Reservoir Canyon Falls

Reservoir Canyon Falls is the tallest waterfall in San Luis Obispo County. Located just 3 miles from San Luis Obispo, the cascade tumbles 30 feet into a shallow pool. A short 400-foot walk down a wide dirt path leads to the falls that lie in an oak-shaded canyon. A large shaded area next to the falls makes for a great place to relax, particularly on a hot day. Flow is seasonal, and it's best to visit the falls in the spring months or after a rainstorm. The shallow, slow-moving pool at the bottom is also a great area to dip your feet on a hot day. The falls lie along a short detour from the beginning of the Reservoir Canyon hiking trail, which climbs to a ridge overlooking the foothills, but they can easily be their own destination. Next to the falls is a cave of about 70 feet. There are no amenities in the parking area. Be aware of poison oak that grows along the trail.