Irish Hills Natural Reserve is a geographically discrete 720-acre riding area, yet it contains over 8 miles of trails. Many loops are possible on mostly single-track trails. The rocky, serpentine landscape contains chaparral, oak, grasslands, and riparian habitats. The area’s wandering distribution of double-track attests to its mining history and also serves as a link between the single track sections. Dogs welcome on leash.
TRAILS
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• Peak Elevation: 1,100 feet
• Distance: 5-7 miles round trip
• Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
• Total Area: 941 acres
Prefumo Canyon Trailhead:
• From Highway 101, take Los Osos Valley Road north towards Los Osos.
• Turn left onto Prefumo Canyon Road.
• Follow this road for one mile and the trailhead will be on the left after a bridge crossing.
Madonna Road Trailhead:
• From Highway 101, take the Los Osos Valley Road north towards Los Osos.
• Turn left on Madonna Road.
• Follow the street to the end and find parking on the street, then walk up the dirt road to the trailhead.
