Best trails in Paso Robles, California

Centennial Trail is a paved multi-use trail that runs through Centennial Park and adjacent open space on the east side of Paso Robles, California. The trail begins from the end of Lana Street, where a vehicle barrier bars access to the trail. The path is wide and paved the entire way, making it ideal for bicycles. From the trailhead, the trail descends through an open forest of coast live oak trees along an intermittent stream that usually only has water in it during the wet winter months. You soon reach Centennial Park, which has restrooms, picnic tables, and a popular swimming pool. Just past a wooden bridge, turn left at a junction to stay on the main path. The trail passes below the facilities of Centennial Park, then briefly rises up to a crossing of Nickerson Drive. A crosswalk is available and traffic is usually light in this area. On the other side of the street, continue down through the open oak forest, eventually reaching the end of the trail at Mohawk Court. The return trip is all uphill, but the gradient is so slight as to hardly be noticeable. This is a pleasant walk any time of year, although in the hot summer months you will want to visit early in the morning before it gets too hot. There is some shade along the route, but for the most part you will be out in the open. For an extended trip, turn left on Mohawk Court at the end of the trail and walk down to a crossing of busy South River Road. On the opposite side, continue on Navajo Avenue for two blocks to pick up the Salinas River Parkway, which runs along the road at this point. Accessibility: The trail surface is paved asphalt and typically at least six feet wide. The estimated grade is mostly gentle (5% or less) but there are two very steep sections (over 12%) where wheelchair/mobility equipment or stroller users may need assistance or to turn around (very steep uphill at 0.2 miles and steep downhill at 0.5 miles). These have been marked with waypoints.Show more

Drive into Lake Nacimiento Resort. At the gate, you will be charged $15 bucks for a day pass that is good until 9PM. As you drive up the road, you will see an A-Frame type lodge that is the office for the resort, park near the building and to your immediately left (if facing the lodge) you will see a hill with a do not enter sign. This is the way to the trail. Once the concrete ends, look to your right, this is the best view of the lake you will get while on this hike. It is very scenic, and very beautiful. As you walk down the dirt road, you will notice it is very large, and wide, there is no trailhead marker. There is merely the road coming to an end and a small trail leading up past a tree. As you follow the trail, you will be dumped out onto a road, the trails are defined pretty well up until this point. If you stay off the road, and veer to the right you will see the trail again. Once you follow this trail it will split into three different trails. Hike the shore, or if you are tired, you can follow that main road back basically to the start point. If you are full of energy you can follow a path along the shore one went left and one goes right and immediately drops you onto the shore. You will do a little bit of climbing in order to get off the shore, watch the draws as you are on your initial hike out, you will see one that drops you literally into the lake. Many trails veer off the main trail and the main trail isn't marked at all but all paths that veer look exactly like the main trail. Its easy to get turned around, but its a nice walk for anyone wanting a peaceful hike. The trail is covered in beautiful oaks to look at but there are some open spots along the trail. Bring sunscreen, and a hat.Show more

This is the city park in downtown Paso Robles...a fun walk to do during the Wine Festival, with admission tickets you get unlimited tastings. There is a pizza restaurant just across 12th Street along with upscale restaurants and wine tasting facilities. Accessibility: There is street parking by the trailhead. The trail surface is paved and typically at least four feet wide. The estimated grade is gentle (all 2% or less).Show more