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Head to the Highland Avenue trailhead for this classic San Luis Obispo hike.


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Map Key

1.7

Miles

2.7

KM

Point to Point

1,393' 424 m

High

607' 185 m

Low

830' 253 m

Up

44' 13 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

22%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Open year round. No parking at the Highland Ave. Trailhead.

Overview

This classic hike to the summit of Bishop's Peak will not disappoint!

Description

There are various trailheads to summit Bishop Peak. This trail starts at the Highland Avenue trailhead. The trail begins with a flat section through an oak grove before a short steep climb. Once the trail goes through a gate in a fence, you'll turn left to head south around the mountain. The trail passes through another oak grove where you'll see a popular rock climbing wall on the right.

The trail continues along the south side of the mountain before you arrive at the switchbacks on the south-west face of the mountain. After 8 or 9 switchbacks you'll arrive at a bench near the summit. From the bench you can scramble up a tall rock to the right for views of the city. If you continue to the left the trail is much less maintained with scrambling necessary. This is an out and back so just head back the way you came.

Little known fact: the mountain is commonly referred to as Bishop's Peak but is actually pronounced Bishop Peak. The summit of the mountain has three distinct points that resemble a Bishop Hat.

Flora & Fauna

You'll find oak trees and other general California plants.

Contacts

Land Manager: City of San Luis Obispo

Shared By:

Greg Belgum

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 19 votes

#754

Overall
  4.5 from 19 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#120

in California

#754

Overall
29 Views Last Month
6,260 Since Jan 21, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Sunrise breakfast on the summit.
Jan 21, 2016 near San Lui…, CA
Early morning view of Laguna Lake from the summit.
Jan 21, 2016 near San Lui…, CA
Evening hike: four-legged hiker.
Jan 21, 2016 near San Lui…, CA
Cerro San Luis peeks through the clouds from Bishop Peak.
Jun 27, 2017 near San Lui…, CA

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Check-Ins

Nov 13, 2023
Sheryl Hawks
Apr 2, 2023
Tom H
Jun 24, 2021
Sophia Barwegen
Jul 31, 2020
Josiah Pang
Jul 4, 2020
Jeremiah Kalan
Nov 4, 2019
Josiah Pang
1.7mi
Jun 19, 2019
Shoota McGavin
Los Puercos, pretty foggy morning so couldn't see much when we got to top — 10h 30m
Jun 15, 2019
Hailey Davis
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