Los Flores Ranch Over and Back

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

A fun loop traversing up and over the Los Flores Ranch property. Great views, nice trails, and a well-signed trail system will have you asking yourself "Where is everybody?"

About 0.2 miles from the parking lot, all visitors must check in at the visitor center. Santa Maria City Residents are free but there is a $3.00 day-use fee for everyone else. While you stop, make sure to check out the exhibits in the back!

This ride combines a number of trails to create a good tour of the ranch. From the visitor center, head uphill through the gate following signs for the Manzanita Trail. Follow the Manzanita Trail up then down to the junction with the Valley View Trail. Start your climb uphill on the Valley View Trail but make a quick sharp left onto the Cut-Off Trail. Follow the Cut-Off up to the ridge then over and down the west side of the ranch until you are right next to Hwy 101.

After a short climb, locate the Red Tail Trail and use that to regain the ridge. Just across the gravel road, you'll find the Solomon Trail and you can begin your descent back to the car. When the Solomon Trail hits East La Cuesta Trail, you can fill up on water at the jug before you take a left and continue heading downhill.

If you have the energy with the visitor center in sight, take a right and do the Dinosaur Loop Trail before you call it a day. Don't forget to sign out before you get in your car.

The Los Flores Ranch was bought from Chevron in the early 2000's. A number of acres are destined to one day become the city landfill while another 1,000 or so will remain as a regional recreation park.