lifelong Learning Institute-led hikes)

January
Monday, January 5 – Stenner Springs Open Space - directions
Monday, January 19 - Irish Hills Open Space @ Prefumo Canyon - directions

February
Monday, February 2 – El Chorro Regional Park, Eagle Rock-Oak Woodlands Loop - directions
Monday, February 16 - Reservoir Canyon Open Space - directions

March
Monday, March 2 – Bishop Peak Natural Reserve @ Patricia Trailhead - directions
Friday, March 27 - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. @ Montana de Oro, "Coon Creek Nature Walk" (Osher-led hike) - directions

April
Monday, April 6 – Johnson Ranch Open Space - directions
Thursday, April 16 - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. @ Montana de Oro, "Montana de Oro Bluff Walk" (Osher-led hike) - directions

May
Monday, May 4 – 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. @ Reservoir Canyon "Reservoir Canyon Hike" (Osher-led hike) - directions
Thursday, May 14 - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. @ Montana de Oro, "Point Buchon Walk" (Osher-led hike) - directions
Friday, May 8 - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. @ Port San Luis Harbor, "Point San Luis Lighthouse Hike".  Note: Limited number of hikers allowed on trail.  To sign up and for meeting info email vabler@calpoly.edu.

June
Monday, June 15 - Cerro San Luis Open Space, M-Trail - directions

Trail Workdays

In partnership with SLO Stewards, monthly Trail Workdays are held in the City's Open Space.  Tools will be provided, along with some water and refreshments.  The following is a list of scheduled Trail Workdays:

Saturday, March 21 - Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve - directions
Saturday, April 4 - Johnson Ranch Open Space - directions
Saturday, April 18 - Johnson Ranch Open Space - directions
Saturday, May 9 - Johnson Ranch Open Space - directions
Saturday, May 23- Irish Hills @ Prefumo Canyon - directions
Saturday, June 13 - Johnson Ranch Open Space - directions
Saturday, June 27 - Johnson Ranch Open Space - directions
Saturday, July 18 - Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve - directions
Saturday, August 8 - Irish Hills @ Madonna - directions
Saturday, August 22 - Johnson Ranch Open Space - directions

All workdays are from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.  Meet at the trailhead at 9:00 a.m. Please wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Water and snacks will be provided.

Call 781-7302 for information on upcoming trail workdays.
 

Junior Ranger Activity Camps

The Ranger Service will be offering two Environmental Education camps this summer.

Jr. Ranger Activity Camp at Sinsheimer Park
Taught by City of San Luis Obispo Park Rangers

The Jr. Ranger Activity Camp is a weeklong environmental education experience designed to teach children about the many facets of San Luis Obispo’s natural environment. Both indoor and outdoor activities and lessons will be utilized to educate Jr. Rangers about plant and animal identification, wilderness survival, environmental etiquette, and resource conservation. Campers must bring lunch. Morning snack and unlimited water provided. Limited space available, early registration is encouraged. Register for the Summer Kick-Off camp through Monday, June 8, 2009 and for the Summer Wrap Up camp through Monday, August 10, 2009.

Class #    Class Name       Ages   Day(s) Date(s)             Time(s)           Cost

1070.201  Summer Kick-Off   7-10   Mon-Fri  Jun 15-Jun 19      9am-2pm          $75

1070.202  Summer Wrap       7-10   Mon-Fri  Aug 17-Aug 21     9am-2pm          $75
 

People wishing to participate can register beginning April 25, 2009 either on-line at http://www.slocity.org/parksandrecreation/registrationmain.sdi or by visiting the Parks and Recreation Administrative Offices at 1341 Nipomo Street.

Note: Participation in any previous Jr. Ranger Camp should not discourage the young avid outdoor enthusiast from registering. Each camp incorporates different themes and new activities. Campers already awarded a Jr. Ranger certificate will be given a higher honor upon completion of the second or third Jr. Ranger course.

Camp Enrollments: minimum 5, maximum 18.
Location: Sinsheimer Park
Cost: $75 for 5-day camp. Partial scholarships are available to qualified families based on financial need using a predetermined eligibility standard.

Directions to Ranger-Led Hikes and Trail Workdays:

Bishop Peak Natural Reserve @ Highland Trailhead:  To reach the trailhead, take Foothill Blvd. west and make a right onto Patricia Drive. Continue north on Patricia Drive and make a left onto Highland Drive. Highland Drive will end at the Bishop Peak trailhead.

Bishop Peak Natural Reserve @ Patricia Trailhead:  To reach the trailhead, take Foothill Blvd. west and make a right turn at Patricia Drive.  Continue north on Patricia Drive and the trailhead will be on the left just past Patricia Court.

Bob Jones Bike Trail:
Please meet at the trailhead on Prado Road. Trailhead is located near Prado Road's intersection with South Higuera to the north side of the bridge crossing San Luis Creek.

Bowden Ranch Open Space:  Please meet at the Lizzie Court trailhead.  To reach the trailhead, turn east off of Johnson Avenue onto Lizzie Street and continue up a short ways to end of street at trailhead.

Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve:  Please meet at the Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve trailhead. To access the trailhead, turn right onto Fernandez Road just before the southbound 101 Marsh Street on-ramp.

El Chorro Regional Park:
Entrance is approximately 5.5 miles north of SLO, across from Cuesta College.  Turn right onto park road and continue 0.8 miles to Dairy Creek parking lot on the left by the locked gate.

Irish Hills Natural Reserve @ Prefumo Canyon Trailhead:  To reach the trailhead, take Los Osos Valley Road north and turn left onto Prefumo Canyon Road.  Follow this road for 1 mile and the trailhead will be on the left after a bridge crossing.

Irish Hills Natural Reserve @ Madonna Trailhead: Please meet at the Madonna trailhead. To reach the trailhead from Highway 101, take Los Osos Valley Road north towards Los Osos. Turn left on Madonna Road. Follow the street to the end and find parking on the street, then walk up the dirt road to the trailhead.

Islay Hill Open Space:  Please meet at the trailhead.  To reach the trailhead, take Broad Street south and make a left onto Tank Farm Road.  Follow this road and make a right onto Wavertree Street.  Make a left onto Spanish Oaks Drive and then a right onto Sweetbay Lane.  Trailhead is at the end of Sweetbay Lane.

Johnson Ranch:  Please meet at the turnout located at the intersection of South Higuera Street and Ontario Road.  NOTE: This Open Space is not yet open to the public.  Access is granted for scheduled events only!

Montaña de Oro State Park. Montaña de Oro Bluff Walk:  From San Luis Obispo take Los Osos Valley Road through Los Osos, then continue on to the entrance of Montaña de Oro State Park via Pecho Valley Road.  Drive another 2.7 miles to Park Headquarters Visitor Center (also known as Old Ranch House).  Group will meet and depart from there.

Montaña de Oro State Park. Coon Creek Nature Walk: From San Luis Obispo, take Los Osos Valley Road through Los Osos and continue to the entrance of Montaña de Oro State Park via Pecho Valley Road.  From the entrance sign, continue 3.9 miles to the trailhead parking area on the left at the end of the road, 1.2 miles past the visitor center.  Group will meet and depart from there.

Montaña de Oro State Park. Point Buchon Walk: From San Luis Obispo, take Los Osos Valley Road through Los Osos and continue to the entrance of Montaña de Oro State Park via Pecho Valley Road.  From the entrance sign, continue 3.9 miles to the trailhead parking area on the left at the end of the road, 1.2 miles past the visitor center.  Group will meet and depart from there.

Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve:  Please meet at the Reservoir Canyon trailhead.  To reach the trailhead, take Highway 101 north.  Go past the city limits and turn right onto Reservoir Canyon Road (second road past the City limits).  Reservoir Canyon Road will end at the trailhead.

South Hills Open Space: Please meet at the South Hills trailhead off of Woodbridge Street.  To reach the trailhead take South Street east and turn right onto Exposition Drive.  Go straight and the road will turn into Woodbridge Street.  The trailhead is on the right.

Stenner Springs Properties: Head west out of San Luis Obispo on Highway 1 towards Morro Bay.  Slightly less than a mile outside of town turn right onto Stenner Creek Road.  Follow Stenner Creek Road for about 2-1/2 miles to the end.  Meet the ranger there.

Living with California Mountain Lions

The Ranger Service would like to promote education about “Living with California Mountain Lions.”  Due to the recent sightings of mountain lions in the City’s open space, it seemed appropriate to inform the public about this species of wildlife.  Some quick tips to follow if a user encounters a mountain lion:

Do Not Hike Alone

Keep Children Close To You

Do Not Run From a Lion

Do All You Can To Appear Larger

Virtual Tour

Take a virtual tour of the Bishop Peak Nature Reserve via the Felsman Loop.....a brochure detailing the area is available as a PDF file.