West Cuesta Ridge
(The view from the north end of West Cuesta Ridge in SLO)
West Cuesta Ridge is the “main vein” for a series of rides that drop off to the west, but is also a great ride on broken pavement. You can ride this ridge all the way to Cerro Alto if you’d like. The out in back if you go to the base of Cerro Alto is approximately 20 miles. This bike is a good “family ride” and can be done on road bikes, too. Keep in mind that it is quite bumpy in places.
There are many places to start this ride, but I recommend parking in the lot at the top of the grade on highway 101 in San Luis Obispo. If you want to spare yourself a brief climb, you can also continue onward by car to the upper lot. Many people park at the bottom of Stage Coach Road, which can be accessed at the bottom of the grade, for an additional climb on fire road.
From the lot, immediately start climbing. You’ll soon come to a dirt road that spurs to the left just before the first overlook. This spur will take you to both Shooters or Roller Coasters. Keep climbing until you reach the top of the first major hill and veer to the right. You’ll see the first set of TV towers to your right. Keep moving. Keep in mind that as long as you stay on the main road, you can’t get lost.
Approximately four miles out you come to a second set of TV towers. Just past them and at the bottom of the hill you will arrive to a flat turnout. To your left is the Morning Glory Trail (great trail) that will eventually hook you back up with Shooters or Poly Canyon. Keep moving.
As you head south on TV Tower Road, you see great views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Seven Sisters. To the east views of Atascadero, and to the north Cerro Alto. Keep moving until you come to the base of the mountain called Cerro Alto. This is a good place to turn around (about the ten mile mark), and a great place for lunch, too.
Head back the way you came returning to your car at just over 20 miles. Check out the other ride descriptions, and the book Fat Tire Fun for directions and trail descriptions.
