San Simeon Point Trail

The trail is a bit tricky to navigate if you've never been before. Navigating to Hearst Castle or San Simeon Pier is a good start. If you're heading north from Cambria along CA-1, you'll reach a point where you can turn right into the Hearst Castle parking lot, or left toward the San Simeon Pier. You'll want to turn left and park near the pier.

From there, you'll hike north along the beach for about a quarter mile until you see a trail heading up from the beach towards the bluff above. You'll notice a private property sign, but the landowners have generously allowed hikers during daylight hours to pass through their property on the way to San Simeon Point. Please be respectful and keep all pets on leashes. As you gain in elevation, you'll get a great view of the coast below sporadically through the trees.

There are a few beautiful, old eucalyptus trees along the trail as well that offer great photo opportunities. Rows of trees planted by the landowners also give hikers a sort of corridor effect as they move through the forest and out into the open on San Simeon Point. For those looking for a more strenuous hike in Paso Robles, the trail continues along the coast and a 5 mile hike will get you to the Point Piedras Blancas Lighthouse. Along the way you'll see elephant seals basking in the sun and plenty of other gorgeous ocean vistas. Some points of the trail can make it a rocky running trail in Paso Robles, CA.

This hike (either short or long) is a great activity alongside a visit to Hearst Castle or any of the great beaches in the area. It's also close to many fantastic wineries that have made the central part California a wine destination known throughout the world.

If you're looking to go on a Paso Robles hiking trip, then this trail should be on your list.