Manzanita, Ridgetop & Solomon Trail Loop
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About this place
An open space on the south side of the town of Santa Maria, Los Flores Ranch Park is a gorgeous park to hit some trails. A combination of fire roads and single track, the park has over 17 miles of trails to play on. The park is remote enough to make you feel like you get your space, while being well-used so you don't have to worry about being left alone if something happens while you're enjoying your run.
I'm a sucker for a good ridgeline trail, and Los Flores Ranch Park has lots of them.
For a solid 5ish mile loop with about 600 ft of elevation gain, take the Manzanita Trail to the Ridge Top Trail for sweeping views of the valley, vineyards, and out to the ocean on a clear day. The Solomon Trail is a super fun single track that will wind you back down to the Visitor Center. I came in the spring and was blown away by the beauty of the green hills around the valley.
There is a nominal fee ($3.75 for adults), but the parking area is safe, the park is clean, and the Visitor Center is friendly and helpful; they’re happy to give trail beta and info on some wildflowers you may come across. The other people out enjoying the park were friendly and often walking their dogs. As a solo female traveler visiting on a Saturday morning, there were enough people to make me feel safe if anything happened, but empty enough for me to enjoy feeling like I had the trails to myself.
For a trail map of the park, click here.
And for more info on the park, click here.