Orcutt Hills Trail

Orcutt Hill Trails is an easy trail through the Orcutt Hills in Santa Maria Valley that hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and dog lovers alike can all enjoy! A nice parking lot and trailhead entrance into the area is off of East Rice Ranch Road. Take a right onto an unnamed road just under a half mile down Rice Ranch Road and find a small dirt parking lot on the righthand side. This 3.1-mile trail is moderately trafficked, so please take caution when biking through the area. A fun hike for everyone, you can build and extend or shorten your hike as much as you like following the various trails throughout Orcutt Hills. There is a nice trail map at the parking lot, so snap a photo with your phone and head on out! It all loops around eventually, so when in doubt, continue to turn left. As you climb up various gradual trails you'll have excellent views of Orcutt and its surrounding natural areas. The trail system was built for everyone to enjoy it. In 2010, Santa Maria Valley residents began advocating for an outdoor space near Orcutt to foster healthier lifestyles and community involvement. In 2011 they reached non-profit status through several helpful donations and were able to begin building today's wonderful trail system. Many trails and outdoor recreational areas around Santa Maria Valley have various restrictions such as leashed dogs, restricted areas for protective species, and prohibitions against horseback riding or mountain biking, but the Orcutt Hill Trail network is a passive and spontaneous space. This means that it will always be open to the public with no permit or pass required, and will be open seven days a week from dusk to dawn. The only restrictions are that motorized vehicles are prohibited. Preservation of the park requires community involvement and responsiblity for being a steward of this beautiful park as one who uses it. Practice the principles of Leave No Trace, and be sure to pack out what you pack in. The various wildlife species will appreciate it too! If you're quiet enough, you'll be lucky to see many types of birds, possibly small rodents, or deer. Orcutt Hill Trails is the perfect place for an after work walk/run/ride that is fun for everyone. Many locals visit weekly!