This particular trail was really nice...nice being: no need for a passing lane to accommodate heavy use and traffic, no visual signs of trail-side refuse and no encounters with out of control, overgrown poison oak. Located just north of San Luis Obispo off Highway 101, it should be no surprise to locals, that such a short drive from the freeway can offer you a peaceful hike in solitude with only the sounds of nature...trickling water and bird calls. But heck, this is the Central Coast, not Southern California.
The first part of the trail casually winds up the canyon alongside Reservoir Creek...a small perennial stream that still had a steady flow. You walk through a native forest of oak and sycamore trees that shade the small cascades, waterfalls and pools. The size of the creek bed shows signs that during the spring, this little stream has the potential to move some water. 
On this sunny day, the stream was quite shallow, with the rocks nestled all through it looking like miniature islands full of brothels for hundreds of brilliant blue damselflies who happen to be in their mating mode.
Signs of wildlife are everywhere...remnants of hillside wildflowers still in bloom, coyote scat on the trail, lizard and snake crossings and as we noticed all the bird in the trees and quail scurrying on the ground, it is evident that this healthy forest oasis must also provide a nourishing aviary. The trail distance one way is 2.5 miles, but we hoofed up it just a little over 2 miles and a 900 foot elevation gain and then called it a day. Although we felt this would be a good future conditioning hike for us, we were passed by a couple of "college kids" that made us feel like we were crawling up the hill.
No this is not a tepee at Burning Man. About halfway up the trail you will reach a small plateau that features some "local art" using remnants of old sheet metal left from what seems like an abandoned construction site. Good rest stop with a tall eucalyptus tree providing some nice shade as you gaze upon the views of the canyon below.
The community should find great satisfaction and fortune to know that the city planners actually had the foresight to protect and earmark these watersheds and little hidden nature reserves that surround "SLO" as public open space. We know that more of these little gems are out there...lets see which one draws us next.
The Bluff Trail, part of the 1,100 mile California Coastal System, is situated right on the oceans bluff. You have no choice but to gaze on beautiful blue water seascapes. And catching glimpses of sea otters, harbor seals, pods of dolphins or a migrating gray whale is the norm. The Marine Terrace Trail, also with panoramic ocean views, is perfect for those well trained canines to be off leash...to run, explore and be puppies all over again.
To get a true sense of the expanse of this wonderful preserve, walk the Ridge Trail. The trail meanders atop the gentle slopping hills and features the best fast food eateries for our White Tailed Kites and Coopers Hawks. The grasslands are perfect breeding grounds for rabbits, voles and mice. 
You can explore another habitat by accessing the Forest Loop Trail. The Monterey Pine forest is rich with birdlife and an eclectic collection of mammals living and hiding within the overgrowth of ground cover and logs.
With an abundance of wildlife that is regularly seen in our forests, it is almost impossible to walk the trails without a sighting. Deer, bobcats, coyotes, skunks, rabbits, squirrels, and if you are "lucky" and alert...a lone mountain lion may be chanced upon. Birders will also love the forest and foothills as they offer many opportunities to see our wild bird population...including raptors, herons, egrets and a multitude of sea birds. And during the season, bright wildflower dot the hills with spectacular colorspots...
All of the trails are easy and casual. You can ride or walk up some small hills if you require a more difficult workout. But whether it is your desire to hit the trail for a few miles of cardio work, spend a quiet morning in the stillness, meditate at one of the unique hand made benches or just gaze at a brilliant sunset, the ranch will draw you...draw you back to our Central Coast.