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| Bishop Peak from San Luis Obispo, CA |
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| Trail head sign, didn't see any Mountain Lions that day |
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| You should run into this sign if you start on Patricia Drive (felsman loop) Take Biship Peak Trail from here |
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| San Luis Obispo from higher up the trail |
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| Trail Switchbacks |
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| Me at the top |
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| View from just below the top |
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| Boulders on the summit |
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| My friend Kristen demonstrating the scrambling involved at the top |
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| SLO |
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| A couple people rock climbing, found alot of this |
Bishop Peak in San Luis Obispo(SLO), CA is the highest of 9 local mountains called the nine sisters. I was surprised when I first saw the peak from town. Given its low elevation, it certainly displayed some prominence. Bishop Peak is fairly narrow with a clear abundance of boulders. The second surprise was just how fun this hike was. It is also a haven for serious rock climbing and bouldering. There is more than one trail entrance to bishop peak trail. The trail head we chose is located on Patricia Drive called felsman loop (3 possible trail heads) is clearly marked with a sign saying "trail" along with four posts in the ground. Initially its a gravel/paved road. It gently climbs to an open field area. Once the trail gets to the open field, its splits. The one the continued right went to a water tower. Stay left towards the general direction of the summit. You will eventually run into a sign pointing you to Bishop Peak trail, reassuring your ascent. A short distance later, the trail clearly splits again. Do not take the trail that continues up the open field, keep going straight into the woods. You will know your in the right spot if you see a large rock face on the right side of the trail in the woods. After this point, you will not have anymore trouble staying on the correct path. After a short distance, the trail opens up again and begins climbing moderately. You will encounter several switchbacks with sweeping views of the town below. On the day we hiked, the trail was crowded, including a couple runners. I think it was because it was a nice day and everyone wanted to burn off last nights thanksgiving dinner. Sometimes I like crowds, sometimes I don't. For this type of hike, it was nice. A lot of friendly people having a good time. The only other time I encountered so many hikers on one trail was while climbing Mt. Washington in New Hampshire.
Once your reach the summit area of Bishop Peak, you can stop at the bench for some great views, or you can continue up some of the boulders. The boulders require a bit of hand and foot work going up, but they are not technical or very dangerous. You will encounter more excellent views on the tops of the boulders.
Getting down the boulders will be easier than getting up them. Once you hit the main trail again, use caution on the way down. The gravel/dirt trail has poor traction when it is dry, so it is easy to fall. I must also caution you if you are uneasy about heights, this trail is very open. On the other hand, it provides plenty of bang for your buck as far as views. In New England, having such open trails is very unusual. Usually, you have to hike the entire trail covered in woods. Only at the summits, ledges, or cleared overlooks have any viewpoints. The only exception is if your climbing above treeline in New Englands highest mountains ( above 4,000ft).
Overall this was a great climb. Give yourself about 1hr 30 min to reach the peak if you hike at a leisurely pace. It can be done in about 45min at a quick pace. Allow another 1hr for the way down. It is a good workout without being too strenuous. Just about anybody can do this hike if you put your mind to it. If your unsure whether you can make it, just remember you can always stop and take a break! If You start early, you have all day. Most importantly, have confidence in yourself and have a good time!
Directions: Look up Patricia Drive in San Luis Obispo, CA. It is easily accessible from CA 1 and Central San Luis Obispo. You will find the trail head on the left side of the road with 4 posts and a sign saying "Trail". You will be surrounded by houses, and chances are cars will be parked. The trail head is very easy to identify and find if you search directions using an online map.
Interesting side note, My friend Kristen climbed Bishop Peak again. She told me they posted a new sign saying a mountain lion had been sighted November 30th! Just a couple days after we hiked it.
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