Blackberry Springs & High Ridge Loop – Lopez Lake

Blackberry Springs & High Ridge Loop – Lopez Lake

Location: Lopez Lake, San Luis Obispo County, CA
Miles: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy- Moderate
Duration: 1 hour
Users: Hikers and dogs permitted. No mountain bikes or horses. No wheelchair access.

Photo Source: hikeslo

The Area:

The Santa Lucia Mountains offer wonderful rolling foothills. Tucked away you will find Lopez Lake. This area offers some beautiful trails for hikers as well as some wonderful opportunities for bird watching.

Lopez Lake provides water for the central coast’s 5 cities, including Grover City, Shell Beach, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, and Arroyo Grande. The recreation area of the lake offers a wonderful trail system. There are several educational nature pamphlets available to use while you explore. 

The Hike:

The Blackberry Springs Trail is a great hike for families. The path provides a wonderful introduction to the area’s flora. It is quite common to see some mule deer while you are hiking through the area as well. 

For those who want to return using a more scenic route, continue on past the last of the stops located on the nature trail. You will ascend into a steep ridge top to join the Turkey Ridge Trail. This goes down to the entrance station. Here you are likely to see wild turkey, as this is one of their favorite stomping grounds in the park.

Top 3 Adventure Hacks

1) Take the whole Family

Lopez Lake is best enjoyed with company. Take your family and friends with you.

2) Go Camping

Camping is always a  wonderful experience. If you get a chance, make sure you bring the right equipment with you. Get pack light! Bring an ultralight inflatable sleeping bag, which makes camping comfortable.

3) Pack a picnic basket

If you have good company with you, you go on a picnic at Lopez Lake! Picnics are always fun when you’re around good company.