Beyond
SLO city rangers Doug Carscaden, Niels Grether, and Basile Inman hike the city’s newest trail they helped create in the Miossi Open Space.
Connecting
trails San Luis Obispo’s new open space unlocks the city’s greenbelt STORY BY PETER JOHNSON PHOTOS BY JAYSON MELLOM
T
he rumble of Highway 101 fades as I walk up and over the eastern hills of San Luis Obispo. It’s quiet but for the occasional groan of a cow or screech of a hawk. Through shaded oak groves and wildflower-dotted grassland, I hike alongside four others who have helped turn this longtime private ranch near the Cuesta Grade into the city of SLO’s newest “greenbelt” property, the Miossi Open Space. “It’s been a soft opening so far,” says city Sustainability and Natural Resources Director Bob Hill, who’s flanked by three park rangers in uniform. “Since we finished the trail and opened the gates, it’s been about a year, I’d say.” SLO purchased these 266 acres in late 2018 from the Miossis—a prominent local ranching family dating back to the early 20th century. This property is just a sliver of their ranch, which stretches westward to Cuesta Canyon Park near city limits. The city is currently working with the
Ranger Niels Grether leads hikers through an underground culvert that crosses the railroad tracks.
Miossis on a conservation easement for the remainder of the ranch. “I’ve known Gabriel Miossi for I’d say 15 years,” Hill says. “When I came over to the city almost 10 years ago, he sort of walked into City Hall cold. We were originally talking about a conservation easement for the whole ranch. But I could see these trail connection opportunities from Poly Canyon to Old Stagecoach Road, and to West Cuesta Ridge.” It’s those trail connections that have outdoor enthusiasts most excited about the new acquisition. In just a few months, the city will start work on a trail that will link the Miossi Open Space to Poly Canyon—which will unlock miles upon miles of newly connected trails throughout the eastern hills. “In November, we secured a trail agreement with Cal Poly,” Hill explains. “That will dramatically improve the trail circulation network, not only for here but getting up to West Cuesta Ridge, Stenner Springs, and other locations as well.” TRAILS continued page 34
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