About this Location

Facility Overview

Lot H-12 at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo, is a dedicated open-air surface parking facility situated along Via Carta on the northern sector of the central campus. Designed primarily to support university students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors, this lot features a straightforward, paved layout with clear striping and drive aisles. Because it is an open-air surface lot without low-clearance overhead structures, Lot H-12 offers unobstructed vertical headroom, making it well-suited not only for standard sedans and compact cars but also for full-size pickup trucks, large SUVs, and utility vehicles that meet Cal Poly parking guidelines.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned on Via Carta, Lot H-12 offers prime pedestrian connectivity to the university’s academic core, agricultural facilities, and recreational spaces. Key destinations within short walking distance include:

Cal Poly Recreation Center: Located approximately 5 to 7 minutes on foot, offering premier athletic, fitness, and aquatic facilities.
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) Facilities: Direct proximity to the agricultural units, greenhouses, and specialized instructional centers on the north side of campus.
Bonderson Projects Center & Engineering Complex: Situated just a 5 to 8-minute walk south, serving engineering students and lab visitors.
University Union (UU) & Mustang Way: A central student hub featuring dining, the Cal Poly Bookstore, and banking services, approximately 8 to 10 minutes walking distance.
Poly Canyon Design Village & Trailheads: Outdoor enthusiasts and architecture visitors can easily access scenic hiking trails into Poly Canyon directly from nearby staging points along Village Drive and Poly Canyon Road.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Access to Lot H-12 is straightforward via Highland Drive or North Perimeter Road connecting onto Via Carta. Drivers arriving from outside San Luis Obispo can reach campus smoothly via US Highway 101, taking either the Grand Avenue or Monterey Street exits, or via California State Route 1 (Santa Rosa Street) exiting onto Highland Drive. The facility is well-integrated with local transit networks, with nearby stops served by San Luis Obispo Transit (SLO Transit) Routes 4 and 5, offering dependable connections to downtown San Luis Obispo, shopping centers, and the Amtrak station. Egress flows smoothly onto Highland Drive, though drivers should anticipate moderate pedestrian traffic around class change times.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-Air Surface Parking: Ample open space with zero vertical clearance restrictions for tall passenger vehicles.
Digital Mobile Payments: Integrated with the ParkMobile app, allowing visitors to easily start, manage, and extend parking sessions from their smartphones.
Accessible Parking: Designated ADA-accessible stalls located conveniently near accessible path-of-travel routes.
Campus Security & Illumination: Monitored regularly by Cal Poly University Police Department (UPD) patrols and illuminated by overhead exterior lighting.
Active Transportation Connections: Close to designated bike lanes, bike racks, and campus pedestrian walkways.

Ideal For

Cal Poly Students & Faculty: Excellent parking choice for those with classes or offices in the northern academic and engineering precincts.
Campus Visitors & Prospective Students: Practical parking location for attending university tours, campus interviews, or academic department appointments.
Recreation & Event Visitors: Convenient option for community members visiting the Cal Poly Recreation Center or attending club sports on adjacent fields.
Poly Canyon Hikers: A functional staging point for weekend visitors exploring the iconic outdoor architectural structures in Poly Canyon.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Cal Poly Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) strictly enforces parking regulations across all campus lots. Parking permits are mandatory; visitors should download and set up the ParkMobile app prior to arrival to quickly pay for their space upon parking. Review posted lot signs carefully to ensure you are parked in a valid visitor or designated permit stall, as certain spaces may be reserved for university staff or service vehicles during regular business hours. For major campus events, such as Open House, Commencement, or Mustang athletics games, arrive early to avoid congestion and follow digital directional signage posted along Highland Drive.