Cuesta Pass to Mount Lowe

This 8.3-mile out-and-back hike begins at Cuesta Pass and follows forest roads to the summit of Mount Lowe. The route offers steady climbing and expansive views of San Luis Obispo County. It primarily follows Mount Lowe Road, a dirt road that crosses the dominant ridgeline in the Santa Lucia Mountains northeast of San Luis Obispo. Views from the trail extend over the city and surrounding peaks, stretching west to the ocean at Morro Bay and south toward the Oceano Dunes.
Mount Lowe Road, also known as East Cuesta Ridge Road, continues for miles into the mountains, making it ideal for long trail runs, hikes or bike rides. The road passes through multiple vegetation zones, offering a variety of landscapes along the way. Overall, it’s a moderately strenuous route featuring open ridges, chaparral-covered hillsides, and scenic vistas throughout.
Description
The hike starts just off Highway 101 at the Cuesta Pass parking area. The trail follows a wide dirt road as it climbs steadily toward the ridge. The road is gradual but consistent. Views begin almost immediately, stretching west toward the coastline and inland across the Santa Lucia Mountains.
As you near Mount Lowe, the road narrows and becomes rockier, but it remains easy to follow. The summit itself is marked by a flat clearing with panoramic views: the Irish Hills, Morro Rock, the coastline, and the rolling hills around San Luis Obispo. It’s a rewarding high point and a good turnaround spot before retracing your route back to Cuesta Pass.

Flora & Fauna

• Flora: Chaparral dominates the route, with chamise, manzanita, and coastal sage scrub. In spring, lupine and monkeyflower brighten the hillsides.

• Fauna: Keep an eye out for hawks circling overhead, lizards darting across the trail, and the occasional deer or coyote in the shaded canyons. Rattlesnakes are possible in warmer months.

Permits

• No wilderness permits are required for day hiking.

• Parking at Cuesta Pass does not require a fee.

Camping

There are no designated campgrounds along this short route. Dispersed camping is allowed in Los Padres National Forest with a free California Campfire Permit if you plan to use a stove.

Best Season

• Spring and fall are ideal for moderate temperatures and clear skies.

• Winter can bring chilly mornings and occasional fog.

• Summer is hot, with little shade along the route.

Need to Know

• Carry plenty of water, as there are no reliable sources along the route.

• Sun protection is essential, shade is minimal.

• The road can be rutted and dusty; sturdy footwear is recommended.

• Cell service is spotty but often available along ridges.