Islay Hill Hike

February 6, 2023

We headed out once again for a hike without checking whether our desired trail was open. This time – Pismo Preserve. An ominous sign was posted preventing entry into the parking lot.

Scary sign

After looking over our options, we decided to hike the last or first of the Nine Sisters depending on where you start counting. Islay Hill. After mapping our route we drove through an residential neighborhood near the airport and parked. We crossed a small bridge and started up a small hill. It was pretty, covered with green grass with a small pond below it. We switched-backed up and around the hill got a good view of Islay Hill. We then started our climb. There were outstanding views along the way of Edna Valley. It was almost mesmerizing. The hike is fairly short and we reached the top an amazing 360 degrees views of the valley, San Lucia Mountains, San Luis Obispo and other more prominent Morro’s. It was all very pretty.

Hillock and Pond

Edna Valley

The Morro’s and SLO

I highly recommend the Islay Hill Hike for its views and ease. We saw planes lifting off and landing, a Amtrak train passing by and even a blimp flying overhead. We made our way down and stopped in SLO for a meal at Antiqua Brewery. It was a great find on Monterey Street. The food was tasty, beer locally brewed and music low and bluesy. Another highly recommended stop.