Pismo Preserve
The Pismo Preserve is an 880-acre coastal property with 11 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. It’s located minutes from downtown Pismo Beach and offers panoramic ocean views.
Getting to the Pismo Preserve
Address: 80 Mattie Road Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Driving: Take exit 191B from US Highway 101 in Pismo Beach. The preserve’s entrance is located on the east side of the freeway at the very southern end of Mattie Road. Parking and entrance are free.
Walking or Biking: Follow Price Rd north toward Shell Beach. Turn right at Mattie Rd and cross under US Highway 101. The trailheads will be on the right.
Trails & Access
The Pismo Preserve is open every day from dusk until dawn, weather permitting. After heavy rains, the trails may close for safety concerns and protection of the land.
The trail options are:
- Discovery Trail – Moderate 5.2-mile loop
- Spring to Spring Trail – Moderate 3.4-mile loop
- Vamanos Canyon Trail – Easy 0.75-mile loop
- Lone Oak – Easy 2.2-mile loop
A map of all these trails can be found HERE.
Visitor Guidelines
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset. The gate will be locked at sunset.
Trail Use: Open to hikers, bikers, and equestrians. No E-bikes allowed.
Facilities: Restrooms and picnic areas at the trailhead.
Dogs: Dogs must be on leash at all times. Follow the trail rules posted on the signs and please pick up after your pet.
Horses: A reservation is required for equestrians. Work from SLOPOST, Backcountry Horsemen, RideNipomo, and the Land Conservancy has established trails that are horse-friendly. The parking spaces for trailers can be reserved at www.lcslo.org/PismoHorseParking.
Parking Information
A $5 parking fee is now in effect at the Pismo Preserve. All proceeds directly support The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County, helping to maintain trails, restrooms, and picnic areas, as well as protect the wildlife and habitat that make this coastal landscape so special.
Payment is quick and easy, use the on-site pay stations in the main lot, which accept credit cards and mobile payments. For frequent visitors, an annual pass is available for $50, offering unlimited parking throughout the year.
Tip: The parking lot often fills up quickly on weekends and holidays, so plan to arrive early or visit on a weekday to ensure a spot and enjoy a quieter trail experience.
Stewardship in Action
By paying the parking fee, you’re directly contributing to the ongoing care and preservation of the Pismo Preserve. Every dollar helps sustain the trails, maintain facilities, and protect the plants and wildlife that call this place home, ensuring it remains open, accessible, and beautiful for generations to come.
Wheelchair Accessibility
There is ADA parking and the parking lot, restrooms, and picnic area are ADA compliant.
The unpaved trails and roads may be challenging to navigate in a regular manual or power wheelchair.
A partnership between the Land Conservancy and Positive Ride created the opportunity for expanded access to many of the trails with Freedom Trax. These are battery-operated off-road attachments for manual wheelchairs that are free to use. Learn more on the Land Conservancy website or make a reservation through the Positive Ride online form.
Supporting the Pismo Preserve
The best way to support the Pismo Preserve is through volunteering your time, making donations, or simply visiting responsibly. Parking fees directly fund trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and facility care. To get more involved, contact info@lcslo.org or visit The Land Conservancy’s website for volunteer opportunities and donation options.
FAQs
Visitor Questions
Who owns the Pismo Preserve?
It is owned by The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County, a local non-profit land trust.
Are E-Bikes allowed?
No, no electric or motorized bikes are allowed within the preserve.
Is there camping at the Pismo Preserve?
No, the preserve is only open during daylight hours.
