Update 8-13-25: Caltrans Awards State-Sponsored Non-SHOPP PID for Long-Awaited Chorro Valley Trail—Backed by a Strong Regional Partnership
The long-awaited Chorro Valley Trail has achieved a significant milestone: Caltrans has awarded it a State-Sponsored Non-SHOPP Project Initiation Document (PID). This breakthrough reflects a strong, longstanding partnership among Caltrans, SLOCOG, San Luis Obispo County Public Works and County Parks, and Cal Poly Facilities Planning & Capital Projects.
The Chorro Valley Trail promises to transform a previously car-centric stretch of Highway 1—with only an unprotected Class II bike lane—into a safe, paved Class I multi-use path linking Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cuesta College. The lack of protected active transportation infrastructure has long been a barrier—not just for everyday riders, but for access to educational and recreational destinations, including El Chorro Regional Park, serving many disadvantaged communities.
The trail is part of SLOCOG’s 2023–2045 Regional Transportation Plan’s constrained Active Transportation Project List and was vigorously championed by partners and advocates for a very long time. SLOCOG emphasized that the project “promotes multimodal travel, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and enhances safety,” and noted that supportive amenities like parking, signage, and restrooms would ensure a quality experience for all users.
With this Project Initiation Document (PID) awarded, the project can now be refreshed. The PID will lay the groundwork for environmental studies and preliminary engineering (which have not yet been funded). However, the refresh is an encouraging development for the region’s commitment to safer, more sustainable transportation options. The collaboration across County Parks, County Public Works, Cal Poly’s planning teams, and Caltrans demonstrates the depth of regional support for making this trail a reality.
SLOCOG has prepared a feasibility study and implementation plan for a multipurpose trail in the Chorro Valley. This trail would connect the cities of San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay, in the vicinity of Highway 1, with connections to Cal Poly and Cuesta College. This project was funded with a Federal Scenic Byway Grant and supported by SLOCOG, the Cities of San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay, and San Luis Obispo County. The final document is a long range planning study that will be used to identify biological, cultural and other impediments in the area. It contains a preliminary alignment (where the trail might go), initial design of the trail, and segments that have potential to be built in the near future.
A presentation about the Chorro Valley Trial study was given to the SLOCOG Board on June 4th, 2014. SLOCOG staff then received public comment and incorporated it into the final document. The board accepted staff recommendations to “Accept study, forward to San Luis Obispo County; incorporate language into 2014 Regional Transportation Plan Active Transportation Chapter” at it’s August 2014 meeting.
Maps – Most Feasible Alignment
Project Timeline
April 2014 – Development of trail alignment alternatives, public workshop
May 2014 – Development of financial feasibility and implementation plan
June 2014 – Draft Study presented to SLOCOG Board –public testimony and comments accepted
August 2014 – SLOCOG Board approve final study – forward to local agencies for use in future planning efforts
For more information on this study, please contact SLOCOG’s Public Information Officer at [email protected].