Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
60.00 ft (18.29 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
0.50 mi (0.80 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

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.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Short, easy hike.

Cons

Poison oak.

Trailhead Elevation

386.00 ft (117.65 m)

Features

Waterfalls

Location

Nearby Adventures

Santa Maria Valley + Santa Lucia/La Panza Mountains, California
Santa Maria Valley + Santa Lucia/La Panza Mountains, California
Santa Maria Valley + Santa Lucia/La Panza Mountains, California

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Santa Maria Valley + Santa Lucia/La Panza Mountains, California
Santa Maria Valley + Santa Lucia/La Panza Mountains, California

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