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


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Map Key

1.7

Miles

2.7

KM

77%

Runnable

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 run to the summit of Bishop's Peak will not disappoint!

Runner Notes

Lots of rocks and a decent climb. On sunny days and weekends the trail can be crowded.

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

#729

Overall
  4.5 from 19 votes
5 Star
47%
4 Star
53%
3 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#117

in California

#729

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

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
Sunrise breakfast on the summit.
Jan 21, 2016 near San Lui…, CA

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Check-Ins

Jul 6, 2018
Ryan Rodrigues
98 degrees, hot and sweaty run. 2.7mi
Feb 19, 2018
Laura Vargas
Nov 9, 2016
Coco Bell
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