Reservoir Canyon

Users: hikers and dogs on leash
Length: 2.5 miles (one way)
Elevation gain/loss: +1300 feet
Difficulty: strenuous

Directions to the Trailhead
To reach the trailhead, take US 101 north. Go one mile past the city limits (Monterey Street exit) and turn right on Reservoir Canyon Road. Drive to the end of the road and park in the dirt lot. The trail starts on the other side of the gate. Upon leaving, enter Highway 101 very carefully.

The first mile of the trail follows the creek through a mature native forest of oak, bay, and sycamore trees that shade the little pools and waterfalls caught between serpentine rock walls. Then it’s a steady climb up the north face of the mountain, through open meadows and along brushy slopes to the treeless ridge. Please be mindful of the No Trespassing signs posted. At the 1,715’ high point, hikers will enjoy awesome views of the City, from the southern end of Los Osos Valley and the Irish Hills, to Cuesta Pass, to the ancient volcanic Morros rising from the El Chorro Valley between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay.

History
Throughout California, obsolete local water systems have been converted to public open space reserves. Historically, protection of local watersheds has turned out to be one of the soundest investments made by the public in habitat and water quality protection.

The small stream in Reservoir Canyon is perennial. In the late 1800’s a private water company purchased the land and built several diversion structures along the creek to carry water to a holding reservoir. Here and there along the trail through Reservoir Canyon you can still see remnants of the old water collection system.

The system operated until about the 1950’s, when the City of San Luis Obispo gained access to the larger and more reliable water supply from the Salinas Reservoir near Santa Margarita. Once this water began to flow into the City, the small systems in Reservoir Canyon and other parts of the local watershed were abandoned.

The City never sold the Reservoir Canyon property and eventually designated it as a City open space. The canyon has retained its beauty and integrity largely because it was an important watershed for the community. Recently the City purchased 284 acres of the canyon to add to the original 200 acres, and is in discussions with several landowners regarding acquisition of easements or land, with the goal of preserving as much of the canyon as possible for its habitat and passive recreational values.

As you hike around and enjoy the beauty and serenity of Reservoir Canyon, remember that our good fortune today results from the foresight of those who sought many years ago to provide reliable, quality water and to protect its sources.