Swinging Single

Poly Canyon Hike to Serenity Swing

San Luis Obispo's "serenity swing" earns honors for living up to its name and meeting high expectations! The swing hangs from a large, lone oak tree secluded on top of a hill high above Poly Canyon. Reaching it requires hiking up to one of the most (yes) serene settings on the Central Coast. The 3.8-mile (round-trip) route is found behind the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus. The trail begins on a shaded creekside fire road before opening up to Poly Canyon, where a ribbon-like fire road rises through bright green hills dotted with oak trees, and cows. The final push to the summit involves steeper singletrack and a very steep final half-mile. From serenity swing you can see out towards Cuesta Ridge to the east, towering Bishop Peak to the south, and even famous Morro Rock—emerging from the ocean. It's rare to stumble across others at the swing, so you'll most likely be able to enjoy it all to yourself. Even on hot days, the canyon breeze keeps things as cool as the views.

TIP: En route you can make a detour to visit the Poly Canyon Design Village (aka Architecture Graveyard) located on a grassy hillside and featuring geodesic domes and experimental structures by architecture students.

Exit Hwy. 101 at Grand Ave. and head north to the Cal Poly campus entrance. Park for free on weekends. The hike starts at the Poly Canyon fire road at the corner of Village Dr. and Poly Canyon Rd. From the start of the Poly Canyon fire road take the trail about 0.8 mile before seeing the entrance to Poly Canyon Design Village. Veer up to the right and proceed through three marked Cal Poly gates on the fire road before turning left up a steeper singletrack. At around 1.3 miles you'll reach an intersection with a gate on your left and trail to the right, but continue going straight up the very steep final half-mile before reaching the peak and oak tree. Return the way you came. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

    Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

    View
  3. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  4. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Lava Lava

    Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

    View
  2. Kelso Dunes

    The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

    View
  3. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

    View
  4. Beaudry Bountiful

    There are no cars allowed on Beaudry Loop, but this 6-mile hike takes you on a wild ride. You’ll be climbing 1,500 feet up the southern Verdugos along a chaparral-lined trail with gorgeous mountain and urban vistas every step of the way.

    View