Bowden Ranch Trail (High School Hill) is a 3.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near San Luis Obispo, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and running and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The trailhead is located at the top of Lizzie St between houses (grassy area with No Parking sign). This is the segment that runs from the trailhead to the red tower located above SLO High school. Although this trail is relatively short, its rather steep and constant gradient make it somewhat taxing in the climb, and hard on the knees during descent.
February 23, 2021February 22, 2021Amazing trail! Great view, mostly uphill, great workout. got my Heart rate to 170bpm, got pretty breathy and I'm an athletic person. Definitely recommend it, the people hiking the trail were all respectful of following COVID regulations. All people were nice and said hello. 10/10
January 4, 2021Good workout
December 29, 2020Five stars for the view but it is extremely strenuous the 1st mile. 
November 20, 2020The first 1.2 miles of this trail is basically all uphill. It’s kind of rocky and tactical in spots but it’s definitely worth it for the view at the top. Once you’re at the top you’re basically at the Apex of the Reservoir Canyon Trail. I’ve done that trail a couple of times before and I like the view. Coming down the trail is a bit tricky really have to watch your step because it’s Rocky and there’s a lot of routers loose gravel and you could fall. Otherwise a good work out for sure.
November 12, 2020November 11, 2020Very rocky trail. Good workout.
September 22, 2020September 16, 2020Start early if not foggy. Hot! :)
August 31, 2020Somewhat steep and rocky trail up to a ridge with beautiful panoramic views.
August 10, 2020Too steep and rocky
August 4, 2020June 13, 2020The view is five stars easily but the steep rocky descent coming back is a death sentence for my knees, so just a four star for me.
April 24, 2020This was a great trail. I’d say that the beginning starts on the hi side of moderate.
April 17, 2020Steep and then runs onto private property. Great trail run, if you can gut it out.
April 11, 2020Pretty good hike. Really got our families heart pumping for beginner hikers. Intermediate as like hard for basic no experience hikers.
December 13, 2019Another favorite trail of mine for a quick morning workout
November 30, 2019Always a great hike. Still a bit muddy from the rains this week, but not very slippery. Wear good shoes!
September 27, 2019Very uphill. Saw a rattlesnake on my way up (so cool) and the view was stunning!
August 31, 2019Aggressive uphill for trail running. Long downhill to end it. But at the “T” it it is just running a ridge line. Keep your eyes peeled for snakes. Came across 1. Not sure the type. At the far end it becomes private property.
August 31, 2019I went up the trail as described here without recording. Chose a different way down which I recorded. The last section of the downhill is very steep. It was awesome to find a rope there to hold on to!! Overall beautiful challenging fun hike!
