Bob Jones Trail

Loved it! An easy quiet hiking trail with pretty scenery. I think it’s about 2 miles to Avila Beach from the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. Pretty much flat all the way. We saw some people with strollers and rollerblades. This trail was kept clean. I didn’t see any trash. People were respectful and peaceful. I hope it will stay this way.

Stumbled upon this trail after going out for a quick run. Managed to convince my wife to go for a bike ride, and I’m glad we did. Relatively easy trail that took us out to the beach and back. If you start at the back of the Avila Village Inn, going away from the ocean takes you through a nice scenic woodsy feeling area, towards the ocean takes you through a golf course and eventually to the beach.
We’d love to be back.

When I used to visit my dad on the central coast, I would often go exploring, trying to find some trail off the beaten path, or just something interesting to run on while training for marathons (Santa Maria doesn’t have many favorable options, unless you don’t mind inhaling fertilizers from the farms).
It was during one of my crazy runs that I came across the Bob Jones Trail. And, glad I did. :)
The trailhead for this easy 5 mile round-​trip paved trail is located just northwest of the 101 freeway, near the Avila Family Farm and the Sycamore Mineral Resort (another wonderful spot).
And lucky for you, there is a fairly large dirt parking lot to the right, just across from the trailhead. Be careful, because it’s easy to miss, if you happen to be a maniacal driver! If you pass the country stand on the right (Avila Family Farm), you’ve gone too far!
As you begin your «hike”/walk, be aware of the signage, especially the one about mountain lions. Now, during my times on this trail this trail, I haven’t seen a lion yet. THOUGH I’ve heard that there are regular sightings. Watch your small pets!
As soon as you begin your walk, ride, or whatever, do notice the beauty around you! There are birds happily singing, there is the sound of the wind in the grand oaks and willows, as well as the sound of the nearby San Luis Obispo Creek. :)
Like I mentioned earlier, this is a VERY easy paved trail. Now, personally, I prefer rugged trails (makes me feel closer to the earth). But, for many folks, it’s perfect for walking, running, and or biking.
However, one of the most impressive features of this trail, in my opinion, are the plethora of birds that can be seen: dark eyed juncos, wild turkeys, black capped chickadees, American robins, western bluebirds (one of my favs!), acorn woodpeckers, turkey vultures, red tailed hawks, great blue herons, snowy egrets, and the list goes on! This is enough to satiate the bird nerd in me!
Continue on the trail and you will see lots more trees, and then about ²⁄₃ of the way through, you will come across the Woodstone Market & Deli (personally, I don’t like the food here, but I sure appreciate their restrooms!) and some sort of resort where there is a playground. As you travel along, you will catch occasional glimpses of the San Luis Obispo Creek, where steelhead trout come out for the process of smoltification (where baby salmonids make the transition from living in freshwater to salt water). Sadly, it’s really hard to see the existence of steelhead here due to development (ahem, golf courses and the like!) Continue on and eventually, you will make it to the end of the trail, which leads to the Port of San Luis. It’s quite lovely, especially with sightings of sea otters and grey whales! If you pay attention, they will come. :)
Have you wondered who the heck Bob Jones is? Well, if you must know…
He was an avid environmentalist and pioneer in protecting natural habitats, especially in SLO. For 23 years, Bob worked for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and he played an integral role in saving the San Luis Obispo Creek. Hence, the trail to the sea is named in honor of this great man. And thanks to Bob, all can enjoy this trail!

The Bob Jones Trail is one of the trails along Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. Since the Bob Jones Trail doubles as a beginner’s bike trail, most rent bikes from the gift shop. We decided to head out on foot for a quick morning stroll.
Boy, were we wrong about the Bob Jones Trail and definitely in for a pleasant surprise. The Bob Jones Trail turned out to be longer than we expected and much more scenic. I had thought it would be a straight shot to the beach. The locals pointed out to us that it would be another two miles and a turn over the bridge just to see the water. Overall, we must have trekked 6 miles.
It was worth it. We passed a creek, a playground, picnic tables, wild birds, fish, a bridge, deer, trees, rollerbladers, skateboarders, bird watchers, and sea lions. Our quick stroll was a leisure two hour jaunt.
Pack binoculars, sunscreen, a hat, a bottle of water, and a camera. Watch out for bees. Step out of the way for people on wheels (they move fast!). Have patience. Breathe in. Breathe out. The Bob Jones Trail forces you to be one with nature. Do not rush through it!

Love, love, love this bike ride. Easy, long ride from Avila beach winds through the trees and a golf course. Walkers are welcome as well. At the end be sure to take travel the extra 500 feet off the trail, and stop in for a glass of wine at Biddle Ranch Winery.