Islay Hill Summit Out & Back
Quick Facts:
- Time: 1 hour
- Distance: 1.8 miles out and back
- Elevation: 540'
- Difficulty: Moderate, short but steep
- Terrain: Single file dirt path
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Parking: Street parking at Sweetbay Lane
- Location: Near SLO airport
- Best for: Sunset views, shorter timeframe
Learn about elevation profiles
Trail Character
Islay hill defines "casual hike." It's challenging enough for people new to hiking without wearing them out, and its location within San Luis Obispo is easy for most people to access. Reliable timing, easy parking, and local scenic views make it ideal for picturesque sunset hikes.
But mind the weather. Heavy rains can make sections sticky with mud or full of standing water. The city website will post updates about closures.
Trail Segments
The route to the summit has three sections:
- The first ascent is steep enough for a slower warmup. Even veterans appreciate a less-than-perky pace starting out, and time has never presented a problem so there’s no harm in taking your time.
- The trail keeps rising, but after a third of a mile is not as steep. It even has a few short descents as it winds around the west side of the hill. In rainy weather, watch out for thick mud and standing water here.
- The route touches two side trails that lead to the neighborhood below before starting its final push to the summit (around 0.6 miles from the trailhead). It's steeper and rockier at the end, which is tricky both going up and coming down, but not enough to warrant trekking poles.
Summit Experience
The iconic cow statue at the summit, part of CowParade hosted locally by artist Sara Lane around 2016, is a great place for panoramic photos. Views extend across San Luis, Cerro San Luis, Bishop Peak, and beyond.
Group Management
This hike typically keeps groups relatively together due to its shorter length and clear path. The moderate challenge also means experienced hikers don't tend to race ahead. If the group spreads out, the summit provides an obvious meeting point.
Photos by Joe Gremillion