Our next hike will be one that we have never done before. On Friday, May 1, 2026 we will hike to the Serenity Swing located West of Cuesta Grade alongside Poly Canyon Road. We "discovered" this swing on our recent hike to the Cal Poly Architecture Graveyard. It is remarkable both for its secluded beauty and the difficulty in reaching it. It's remoteness contributes to its unspoiled nature and the sense of accomplishment that comes from making the trek. Russ and Ken MacRae scouted the trail on Tuesday, April 14th and recorded the approved route shown below. The distance to the swing is shorter starting at Stagecoach that going through Cal Poly.
It will be a two part option hike. The full version is 6.6 miles and 5 hours to the swing for a total of 1829 feet total UP waypoints. It rivals the most difficult hike we have made which was on 8-2-24 to Oats Peak in Montana de Oro. That was 7.9 miles with 2218 feet UP waypoints. But the Swing is more difficult in some ways, because the final 20 yard climb to the summit is extremely steep with no steps and few places to put your feet. Hiking poles are mandatory. We tested two alternate approaches and have picked the easier one of the two. The hike is not extremely aerobically challenging. What sets it apart is that it requires very careful technique to avoid slipping and falling back down a steep incline.
But you don't have to go all the way to experience some exceptionally good views not often seen. The turn around indicated by the arrow on the map below produces a 5.4 mile hike that takes 4 hours with an UP way point total of 1249 feet. That hike fits within Medium hardness category, near the border to Hard. The trail is easy to walk and could be shortened if desired.
Both hikes start at the same place at the same time--the Trailhead for Old Stagecoach Road at the bottom of Cuesta grade at 8:30 AM. A picture of the trailhead parking lot is shown below and has turn out lanes for traffic headed north and south on Hwy 101. Watch out for high speed cars coming down the grade if turning left when heading north.
