A majority of AGHS students live in the five cities or San Luis Obispo County, meaning most are blessed with easy accessibility to a picturesque hiking trail. AGHS students’ environments are filled with diversity, from the beaches’ scenery to mountainous overlooks in parts of San Luis Obispo. Hikes provide a full cardiovascular workout, and unlike a gym membership, most are free from charge. AGHS students who are a part of the Hikes for a Cause Club attend hikes while occasionally cleaning the trails, and they share which hikes are worth the steps.

Bishop Peak:

A popular hiking spot located in San Luis Obispo, Bishop Peak is the tallest of the “Nine Sisters” and offers a thin rocky soil with scenic views overlooking SLO. The trail expands 3.8 miles, 1,154 feet of elevation gain, which takes 2.5 to 3 hours to finish. 

“I like the view of all of [San Luis Obispo] from the top of the hike,” Natalia Gonzalez (‘27), a member of the Hikes for a Cause club, said.

My opinion: 

Bishop Peak is definitely the hike for a full workout, with the majority of the trail being uphill on rocky soil and rocks acting as stepping stones. The trail begins flat, surrounded by an abundance of trees that feel as if they reach the sky. 0.5 miles in, the hike grows steeper and stays this way with occasional flatter zones surrounded by trees, bushes, and higher grass. 

One part that’s vividly memorable is the view from the point, looking over all of San Luis Obispo from a high elevation. The trail follows walking up what feels like stairs, each stair being a rock strongly rooted in the soil. With no trees for shade, this is the most tiring part of the hike from the sun exposure, an uphill trail, while on the edge of a high mountain.

Pismo Preserve:

Pismo Preserve, a local hiking spot near downtown Pismo, offers a diverse range of trails in terms of distance. Shorter hikes like Vamanos and Panhandle are 0.75 to 1.1 miles in distance, while others like Spring to Spring and Discovery are 3.4 to 5.2 miles. 

“Spring to Spring has diverse views and scenery that all are what make where we live so special and unique. It also has great places to take pictures and it’s long/steep enough to work up a good sweat,” McKenna Rose (‘27), a member of the Hikes for a Cause club, said. 

My opinion: 

Spring to Spring begins uphill with no trees, twisting around and around until eventually reaching a resting point with a bench. It’s a great spot to pause and look at the beautiful scenery of the ocean, with each wave crashing after another. Almost immediately, the trail becomes lined by an abundance of trees whose branches curve over one another, forming a natural archway as you walk. 

About 2 miles in, the trail grew steeper, and the tree’s shade thinned the farther the trail went, exposed to the sun beating down. The trail loops an uneven circle, allowing glimpses of places hiked through a mile prior to appear, now separated by a steep drop. After about a 1.5-hour journey through tall grasses, many trees, and steep hills, relief and accomplishment is apparent from the full-body workout. 

Serenity Swing:

Serenity Swing, located on the campus of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, is adored by many from its grassy hills to scenic tree views. The hike is 3.6 miles, 735 feet of elevation gain, and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

“I like to hike Serenity Swing because I love the green rolling hills; it makes it so peaceful,” Negin Akhavan (‘27), president of the Hikes for a Cause Club, said.

My opinion:

Serenity Swing is suited for both beginners and experienced hikers. The hike begins gently, with a large and wide path showcasing the beauty of San Luis Obispo and its landscape. About 15 minutes in, hikers can spot horses nearby, perfect for a short resting point. Just off the trail, a large and steep hill offers an ideal spot for great photos and views that overlook rolling green hills that seem to stretch endlessly.

As the trail continues, it gradually climbs and becomes more exposed to the sun and expanding views overlooking ridges and valleys. The end of the hike is the most intense yet most rewarding; a steep climb where each step matters for absolute balance, but ending with the famous swing hanging from a tree. Overall, the view of the entirety of San Luis Obispo from the swing is the most memorable part of this trail, in which the hike brings peacefulness and adventure for hikers.