Poly Canyon
(Poly Canyon as seen from the top of Shooters)
Poly Canyon is the hub of many rides. Unfortunately, it is separated from the other rides by the Southern Pacific Railroad. Although many people ride the side of the tracks to access rides such as Shooters, Morning Glory, Roller Coasters, and West Cuesta Ridge, one would guess there are legal issues with riding on the tracks. I have’n't found a guide book yet that advises one to do so. So…let’s not start now.
Poly Canyon is a fairly simple 8 mile loop. Starting from the upper parking lot at Cal Poly, at the end of Perimeter Road, look for a place to park. Make sure you get a parking pass if necessary. The campus police issue tickets, so make sure to read the signs in the parking lot for restrictions.
Ride the pavement as it quickly turns to a fire road. You will soon come to an arch made of stone. Stay left of the arch and ride the road through a series of gates. Stay on the road for a quick descent until you start to climb. You will see a fire road that climbs steeply off to your left as you ride through. This is Tough and Dirty Slide. At the top of Tough and Dirty climb there is single track to be had, but it is brief. You’ll soon see Tough and Dirty again later.
At 2.5 miles, and at the end of the climb, you’ll reach the top of the trail. Look off to the left and you’ll see Tough and Dirty coming down. (If you want to shorten the loop and ride a bit of single track, take Tough and Dirty back to the start). In fact, you can see Tough and Dirty while you’re climbing up the fire road off to your left.
Up to your right are the railroad tracks. Continue straight on through the gate and you will soon come to an intersection (veer right) and ride until you reach Stenner Ranch Road at just under 4 miles. There is a single track off to you’re right that climbs back to the railroad tracks. A quick jump across the tracks and you’re on Shooters!
Hop one last gate and cross the bridge. Turn left and enjoy the downhill fire road as it takes you under the train trestle. Turn left on Mt. Bishop Road. Just after reaching the poultry unit turn left. You’ll soon reach highway 1 if you don’t. Take the paved road back to the campus, make a left on Perimeter Road and back to your car.
This is a great family ride with lots of wide fire roads and minimal climbs. Look out for hikers and runners…share the trail. Make sure to shut all cattle gates after passing through them.
