Los Flores Ranch

Los Flores Ranch Park
Los Flores Ranch Park —Overview
An undiscovered gem of a ride with 360-degree vista views, oak-studded hillsides, wildflowers, wildlife
and a wonderful cooling ocean breeze at the top of the ridge. Located in northern Santa Barbara county just
south of Santa Maria.
Trail head location: Currently off Dominion Road. Purposed equestrian access is at exit 161 off hwy 101.
Trailer Parking: Easy in and out.
Dogs: Allowed on leash only.
Length: 14 miles of trails are available. the highest trail is 1,261 feet.
Camping: None.
© 2019 Hoof Prints Publications

“An Undiscovered Gem”
“This is an undiscovered gem!” exclaimed Gail while out riding the Los Flores Ranch trails for the first
time. 360-degree vista views, oak-studded hillsides, wildflowers, wildlife and a wonderful cooling ocean
breeze at the top of the ridge encapsulate Los Flores Ranch, a wondrous trail riding experience.
Many hours and care have gone into developing the multi-use trail network of the 1,778 acre Los Flores
Ranch. Park staff plus a core of volunteers create and maintain the trails. The trail network has expanded
over the years and now encompasses over 14 miles of inter-connecting trails and loops just waiting to be
Los Flores Ranch Trail Network
Los Flores Ranch Park is located off the 101 freeway just south
of Santa Maria. This makes it easily accessible to south county
San Luis Obispo residents and northern Santa Barbara county
residents.
First-time visitors are required register and to attend an orientation
so they can learn how to ride with bikers and hikers. Every
rider must check-in at the Visitor Center and pay the minimal
entrance fee which is currently set at $3.75/adult. Riders 15 and
under are free. Riders will be told whether bikers or hikers are out on the trails so they can be prepared.
Trails are open Thursday – Sunday with hours varying with the season. For the most up-to-date info see the Los Flo-
© 2019 Hoof Prints Publications

Exploring the Los Flores Ranch Trial Riding Options
The entire trail network, traversing across 1,778 open-space acres, is available to equestrians, mountain bikers
and hikers. Currently the staging area for equestrians is off Dominion Road but the expected staging
area is off HWY 101 exit 161. To be sure you will be staging at the right place, contact Los Flores Ranch
ahead of your visit.
The first stop on your ride will be the visitor center, which is over the
hill via Manzanita trail from the current equestrian staging area. All
equestrians must sign in at the visitor center, pay the daily fee ($3.75)
and get updated trail info.
When the purposed equestrian staging area near
the corral opens up a staff person can come over
and meet you at the corral to sign waivers and take
payments. There will be a phone number to call.
Now you are free to explore any trail. Keep your
bearings as to where the visitor center is, the location
of the 101 and the staging area. You really
can’t get lost as the trails loop back and are clearly marked. The visitor center has paper maps for you to
take along on your ride.
© 2019 Hoof Prints Publications

Amenities of Los Flores Ranch
There are port-a-potty toilets at the equestrian staging area,
picnic tables and water troughs. Interspersed throughout Los
Flores Ranch Park are more port-a-potty toilets, picnic tables
and water troughs. The map shows [RA] for these rest areas
and [W] for water troughs. Keep in mind that the water for the
troughs must be trucked in . . . so they might be empty.
Other Fun Activities at Los Flores Ranch Park
Exploring the trails is not the only thing one can do at
Los Flores Ranch Park. There are a variety of other
seasonal activities scheduled throughout the year. A
Twilight Guided Horseback Ride is designed specifically
for equestrians with their own horses. This is a
great way to meet new trail riding friends, join in on
the fun of riding at twilight while exploring the trails.
This is a docent-led ride and is scheduled about twice
a year. Find the dates through the Los Flores Ranch
Facebook page under Events.
Driving Directions for Equestrian Use:
Access is easy off Hwy 101. The Equestrian staging
area exit is 161 off the 101.
Currently however, landfill construction has blocked
this staging area so now the equestrian staging area
for Los Flores Ranch is at the Equestrian designated
gate off of Dominion Road in Santa Maria. Check out
the Directions on this link. Please contact the park for
the most up-to-date equestrian staging information before
heading out. (805) 938-7618.
Oak trees provide some shade along the trails, but it can be hot
out here in the summer. However, there is a coastal influence to
the weather with a nice breeze coming up over the ridge. Rains
will close the single track trails, yet will bring the green grass
which is so pretty in the spring. Always check on the Los Flores
Ranch Facebook page for current conditions, seasonal hours and
trail closures.
© 2019 Hoof Prints Publications

Notes for a Perfect Day
Riding at Los Flores Ranch
• The park is open Thursday - Sunday with seasonal hours.
• Double check where the equestrian staging area is located by calling the visitors office (805) 938-7618.
• Check in with the visitor office to pay the daily fee (if applicable).
• First-time visitors need to register.
• Pack your own drinking water.
• Plan a picnic lunch while out on the trails.
• Pack out all trash.
• No smoking.
“It’s really a great place for solitude, connecting with nature and your horse,” says Stormy Knight, an avid SLO
County trail rider, as she enthusiastically describes what makes riding at Los Flores Ranch Park special.
“The scenery is fantastic. You can see the ocean and along the coast.”
All photos by Sharon Jantzen Photos
© 2019 Hoof Prints Publications