What is that trail on the Grade?

[mmarckesano]

I am looking for some good places to hike/ run. I have been to Irish hills, Madonna, and Bishop but I am curious about that trail on top of the Grade. Does anyone know much about it and the type of topography it holds?

[mirandam4]

I believe the trail you are talking about is Stagecoach Road. Check out the topography map at Stagecoach Road to Cuesta Pass Topo Map. It's elevation is approximately 900 feet. The trail is 5.6 miles, with a skill level of easy to moderate, which is good if you're looking to run the trail.

If you are looking for a challenging hike, check out the Bowden Ranch trail head, which is at the end of Lizzie Street, off Johnson (across from French Hospital). Better known to locals as the "Fireman's Trail" this hike will get your heart pumping. Elevation is 1,520 feet, with 1,120 ft elevation gain. It is classified as "strenuous" even though it's only a 0.9 mile trail. Estimated at an hour and a half roundtrip, depending on how in shape you are.

I would also recommend heading out to Los Osos and finding some trails in Montana de Oro. It is gorgeous out there and so many trails have views of the ocean...some going right along the bluffs. Breathtaking.

[mirandam4]

mmarckesano: Did you get a chance to try out any of those trails, yet? Let me know what you think if you end up hiking any of them!