Miossi Preserve Overlook and Rollercoaster Loop
Quick Facts
- Time: 2 hours
- Distance: 3.8 miles lollipop route
- Elevation: 800'
- Difficulty: Moderate with steady climbing
- Terrain: Mix of jeep road and single track trail
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Parking: Dedicated lot just north of SLO
- Notable Feature: Railroad tunnel crossing
- Views: Panoramic vista of the morros
Learn about elevation profiles
Trail Overview
This relatively new preserve doesn't have the highest elevation gain, but its peak is among the highest of our usual hikes. This is the one that passes under the local railroad and includes a panorama sign of the morros. The last half is a steady but easy climb with few trees for shade. Terrific views from the top are worth the steady climb.
Getting to the Overlook
The route hits you with a steep start that will soon show how widely spread a group of hikers may get. It’s a steep, slow start until the first level spot, which makes a sharp right turn before climbing again. This part is a wide jeep trail that levels out after half a mile. Not long after — only 0.8 miles from the trailhead — is a junction that connects with the other trails in the area.
After the junction, the trail turns into a single-file path that winds around the hills and makes several switchbacks to the overlook. Turn right to keep climbing and soon arrive at a tunnel of corrugated metal under active railroad tracks. We've only encountered an Amtrak train once, barely getting everyone through the tunnel before it passed overhead. The sweeping view improves with each switchback and the trail is less steep as it ascends.
Views and Features
About 1.4 miles in, you'll reach another junction where the rollercoaster loop rejoins the route. A minute after that is a panorama view with an iconic curving sign. This is a good place for group photos and to let people appreciate the scenery.
The Rollercoaster Loop
The rollercoaster loop adds another three-quarters of a mile. Hikers push to climb the initial hill, which is the steepest ascent yet, and then enjoy a leisurely descent to the junction near the sign. It's not unusual for people to form small knots of friendly conversation on the way down. We've never had anyone get lost, even after dark, although some have driven away before we reach the parking lot with the last hikers.
Weather Considerations
Without many trees along the way, there's almost no shelter from the elements. I've only had weather trouble once: severe winds at the overlook that made me reconsider doing the rest of the loop.
Finding the Trailhead
I've often had people ask where to turn in spite of instructions and a map on the Meetup description. Coming from SLO it's "two miles north of the Reservoir Canyon turn" or "just after the two-lane highway turns to three." Coming from the north, "a sharp right turn at the base of the grade" or "right after a yellow signs that says 'cross traffic ahead.'" These days you can also search Google Maps for "Miossi Open Space."
Photos by Joe Gremillion