Today I picked up my camera, a backpack, and the world’s best hiking buddy, Riley, to head out for the trails. Initially, I planned to hike up Valencia Peak in Montana De Oro but realized that dogs are not allowed in that wilderness. I readjusted my plans to hike up Bishop’s Peak in San Luis Obispo.
To get to the trailhead, drive West on Foothill Boulevard in San Luis Obispo and stop at the pullout past the last residential neighborhood leaving SLO. The trail is very well maintained and accommodating for dogs and hikers alike. The beginning starts a little bit steep and climbs up into some wonderful Oak Trees and then shoots you right into the sagebrush, wildflowers, and large stone staircases heading up to the top of Bishop’s Peak.
You can expect lots of switchbacks and single track along the trail, which make the ascent pretty easy to make. As you hike further along the trail, you will notice local flora and fauna change dramatically. At the top, you will pretty much be limited to types of sage, brush, and vultures among monumental boulders. Bishop’s Peak is an inactive volcanic core, which means large boulders are everywhere. Large rock faces pose challenging problems for local rock climbers; you can often spectate climbers winding their way up perilous rock outcroppings.
If you are curious about how the peak got its name, here is some interesting trivia. It has been said that when the missionaries from Mission San Luis Obispo named the peak along with the remaining ‘Nine Sisters’, they looked at the shape of the mountain and recognized it as a Bishop’s miter. In the 1800s and early 1900s, the stone from the mountain was mined and used for structures in San Luis Obispo. This is one of the most iconic peaks of San Luis Obispo County and is a popular hiking destination that local hiking and climbing organizations have carefully preserved.
Click here for the map of the trail.
“The trail brings the traveler suddenly in sight of
Bishop Peak…
The town is fairly encircled with beautiful hills…
the one just named being most conspicuous.”
John Muir, 1883
Named one of The Tribunes “Top 20 Under 40” in 2009, Dom Tartaglia has provided superior client services to San Luis Obispo home buyers for 16 years. As the broker owner of Tartaglia Homes, Dom provides each of his clients a personal experience of exceptional representation. Dom knows real estate is a deeply personal and emotional experience and no two clients are the same. He is proud to be an independent broker with the flexibility to accommodate your real estate needs, unlike larger corporate brokerages. Dom grew up on a cattle ranch in the heart of San Luis Obispo County where he and his family continue to raise Red Angus and make homemade wine. His love for working with his hands and caring for the family ranch is a beloved pastime. Dom also enjoys spending time in the outdoors fishing and exploring new places across the west coast with his family.
