Cerro Alto Upper Trail

"A good choice in rainy weather, although the streambed at the end can be muddy. Forest Adventure Pass required. The climb to Cerro Alto is extremely steep, but you are rewarded with 360-degree views and a fun, mostly singletrack descent."

--Delaine Fragnoli, Mountain Biking California's Central Coast Best 100 Trails (Fine Edge Productions).

"At 2624 feet, the Cerro Alto summit has spectacular, unlimited 360-degree views of the central coast's beautiful landscape. The peak overlooks Morro Rock, Morro Bay and the Pacific Ocean to the west; Cambria, San Simeon and the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse to the northwest; and Cuesta Ridge, San Luis Obispo and the Santa Lucia Mountains to the southeast."

--Robert Stone, Day Hikes in San Luis Obispo County, California (Day Hike Books).

"Cerro Alto is one of the taller mountains in San Luis Obispo County, and the highest along the West Cuesta Ridge. The views and scenery from its summit are a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the region, with views extending for miles and miles. In spring expect a show from wildflowers, though the area gets dry and hot toward midsummer. There is shade only on the lower portions of the hike, and as the trail snakes its way up through the canyons, the hillsides are grass-covered with coastal scrub."

--Allen Riedel, 100 Classic Hikes in Southern California (The Mountaineers Books).

"Located in the Los Padres National Forest along California Highway 41 between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay. Highlights: Fun singletrack descent. Views of Morro Bay from the upper ridge. Hazards: Hunters, poison oak. Forest Adventure Pass required."

--Mark Ross & Brad Fine, Mountain Biking Southern California (Falcon Guides).