The Stenner Canyon trail starts at Serrano Ranch and follows Stenner Creek as it winds through a small valley up towards the railroad tracks. The Serrano Ranch buildings were built in 1906 and originally intended to be a dairy. However, in the 1960s, as part of Cal Poly's increasing efforts to acquire land surrounding the core campus of Cal Poly.

In order to get to Serrano Ranch travel down Stenner Creek Road until it dead ends at the ranch itself. Several prominent landmarks that one might pass, are the trestle built in 1893, and several working ranch houses. Once you get to the actual ranch house, cross the bridge spanning Stenner Creek and hop the fence on the far side (usually the fence is locked, so don't be timid, hop right on over). To continue on the trail take a left turn riding away from the old barn. The trail passes under several eucalyptus trees before it comes to the very first gate on the trail. Gates like these dominate the trails all over the trails on Cal Poly's land and are used to keep cattle away from certain areas. After the gate continue on the trail as it travels through the riparian area that surrounds Stenner Creek. The riparian environment is just one of the few communities that riders pass through.

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