Thousands of visitors flock to the Central Coast wine mecca, El Paso de Robles, or “pass of the oaks” each year. Whether attending the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s annual Wine Festival, Garagiste Wine Festival or otherwise, that means calories to burn. But yet: hiking resources or other ways to stay active along the oak-studded hillsides aren’t exactly overflowing your Riedel glassware-of-planning itinerary. Not to worry: the guides here at hiking Paso Robles are here to assist you with your next wine country adventure beyond the glass and into the field.
Tannin-esque reasons abound to sample the region’s Rhone varietals, heirloom agricultural producers and the like – but what about hiking in Paso Robles? Here are our top 5 reasons to hike in the Paso Robles area.
Consider this:
1 Partake in Oprah Winfrey’s ‘Happiest City in America’ – a lil’ north
Cal Poly and the city of San Luis Obispo are home to America’s happiest city, according to mega-behemoth talk show host and entrepreneur Oprah Winfrey. While you’re in SLO County visiting towns filled with enchanting downtowns and beaming faces, don’t forget Paso Robles. Pioneers like Ignacy Jan Paderewski and others carved out this authentic destination as a respite from the hustle-and-bustle of being the centerpiece ideally situated halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Now it’s your turn to pump-over a page in history. Paso Robles has long been known for its world-class wines: But did you know that Paso Robles area is also a hot-spot for hiking? Glimpse the northern, Americana-laden northern counterpart of Oprah’s fine distinction by not only tasting wine – but partaking in a good, solid hike in areas like Big Sandy Wildlife Recreation Area, Los Padres National Forest and alongside many of the area’s top wineries.
2 Burn off those wine calories
Have you ever wondered: this wine tastes amazing – but what about the calories? Splurging in Paso Robles wine country is a no-brainer, but it comes with a caloric toll. A good glass of red wine at about 13% alcohol can have more than 100 calories. Factor in a few glasses here, a dinner there, a few glasses there, and it’s a recipe for a sluggish post-recovery realization that all that tasting adds up. More reason than that – there’s no better way to enjoy that wine than after a well-earned hike amongst Paso’s oak-spotted hillsides or the chaparral of the Los Padres National Forest. Reward that hike with a good glass of cabernet sauvignon, tannat or mourvedre – your carb intake will thank you for it. Go hiking – THEN reward yourself.
3 Romanticism with activity
Studies have shown that high-output activities boost hormones that can make you not only feel better, but also spice up your love life. Science aside, it’s pretty obvious if you haven’t noticed how high-energy output activities can lend a certain romantic flair to the monotony of window-shopping or wine tasting. Spice it up with a hike in Paso Robles, and let the cupid do its thing.
4 Put the ‘pass’ back in the Paso Robles oaks
El Paso de Robles in translation means “Pass of the Oaks.” Like a high Sierra pass, that means movement over a high plateau, or a thoroughfare. Paso Robles was meant to be enjoyed by all enthusiasts: from wine aficionados to hikers, backpackers, cyclists and beyond. Trails abound, so be sure to visit them on your next stop to Paso Robles. Put the pass back in “Pass of the Oaks” by ascending your own high-mountain pass over the East/West Cuesta Ridge Trailhead or in the back hills of the Los Padres National Forest near Fort Hunter-Liggett.
5 Mix up your wine country adventure
Wine tasting is great. But it’s not the end-all, be-all tourism experience in Paso Robles. Vineyard views reverberate from atop many of the area’s hiking trails. Change your perspective of Paso Robles wine country by taking a hike along your favorite trail and breathe deeply with the views of rows of vineyards. Set your sights high: these hiking destinations are out there.
**Not sure where to hike in Paso Robles? Contact us today to set up a custom-tailored Paso Robles hiking experience.
