Bishop Peak San Luis Obispo
Conquer Bishop Peak, the tallest of SLO's Nine Sisters, for breathtaking panoramic views and a rewarding, rocky ascent.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Bishop Peak San Luis Obispo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer Bishop Peak, the tallest of SLO's Nine Sisters, for breathtaking panoramic views and a rewarding, rocky ascent.
"Gorgeous, possibly the best highlight of SLO."
🚗 Parking Challenges
Street parking at trailheads, especially Patricia Street, fills fast on weekends. Arrive early!
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring ample water; the elevation gain can be strenuous and leave you winded.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 · 69 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Summit
Gaze over San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly, and the surrounding Nine Sisters from the highest point.
Boulder Scrambling Adventure
Near the summit
Navigate and climb over unique rock formations for an added thrill on your ascent.
Sunrise or Sunset Spectacle
Summit
Witness breathtaking colors paint the sky over SLO, a truly magical experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds on Bishop Peak
Gear Up for the Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Challenges
Street parking at trailheads, especially Patricia Street, fills fast on weekends. Arrive early!
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring ample water; the elevation gain can be strenuous and leave you winded.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The trail is rocky and involves boulder climbing near the summit. Good grip is essential.
☀️ Sun Protection
The trail is exposed in many sections. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Challenges
Street parking at trailheads, especially Patricia Street, fills fast on weekends. Arrive early!
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring ample water; the elevation gain can be strenuous and leave you winded.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The trail is rocky and involves boulder climbing near the summit. Good grip is essential.
☀️ Sun Protection
The trail is exposed in many sections. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
🧗♀️ Boulder Climbing Fun
The top offers fun rock scrambling opportunities for those who enjoy it.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bishop Peak is a highly recommended hike in San Luis Obispo, praised for its stunning panoramic views and challenging, rewarding trail. Visitors enjoy the summit vistas, the fun boulder scrambling, and the opportunity for beautiful sunrise and sunset photography. However, parking can be difficult, and the trail's steepness and rocky sections make it less suitable for beginners or those with mobility issues.
"If you start from Highland Drive and Brittany Circle, parking may be hard to come by on the weekends, as the small road leading up to the trailhead doesn't leave much room and can become cramped for space.
It has an easy entrance shaded by trees that opens up into the hike after less than a quarter mile. From then the elevation climbs through switchbacks with opportunities for rock climbing throughout.
There are offshoot trails that both lead to said climbing walls and at least one that can take you off the main trail but still put you at the summit in reasonable time.
This place will be busy, especially if you go on the weekends, so expect to make room for people coming down the hill.
Definitely a fun hike, water is necessary and the elevation can easily leave you winded if you're pushing the pace. Lizards and bugs can be seen to the sides of the trail going up, as well as some deer at the base in the trees.
Views at the top are great, you can see the entirety of SLO including Cal Poly and the Airport.
Will be visiting again soon."
Al Trapp
"A great hike with panoramic views of the mountains afar. It was foggy when we started in the morning and it made a pleasant hike. There isn’t a trailhead parking, so it’s street parking on Patricia street. It took us an 1 hour 40 minutes round trip."
Hari Lakshmanan
"A really good hike - not for the beginner. Takes about 45 minutes to get to the top and it’s relatively steep. However it more than makes up for it by the views and the satisfaction when you reach the peak. Parking is not easy. You will need to park on the street which is narrow and steep too. I would definitely recommend this hike at least once."
Andreas Aristidou
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bishop Peak is accessible via several trailheads. The most popular is the Patricia Drive trailhead, offering street parking. Another option is the Highland Drive and Brittany Circle trailhead, though parking can be very limited on weekends.
Parking is primarily street parking at the main trailheads. It can be challenging to find a spot, especially on weekends and during peak hours. Arriving early is highly recommended.
While there isn't direct public transport to the trailhead, you can take a bus to San Luis Obispo and then potentially a rideshare service to the nearest access point. +1
Many locals recommend the Patricia Drive trailhead for its accessibility and the trail's gradual incline. However, it's also a popular spot, so be prepared for crowds.
Yes, there are various trails, including the Summit Blocks Route from Patricia Trailhead, offering different levels of challenge and scenery. Some trails have offshoots for rock climbing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bishop Peak is a public hiking area and does not require any tickets or admission fees. It's free to access and enjoy.
Bishop Peak is open year-round from dawn until dusk. There are no official operating hours, but it's best to hike during daylight for safety and visibility.
The trails are generally accessible year-round. However, it's always a good idea to check local conditions, especially after heavy rain or during fire season.
There are no entrance fees to hike Bishop Peak. It's a natural landmark managed by the city and county, offering free access to the public.
While technically possible, hiking Bishop Peak at night is not recommended due to safety concerns, lack of lighting, and potential for getting lost. Stick to daylight hours.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to the summit and back typically takes between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace, fitness level, and how much time you spend at the top. 
Bishop Peak is considered a moderate to strenuous hike. It involves significant elevation gain and rocky terrain, especially near the summit. It's not ideal for absolute beginners.
Wear comfortable athletic clothing and sturdy hiking shoes with good traction. Layers are recommended as temperatures can change. Don't forget sun protection!
There are no restrooms directly at the trailheads or on the trail itself. Plan accordingly before you start your hike.
You might spot lizards and various insects along the trail. Deer are sometimes seen at the base of the mountain in the trees.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers unparalleled panoramic views of San Luis Obispo and the surrounding landscape. The unique rock formations near the top also make for dramatic shots.
Absolutely! Sunrises and sunsets over San Luis Obispo from Bishop Peak are spectacular, with vibrant colors painting the sky.
Drone usage may be subject to local regulations. While some have captured drone footage,
Early morning for sunrise and late afternoon for sunset offer the best light. Midday can be harsh, but the views are still impressive.
The switchbacks offer interesting perspectives, and the boulder fields near the summit provide unique textures and shapes for photography.
Social
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