Sands Inn & Suites is proud to support the La Cuesta Ranch Trail Run, a beloved Central Coast event staged on the historic Miossi family ranch on Loomis Road in San Luis Obispo, taking place January 24, 2026 at 8am. Below is everything runners and crews need to know, plus special perks for athletes staying with us.
What makes La Cuesta Ranch Trail Run special
Few courses capture San Luis Obispo’s character like this one. The race traces private ranch roads and dirt trails with wide-open views of West Cuesta Ridge and Poly Canyon. The start/finish is at the ranch’s historic barn, giving race morning a uniquely local, old-California feel. Trail running here is as much about the setting and community as it is about the miles. Expect a welcoming, low-key vibe, thoughtful course marking, and the kind of Central Coast camaraderie that keeps runners coming back year after year.
Location & host ranch
The race is held at La Cuesta Ranch, a working cattle ranch with deep roots in SLO County. The ranch sits just outside downtown along Loomis Road, and has been stewarded by the Miossi family for generations. Its oak-studded hillsides, panoramic ridgelines, and classic barn backdrop create a venue that’s equal parts rugged and picturesque, ideal for trail running and community gatherings.
Distances, date & start time
The upcoming edition features 10K, 20K, and 30K distances with a common start on race morning at 8:00 a.m. Whether you’re stepping up to your first double-digit trail race or chasing a hard effort on the 30K, every distance offers amazing scenery with runnable, and occasionally steep, terrain.
- 10K: One loop with stout climbs and descents.
- 20K: Two loops—great for pacing and fueling practice.
- 30K: Three loops—stack elevation and test your legs.
Tip: With looped courses, crews see their runner multiple times without moving the car—perfect for quick bottle swaps and morale boosts.
Course flavor & elevation
Expect 100% dirt underfoot. Ranch roads, doubletrack, and short stretches that pitch up to notably steep grades. The loop format rewards smart pacing: hike the steepest pitches, run the flats and descents, and keep your effort steady lap to lap. If winter storms roll through, sections can get slick; if it’s dry, you’ll enjoy firm footing and fast descents.
Aid is thoughtfully spaced at roughly every three miles, stocked with water and endurance staples. Cutoff times are generous on a per-loop basis, giving newer trail athletes room to finish while still keeping the day on schedule.
- 10K: 11:00am
- 20K: 11:00am / 2:00pm
- 30K: 11:00am / 2:00pm / 5:00pm
Race-day logistics: parking, camping & crew
One of the perks of a ranch venue is convenience. Onsite parking is available for a $10 per-vehicle fee at the main gate. For those who want to relax into race weekend, the organizers offer Friday night dry camping near the barn (first-come, first-served), making an early start even easier. Portable and fixed restrooms are on site, and the barn start/finish area concentrates the energy, and the cheering.
Crews and spectators find plenty of space near the barn to set up a small base between laps. Please follow any day-of instructions from volunteers and ranch staff to keep the working ranch operations and race flowing smoothly.
Registration & community
The La Cuesta Ranch Trail Run is produced by the Central Coast crew at All We Do Is Run, founded by longtime race director and photographer Luis Escobar. Their events are known for friendly volunteers, straightforward logistics, and a welcoming mix of first-timers and seasoned trail runners. If you’ve been curious about trail racing, this is an excellent entry point; if you’re a vet, it’s a perfect early-season effort with plenty of climbing to sharpen the legs.
Where to stay: runner perks at Sands Inn & Suites
As a proud sponsor, Sands Inn & Suites welcomes La Cuesta Ranch athletes with special comforts designed around race weekend:
- Breakfast included to fuel your morning.
- Free late checkout at 12:30 p.m. (instead of 11:00 a.m.) so you can shower and decompress post-race.
- Early-bird savings: 25% off for bookings made through October 31, 2025.
- Extended savings: 18% off for bookings made from November 1 to January 8.
- Free parking and free Wi-Fi for an easy, connected stay.
- Take a dip in our outdoor pool—great for a gentle cool-down after the race.
How to redeem: Athletes can redeem once registered for the race. Offers apply to athletes staying for the event; subject to availability and standard terms.
Make a weekend of it in San Luis Obispo
Race morning is early, but SLO rewards anyone who lingers. Stroll downtown’s cafés and bakeries, explore the mission plaza, or unwind with a sunset drive up to the ridge for sweeping views of the Santa Lucia Mountains. If you’re traveling with family, the ranch setting near campus and Poly Canyon makes it easy to mix spectating with a bit of sightseeing.
Quick prep checklist
- Training: Add hill repeats and sustained climbs to your long runs; practice hiking steep grades efficiently.
- Gear: Trail shoes with reliable grip; a light shell if coastal fog or showers roll in; hydration vest or handhelds for self-sufficiency between aid.
- Fuel: Aim to take in calories steadily each lap; the looped format makes it easy to test and adjust.
- Logistics: Arrive early to park; if camping, bring layers for cool winter nights.
See you at the barn
Whether you’re toeing the line for your first 10K trail race or stacking three loops for the 30K, the La Cuesta Ranch Trail Run delivers classic Central Coast views, friendly faces, and a finish line you’ll remember. We’ll be cheering you on, and we’d love to host you at Sands Inn & Suites!
