Islay Hill Trail is a 1.5 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near San Luis Obispo, California. The trail is rated as moderate and primarily used for hiking and trail running. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The easternmost hill in the Central Coast chain known as The Nine Sisters. A narrow dirt path switchbacks across the north side of the hill. At the top are great views of San Luis Obispo and The Edna Valley. Also at the top, a 10ft climbing pole for extra views
Quick hike of one of the Nine Sisters. Great view at the top of the city and Edna Valley vineyards. Pretty buggy at the top today.
Fairly easy, well taken care of trail. Nice elevation for a short hike!
Loved it! A bit slippery in spots - wear shoes with good traction.
Great short hike! 1.8 miles and took about an hour. Enjoy the views on the way up and down. The top is kind of overgrown currently limiting how much you can see.
Steep trail, narrow and dry dirt so be are for sliding. Beautiful views at top but was a steep 13/min and .5 miles up. I came down very slowly due to the steepness
Parked at the Spanish trail head side. Super steep way to start! My legs burned but bu 7 yr old ran up no problem. We then joined the other trailhead entrance and it switched back all the way up to the top. Sad to see the cows no longer on the pole. Hopefully they’ll replace it with something else. Beautiful view and wildflowers in Spring. Headed down and son slipped 6 plus times on his bottom. Decided to exit toward other easier trail head and thru neighborhood to my car. Well worth it.
Partly cloudy, light showers to just make the rosemary and sage fragrant, multifarious songbirds, and a perfect temperature. What a way to start the weekend.
I tried out this trail and let me tell you something, it was so cool!! The terrain is not too bad, but when I went it was a little bit muddy and slippery when climbing up. The elevation was more than I thought , but still fine. I saw little kids walking with the parents towards the beginning. Be careful of little pebbles on the inclines because if you just jog and step wrong, let's just say you will have a bad time. over all not bad honestly. I posted a video on my channel. search "richi805 islay hill" it should pop up. will do again
I highly recommend this trail. I completed this trail after the Bishop Peak Trail this morning. It is fairly easy although watch out for the cow pies and the narrow steep path as you near the top.
Look for the cows under the low shade trees. I did this trail twice this week and the first time I didn’t see the cows because they were laying under some low trees. I saw them the second time. Steep long climb- good workout. Great views of the vineyards!
Excellent 360 view of SLO proper and Edna Valley. I watched the sunrise and it was well worth it. Not too steep, nor too many switchbacks. A few too many bugs at the top for my liking, but that's hiking for you sometimes. Quiet and serene. I recommend this for a quick, easy hike with a great view.