A warm day greeted us as my daughter and I readied ourselves to join Victoria of Shangri-La Ranch in Santa Margarita for a morning trail ride. A slight breeze was blowing up from the lake as we found ourselves in the shade of Victoria’s large deck and we looked around. Cats were checking us out, goats were bleating below, horses – that followed us up to the house from their run of the ranch – were re-establishing their pecking order as they ate in the pen.
Meanwhile, Miss Piggy, the very large pig, was grunting happiness while bathing in the water tub. Since it was so hot, the dogs were in hanging out in the much cooler house. We could see the lake from the deck and we knew we were in for a great day.
Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park is a nature lovers retreat.
Santa Margarita Lake Riding Trails
South Side Trails
Looking at the map of Santa Margarita Lake below, Victoria took us on the south side of the lake starting on Grey Pine Loop, to White Oak Flat, then down along the lake (which was very low) where we used the dirt road and rode over to the main park entrance and past the campground and up Rocky Trail which ends at the Shangri-La Ranch back gate.
The ride took us nearly three hours going at a steady walking pace with the occasional trot to catch up. We clipped through a green meadow, rode in the shade of trees, marveled at rock formations and many wild flowers, looked out over the lake then rode up the hill winding through trees again back to Shangri-La and enjoyed the endless views of oak-studded hills with the lake as the backdrop. We caught glimpses of wild turkeys and saw buzzards overhead circling for their next scavenged meal.
Chief, an Appaloosa/Draft was my mount for the day and my daughter, Leah was placed on Cheyenne also an Appaloosa. Victoria rode her pretty white gelding. The horses knew their jobs and were very pleasant to ride. We really enjoyed our time out on the trail, visiting with and learning from Victoria, taking in the scenery, and enjoying our steady mounts.
Come ride along with me! Get your riding the SLO County Trails Hotsheet to get started and join the SLO Horse News Herd!
Shangri-La Ranch
Shangri-La Ranch is situated right next to the trails that run on the south side (access through the main entrance) of Santa Margarita Lake.
Staging Areas for South Side Trail Access
There are several staging areas for riders who trailer-in to get access to the south side’s multiuse trails within the main entrance through the park gates on Santa Margarita Lake Road. Simply find the parking areas on the map above.
North Side Trails
Access to the back side or north side of Santa Margarita Lake trails is off River Road eight miles southeast of the Lake Road near the town of Pozo. Take West Pozo Road out of Santa Margarita. Turn left on River Road. Travel for several miles. The trail head parking area is on the left.
The trails on the north side of the lake are great for conditioning an endurance horse or for all-day riding in scenic beauty.
Day Use Fee
For either side, there is a day use fee of $12.00 to park your trailer for the day in addition there is a $4.00 animal permit needed per horse. An annual pass for both parking and animal can be obtained from the SLO County Parks website. (updated April 2024)
Thousands of Acres of Unspoiled Open Space
“Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park is a nature lovers retreat,” says the SLO County parks website. With thousands of acres of unspoiled open space, the park is home to countless species of plants and wildlife making it the perfect location for exploring nature on the vast trail system. All Santa Margarita Lake riding trails are shared use and offer some breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains and rock formations.
Notes for a Perfect Day
- Remember the day use trailer parking fee of $12.00 and animal permit at $4.00 per animal. Expect to pay the fee whether you go through the main entrance or park at the River Road trail head.
- Plan to have lunch back at the staging area or a meal at the nearby Pozo Saloon and enjoy wine tasting, on the weekends, next door at Vintage Cowboy winery.
- All trails are multi-use so ride with caution and be respectful.
- Dogs are allowed on leash only.
- Summer temperatures can be over 100 degrees so plan accordingly.
- Pack out your trash – this is bear country.
- Victoria is available to show you the trails or to provide horses for you or for riders who don’t have suitable horses to join you on a ride. Just give her a call at 438-3895.
Photo credit: Sharon Jantzen Photos
Get going! Looking for trails to ride in SLO County? This hotsheet will get you going on a few of the top rides. Get this delivered to your e-mail and join the SLO Horse News herd to stay up-to-date on herd happenings. Click here > SLO County Trails Hot Sheet to get going!
