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.
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
"Snapped an epic shot of the peak for sunset last night! Great hike in SLO - another staple of this lovely town. The boulders at the top are super fun to climb around on."
Nate Ross
"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
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations: Bring plenty of snacks and water, start early to avoid the heat and crowds, and consider turning back if the terrain becomes too difficult for your little ones. The views from lower elevations are still quite rewarding, and the experience of being in nature is valuable for all ages.
👟 Fitness Enthusiasts
Pushing your pace on the switchbacks and tackling the boulder scramble at the top will definitely get your heart rate up. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of San Luis Obispo while getting a great workout in.
📸 Photographers
+1Don't forget to capture the unique textures of the rock formations near the summit and the dramatic skies. If you're adventurous, consider using a drone for aerial perspectives, but always check local regulations first.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Nine Sisters: A Geological Marvel
+1These peaks are remnants of volcanic activity that occurred millions of years ago. Over time, erosion has sculpted them into the distinctive shapes we see today. Hiking these mountains provides not only a physical challenge but also a chance to connect with the region's ancient geological history.
Exploring the Nine Sisters offers a variety of hiking experiences, from easier strolls to more demanding climbs. Bishop Peak, with its iconic miter-like crown, is a must-do for those seeking a rewarding summit experience and panoramic views.
+1Navigating the Bishop Peak Trail
Be prepared for a strenuous climb, particularly the final push to the peak, which involves navigating larger boulders. While some hikers find it challenging, the satisfaction of reaching the top and the incredible panoramic views make it well worth the effort. Many visitors recommend bringing plenty of water and wearing appropriate footwear for the rocky and uneven surfaces.
+1There are also offshoot trails that lead to climbing walls or can take you to the summit via slightly different routes. It's important to stay aware of your surroundings and stick to marked paths where possible, though the main trail is generally well-defined.
Sunrise and Sunset Hikes
+1If you plan to catch a sunrise hike, be prepared for an early start and potentially cooler temperatures. For sunset, aim to start your ascent with enough time to reach the summit before the sun dips below the horizon, and be mindful of descending in fading light. Bringing a headlamp or flashlight is advisable for safety.
+1These times are also popular, so while you might avoid the midday crowds, expect to share the summit with other photographers and nature enthusiasts. The ethereal glow during these golden hours makes the effort of the hike even more rewarding.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit