Orcutt Hill Trails

I've been hearing a lot about these trails and wanted to check it out. Upon arrival it wasn't what I expected, there was a nice parking lot and a playground and soccer fields. It took me a minute but around the big parking lot there are different trail heads that do 3 mile loops. Pretty easy not hard at all, mild elevation change. It's an active trail with a lot of friendly local people hiking or running. I look forward to exploring more trails here.

Late dinner. I had a cheeseburger. My wife had fish and chips. Both meals were absolutely outstanding.

If it wasn't for a number of residents (i.e. Santa Maria Valley Open Space) who cared about providing an open space for local hiking, this would not be in existence here in the Rice Ranch Open Space connected to Orcutt Community Park.

SMVOS shares their core values:
Passive access means that trails are open to the general public and that membership to a club or organization is not required for their use.

Spontaneous access means that the trail is accessible 7 days a week, from at least sunup to sun down (and preferably 24-7-365), and do not require reservations, permits, or approvals prior to use by the general public.

The trail system is open for multi-use which includes hiking, running, cycling, equestrian and dogs.

Dogs are free to use all trails when accompanied by their owner, either on a leash or within the voice control of their master.

Dog owners are responsible for picking up and packing out their dog's poo, and to leash dogs as a courtesy when encountering other trail users that may be uncomfortable with dog or when passing in narrow sections of the trail.

Public access and free access for all and interactions with nature are an integral and vital part of a healthy community.

Those who use public trails are the primary stewards of those trails, and have an obligation to assist with time and resources to maintain them.

Trails are to be used for non-motorized (electric, gas or otherwise) access, with provision for non-motorized bicycles.

We accept nationally recognized "Leave-no-trace" principals: pack out whatever you pack in; when encountering trash left by others, pick it up and pack it out; be courteous in your outdoor manners and respect others; be considerate and minimize and avoid impacts to the natural environmental and resources to whatever extent is reasonably possible; respect wild life; hike on durable surfaces and minimize erosion.

Always respect property rights and accompanying land uses (such as cattle, oil field operations, or neighboring residents and property).

Go check it out and bring a jacket if you're from Cali because it can get cold (Cali-cold). Haha.

This is a great place to get "out of town" and get into nature. There are a number of really good hikes! We like to take our dog Louie on valley trail. It's a beautiful 3 mile hike that takes you up and over Orcutt hill. Plenty of sights to see while you embrace what nature has to offer! It's not to hard of a hike as my fiancé is 5 months pregnant and she can easily do it. We like to go on weekdays to avoid the crowd. I highly recommend if your looking to get out into nature without driving to far out of Santa Maria.

Awesome trails. Never come across and mountain lions or rattle snakes! But always be aware. But these are wonderful trails and our dogs love them.