Islay Hill at the eastern tip of the chain of volcanic plugs in San Luis Obispo is one of the most approachable hikes in the Morro lineup—and your dog will actually enjoy it rather than just tolerate it. If Bishop Peak draws the serious hikers, Islay Hill delivers the goods for dogs who want a real trail without the brutal elevation gain. The path climbs 775 feet over two miles round trip, hitting a moderate-to-strenuous rhythm that keeps things interesting without feeling relentless. Dogs must stay on leash throughout.

The payoff is worth the effort. Being the easternmost of all the Morros, Islay Hill gives you sweeping views of the Santa Lucia Mountains and a panoramic overview of Edna Valley that stretches out below you. On a clear day, you can see why people keep coming back to this spot. The 65-acre open space feels uncrowded compared to some of the other volcanic peaks nearby, which means you’ll actually have room to breathe and move around without dodging crowds.

At the base of the trail sits Islay Hill Park, a five-acre space with a very different vibe—wide open areas where dogs can stretch their legs, trees for shade, and plenty of room to run around. It’s the kind of place where you can spend time before or after your hike without feeling rushed.

Getting there is straightforward: head south on Broad Street, turn left onto Tank Farm Road, then right onto Wavertree Street. A left onto Spanish Oaks Drive followed by a quick right onto Sweetbay Lane gets you to the trailhead at the end of the street. Bring water for both of you—the trail doesn’t offer shade for most of the climb, and the exposed sections can get warm even on moderate days.