SLO Wild Hikes
Get outdoors with us!
Join one of our guided hikes and explore the scenic landscapes and rich heritage of the SLO Creek Watershed through the eyes of a scientist. You’ll discover and appreciate the Central Coast’s wild streams and ecosystems like never before.
Our educational hikes and events are free to the public, so bring a friend and let’s get outdoors!
Everyone's Invited
Our hikes are suited for all levels and interests, perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike. It’s one of San Luis Obispo’s top outdoor activities—and it’s free!
Learn from Experts
Our guides are some of the leading hydrologists, geologists, restoration ecologists, and educators in the region. Get ready to learn from the best!
Experience the Outdoor Lab
This isn’t your typical classroom. Encounter native wildlife at every turn, and learn fascinating concepts through hands-on activities and experiences.
Education fuels positive change.
If we don’t understand something, we can’t care for it in a meaningful way. The time is now to start caring for our watersheds.
We’re here to make learning about water both fun and informative. Joining us on a hike is an incredible opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors while discovering meaningful actions we can take to protect and restore our precious Central Coast ecosystems.
Our Upcoming Events
Earthday Storytime with Lori Fisher Peelen
Tuesday 4/23/24, 10-10:30 am
Join us for a children’s book reading by Lori Fisher Peelen!
We will spend an enjoyable morning with Lori Fisher Peelen, author of popular nature books for kids. On April 23rd, she’ll be at the SLO Library Community Room, reading from her heartwarming stories “Big Fish Dreams” and “I am the Elwha,” which celebrate the beauty of our natural world and teach us how to care for Mother Earth. She lives in Northern California with her husband, two cats, and a grumpy Saint Bernard. When she’s not working on a kid book, she’s happiest puttering in her garden, or out for a ramble in the great outdoors.
It’s a wonderful family activity in San Luis Obispo to connect with nature and experience the magic of storytelling!
SLO Wild Hike: Stenner Creek
Saturday 5/4/24, 10-12 pm
Join us for a hike led by Tim Delaney, Restoration Hydrologist at Creek Lands Conservation!
Delve into the wonders of the SLO Creek Watershed, exploring its captivating geology, hydrology, and diverse habitats. We’ll uncover medicinal and edible plants, examine geological formations, and discover the importance of natural springs in sustaining aquatic life. From streamflow measurements to benthic macroinvertebrate sampling (or “water bug catching” in plain English), there’s something for everyone to explore. This is a kid-friendly event!
Meet at the dirt parking lot of Stenner Creek trail head at 10 am. The hike is approximately 2 miles round trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain at the top. Bring your curiosity and hiking essentials, and let’s dive into the beauty of nature together!
Thanks to the Miossi Charitable Trust
SLO Wild Hikes are brought to you by the Miossi Charitable Trust as part of the larger SLO Creek Resiliency and Rewilding Action Plan.
Our Past Events
SLO Wild Hike: Prefumo Creek at City Farm SLO
Saturday 4/6/24, 10-12 pm
Travel back in time with us and learn about the intricate food webs of the Central Coast!
This guided hike will reveal a hidden gem of the SLO Creek Watershed. Meet us at the Prefumo Creek Restoration Project trailhead off of Froom Ranch Way. In the midst of our built environment, Jesse will take you back in time to remember a wetter, quieter and simpler world under the canopies of creek-side trees. We will discuss the connections that tie together our food web, and peer into the future to discuss how to reconnect the linkages with nature on which our communities rely.
This is a family-friendly event! Parking is available at the back lot of Dick’s Sporting Goods off of Los Osos Valley Road. From there, you will walk across the Froom Ranch Bridge and meet at the project trailhead.
Be Informed
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