Highway 41 in Atascadero serves as a green gateways to the coastal reprieve of Morro Bay. Don’t skip a beat on the hiking experience, however. Three Bridges Oak Preserve and Trailhead is quite the educational and oak-laden experience. Expect to see extremely well-maintained trails wandering through oak groves with expansive views of the city from atop. Hiking options abound here – be sure to check in with the area map before visiting. As the trail systems gain elevation, expect a rather abrupt and eye-opening transition from low-lying oak forest to higher elevation chaparral: manzanita, coastal scrub and changing soil types. This is a high-traffic location, so expect visitors and plenty of foot traffic on weekends.
Shaded trails surrounded by stunning oaks leads the way along the Oak Woodland Loop, a non-strenuous start followed by a steeper uphill finish. In the heat of summer, this trail offers the sanctuary of shade in hot sun.
Highway 41 in Atascadero serves as a green gateways to the coastal reprieve of Morro Bay. Don’t skip a beat on the hiking experience, however. Three Bridges Oak Preserve and Trailhead is quite the educational and oak-laden experience. Expect to see extremely well-maintained trails wandering through oak groves with expansive views of the city from atop. Hiking options abound here – be sure to check in with the area map before visiting. As the trail systems gain elevation, expect a rather abrupt and eye-opening transition from low-lying oak forest to higher elevation chaparral: manzanita, coastal scrub and changing soil types. This is a high-traffic location, so expect visitors and plenty of foot traffic on weekends.
Don’t forget to check out all of the flora blooming to life – wildflowers are home at Three Bridges Oak Preserve in Atascadero. Botanists and photographers alike can find plenty to see amongst the micro world of Atascadero’s hidden hiking gem. This northern San Luis Obispo County trail system is arguably the closest hiking destination for wine tasters in the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area. It’s a great reprieve from the heat of Paso Robles and wonderful jaunt if you’re heading west along Highway 41 to Morro Bay and the California coast.