California – Bishop Peak Hike for 360-Degree Views of San Luis Obispo
If you’re looking for a moderate hike with a view over San Luis Obispo, look no further than the Bishop Peak hike. Bishop Peak is not only one of the “Nine Sisters” (or Morros) in SLO county, and it is also the tallest. But my favorite thing about the hike is that it’s not very far from the city, so you get sweeping panoramas of San Luis Obispo from what feels like right on top of it. If you’ve ever driven through San Luis Obispo, then you’ve seen Bishop Peak, and it’s a great workout to get to the top. Keep reading for all of the details.
One thing to note: The top two-thirds of the trail is exposed, and it can get hot in the summer/fall. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Or consider doing this hike in winter. I went in early December 2021 and had great weather (still hot) and even better views. As always, be sure to leave no trace. This is a busy trail, and we can do our part to keep it clean. 🙂
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Bishop Peak Hike – Trailhead to the End of the Oak Trees
The Patricia Drive trail begins with a wide path and an immediate incline. The first hill climbs above the nearby houses and toward oak trees. There is trail marking poles with arrows and color-coded shapes at every trail intersection. For the most direct path to Bishop Peak, you’ll want to keep heading straight up the hill. After the first split, you zig-zag across a slope as you climb switchbacks to the next intersection, a wide-open space with another information kiosk. This kiosk had fascinating information about the local flora and fauna and the other open spaces in San Luis Obispo. If you don’t stop on your way up, I recommend reading this one on the way back down!
The following section has a steep climb to another area of oak trees. Pay attention to the trail marking poles, as some smaller trails lead to popular rock climbing locations. Speaking of rock climbing, I began to notice rock climbing everywhere on this trail. I first saw a solo guy with his dog bouldering in the general vicinity of the information kiosk. Then, in the oak trees, a large group set up to do some climbing in the shade. This was smart because the trail is completely exposed to the sun once you leave the oak trees.
Although you had to hike to this spot, I consider the serious elevation gain to happen in the following two sections of unshaded hiking. Luckily, you will have increasingly panoramic views to keep you going.
At a Glance:
- Rating: 4 (out of 4) stars, would definitely go again
- Intensity: Hiking shoes, athletic clothes
- Location: Right in the middle of San Luis Obispo
- Cost: Free!
- Restrooms: There were no restrooms available for public use
- Timing: 2 – 3 hours
- Distance: 3.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,131 ft
Highlights:
- 360-degree views of San Luis Obispo and the surrounding area. The trail meanders its way around the hill for views while you climb. Then the view from the top is completely worthwhile.
- Bishop Peak is one of the Nine Sisters (or Morro’s) in San Luis Obispo County and is the tallest.
- The consistent incline makes for a great workout!
- Great winter/spring hike.
- The trailhead is not far from downtown, so you can grab lunch a short drive away when you finish the hike.
Lowlights:
- There is a bit of light scrambling at the very top.
- Very little shade on the top two-thirds of the trail, and it can be scorching, so bring plenty of water.
- This hike is a popular trail, especially on weekends. Do not expect to be alone at any point. I somehow managed to have the viewpoint alone for a full 5 minutes, which was a miracle.
Bishop Peak Hike – Oak Trees to the Top
If you think the trail is challenging up to and through the trees, I’ve got bad news for you; it gets tougher. In my mind, there are two more sections before you get to the saddle on Bishop Peak: the exposed section facing East/Patricia Drive/where you probably came from, then you make your way around the peak to face southwest, where you’ll climb a bunch of switchbacks. Let’s break it down a little more.
Upon leaving the shady oak trees, you’ll begin to move horizontally across the hillside. There is one large switchback near a very cool rock formation, where I took some photos. If you’re hiking on a sunny day, it might be HOT, so take breaks when you need them. Although there are not as many switchbacks in this section, it’s still a climb! Also, be careful as you step on or over rocks as they can be covered in dust and easy to slip on.
Eventually, you’ll make it all the way to be facing southwest, where the last push is a series of switchbacks. This section feels long and arduous, but it helps to know you’re getting closer! I noticed the most bird activity on the switchback section, where birds of prey seemed to float in the air not too far above. If you haven’t started sweating yet, you will be sweating by the time you reach the top of the switchbacks to the Bishop Peak saddle!
Saddle + Small Scramble for Views
When you reach a bench, you’ve made it to the saddle!! Climb up a few more steps to feel the breeze from the other side of the mountain. The day I went was super windy, so the wind chill was a welcome relief to the stagnant switchbacks I had just climbed. There are two directions to go from the saddle — east toward SLO or west toward the taller peak. Unfortunately, there is no clear path in either direction, and either way requires some scrambling.
I’ve done the Bishop Peak hike twice, and I’ve only visited the eastern peak that looks directly over SLO. To get there, poke around for a path that feels comfortable to you. I recommend putting everything inside a backpack or tied up somehow so that you can have both hands free as you climb. The route I took had two main areas where I had to push against the opposite rock to get up. I primarily relied on the strength of my legs rather than trying to lift myself with my arms. Take your time and let others go first if you feel nervous.
At the top, the views over San Luis Obispo are phenomenal!! You can see downtown, plus the University, the Men’s Colony, and Highway 1. Circling back the other way, you can see the hillside across the way, out toward Pismo, and the valley surrounding Los Osos Valley Road. I love the Bishop Peak Hike because it’s so close to the downtown area, and you get this bird’s-eye view of the whole area. I got a few pictures solo of my shoes, but setting up my tripod in the wind was impossible. Luckily a sweet couple (who was also from Fresno) arrived, and we chatted about various things. They helped me get the photos of me standing on the rock. After spending a reasonable amount of time with the view, I decided to head down without visiting the other peak. Move slowly as there are steep drop-offs!
The Return Trip
I saw others climbing around the other peak but opted not to visit. Not only was I tuckered out, but I also felt like the view of SLO would be blocked by the ridge that was on. But if you visit and decide to visit both peaks and it’s worth climbing to the other side, let me know, and I will update this blog post!!
To get down from Bishop Peak, carefully head back to the saddle where you can pick up the trail from the top of the switchbacks. Coming down the switchbacks is quick and easy compared to climbing them. You can enjoy the slowly changing views of San Luis Obispo in front of you without huffing and puffing. Back at the oak trees, you can cool off. Don’t forget to stop by the information kiosk if you missed it on your way up. Before you know it, you’ll be back at your car.
Bishop Peak Natural Reserve & SLO Open Spaces
As you might tell, I was impressed by the trail marking posts and information kiosks. I did this hike in 2017 and didn’t remember these features, so it was fascinating to see the development. It looks like the City of San Luis Obispo developed this and other Open Spaces over the years for more recreation options, such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and walking. Take a look at this map of the Open Spaces, which states that the lands belong to the City. San Luis Obispo is such a beautiful city, and it makes me so happy that the City is leaning into outdoor recreation. From what I can tell, they maintain them well with set guidelines for use. Fingers crossed, the City can maintain and expand these open spaces for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.
Bishop Peak – What to bring with you
The Bishop Peak Hike is a good workout, so I recommend bringing a small backpack with essentials, such as:
- Download the Alltrails Map or use this map of the Bishop Peak Natural Reserve from the City of San Luis Obispo
- Day Pack – I used a small 16L backpack from Amazon. Consider the Gregory May 16 or small Osprey pack.
- Water bottle – You cannot go wrong with a handy dandy Nalgene
- Hat for shade (I wasn’t wearing one and regretted it!)
- Light layers, I was pretty heated in this long-sleeve shirt
- Sunscreen – I use this sunscreen for my face, and this one for my body
- Snack to keep you going!
- Small tripod for photos
Getting to the Trailhead
There are many different places to start this hike from, and I came from Patricia Drive. The Patricia Drive trailhead was the one that came up for me when searching on GoogleMaps. Although there were cars around, I was able to find a spot near the trailhead without any issues. There is an obvious sign where the trail begins and an informational kiosk visible from the sidewalk.
Overall Thoughts: Bishop Peak Hike
Although Bishop Peak is on the shorter side, I wouldn’t call it easy. It has a consistent grade, and the switchbacks can be brutal in the sun. However, the views at the top make every step worthwhile. I’ve said it a couple of times in this post already, but it is SO COOL to feel like you’re right on top of San Luis Obispo. Consider going in winter for cooler weather and greener grass. I went in early December when we just started seeing little green shoots. I bet February and March are entirely green and gorgeous. Overall, I LOVE this hike and would do it again.
I’m always looking for more activities on the central coast and San Luis Obispo. It’s a short drive away and I frequently head north to visit my family, so what should I check out next?? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Travels,
Hanna
