San Luis Obispo
Everything SLO
EverythingSLO
All SLO Parks & Coastline
Jim Green Trail (Santa Margarita Lake)
🥾 Trail

Jim Green Trail (Santa Margarita Lake)

Santa Margarita
Dog Friendly
🥾 Hiking
📸 Scenic
🦭 Wildlife

A beautiful lakeside county trail at Santa Margarita Lake winding along coves and oak hills, named for a beloved local trails advocate.

The Jim Green Trail is one of the signature paths in the Santa Margarita Lake Natural Area, named in honor of a beloved local trails advocate and volunteer. The trail follows the lake's shoreline coves and climbs gently through oak woodland and chaparral, offering near-constant water views, peaceful coves, and abundant wildlife in one of the county's most serene settings. Maintained by County Park Rangers and volunteers, the Jim Green Trail is popular with hikers and trail runners for its scenery and tranquility. Bald eagles, ospreys, deer, and waterfowl are frequent companions along the way, and the trail's mix of shoreline and ridge sections makes for a varied and rewarding outing. It's a fitting tribute — a beautiful trail that captures the quiet magic of Santa Margarita Lake.

🌟 Why Locals Love It

A gorgeous lakeside trail with cove views, eagles, and quiet — honoring a local who helped build the county's trail network.

What to Expect

A scenic lakeside trail through coves and oak hills with water views, wildlife, and peaceful surroundings.

💡 Good to Know Before You Go

Access via Santa Margarita Lake Natural Area (day-use fee). Bring water; some exposed sections. No swimming in the lake.

📍 Local Tip

Walk the Jim Green Trail at dawn for mirror-calm water, active wildlife, and the best chance of spotting eagles.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall mornings; winter for eagle watching.

Notable Features

Lakeside coves
Eagle & osprey viewing
Oak woodland
Named for a local trails hero

Practical Info

Santa Margarita Lake Rd, Santa Margarita, CA 93453
Sunrise to sunset
Park at Santa Margarita Lake Natural Area; day-use fee per vehicle.

Amenities

Parking
Trails
Restrooms
Verified Official Source
View Official Page →

More to Explore in SLO

All SLO Parks & Coastline🎉 SLO Events🍇 Wine Country🍽️ SLO Restaurants

Explore Everything SLO

Everything SLO is your premium guide to the Central Coast. Neighborhoods, restaurants, wine country, events, parks, schools, culture, and more — all sourced from official departments and trusted institutions, curated for the people who call San Luis Obispo home. Part of the Everything California network.

Explore More of California

🍷

Everything SB

Wine & Beaches

🐋

Everything MC

Marine Life & Carmel

🌉

Everything SF

Arts & Innovation

💡

Everything SV

Tech & Parks

View all 16 California regions →

The Everything Network — 16 California Regions

🏔️SCVSanta Clarita🌆LALos Angeles🏖️SDSan Diego🌉SFSan Francisco💡SVSilicon Valley🏄OCOrange County⛰️IEInland Empire🌴CVCoachella Valley🌿VCVentura County🍷SBSanta Barbara🌹PASPasadena🏔️BBBig Bear
🌊SLOSan Luis Obispo
🐋MCMonterey County🌾SACSacramento🏔️LTLake Tahoe🌎CAAll of CA