Bishop Peak Reviews

The trail is easy to follow, and with as many other hikers as you're bound to encounter, it's unlikely that you'll risk harm by getting your butt up to the peak. But, once you're up there, take caution. That's where many accidents have happened. I'm guessing those who lost their lives from up on high, may have been just that.

For difficulty, I'd give it a three. It's a decently challenging hike with views of SLO below. As some other people have noted, the trail seems like it can be a bit crowded so choose your hiking day and time wisely. It seems like a go-to for locals and students, but it's also a staple for visitors. Can't beat a blue sky day in SLO Cal.

Great work-out, watch out for poison oak on the trail. Once you make it to the very tip top,45-60minutes,jump/scale the rocks for a "Glorious view" of SLO, Pismo, to Morro Bay on a clear day!

I was fortunate to be part of a wedding ceremony that took place at the top of Bishop Peak at sunrise in late June. Because of the time of year, the marine layer from the ocean came in across the valley, and provided an extraordinary backdrop for the ceremony. To have a sunrise ceremony, we had to start hiking the Patricia Dr trailhead at 4:15AM. Must use flashlights and or headlamps, since there are many medium to large rocks in the trail that must be negotiated. The hike takes from 50 to 60 minutes, depending on how in-shape you are. Would be difficult for young children, or those that are not in at least moderate physical shape. The view is worth the effort.

Bishop's Peak Hike is a must see if you are visiting San Luis Obispo. It is not an easy hike, but well worth it. This was my fiance's first hike, and she was able to do it without a problem. The views from the trail are amazing. You get a great 360 view of San Luis Obispo and surrounding area's. Parking for the trailhead is along a neighborhood street and fills up quickly. So get there early or else you will be taking a strenuous hike just to get to the trailhead. The only downside was a lack of trail markers. There are some other paths that go off the main trail which just dead end. But if you just stay on the larger trail, you should be fine. At the top of the trail you will find a couple benches to take a rest and look out over the town. Be careful if you decide to adventure on the boulders at the peak, as there were reports of other hikers getting seriously injured or killed when slipping off the boulders. As long as you stay on the trail, you will be safe. An absolute must see.

I climbed Bishops Peak with some friends and it was a great experience. It is roughly 3 miles roundtrip and fairly easy hike. On the way up it is does get pretty steep in some spots but once you reach the top all of the hard work is totally worth it. You get a nice panoramic view of SLO and benches to sit on to take in the view.

We had 4 people in our hiking group ranging from age 32 to 63 years and all body shapes/sizes. If you can walk for a couple of hours you will be fine, really. The course is a tad challenging in a way that there are plenty of loose gravel/rocks and dirt. Wear proper shoes or boots! It also may be quite windy at the top so wear layers.
One last thing to note: The view is absolutely stunning from the top!

We took the Felsman loop before finding the Bishop Peak trail, so it was a long hike. I haven't hiked in over a year so I'm not in the best of shape. I wasn't sure I'd make it to the top, but took some breaks and pressed on. It was definitely worth the effort, the views were incredible. We parked at the Patricia road trailhead. Bring plenty of water because you're exposed to the sun the majority of the way.

Hiked from Patricia Drive trailhead-the "easy" start. Longer hike but with a more gradual vertical gain initially. Very nice challenging hike. Go before it gets too hot. Lots of folks on the trail; quite a few with dogs along. Great views of entire valley from the top. Highly recommended for a good 3 hour hike.

Just hiked up here Sunday February 19 - a beautiful clear day and a beautiful hike. Lots of people, dogs, kids, young and old - a great time was had by all. If you want a great hike and a great view, this is your trail.

An iconic SLO hike. Factor in weather. Above 70 degrees and you'll feel like your are walking in a sauna. Advertised as 4 miles but feels like 6. One trailhead starts in Oak woodland and transitions to more open Chaparral. Take lots of water. The views at the top are worth it. Great 360 degree views of the county. Be careful with your footing on the narrow steep slopes. Three people have died while hiking this trail.

This was a nice hike. We hiked it in April and it did get a little warm, but not too bad. The view was very pretty. It took a bit longer to hike up than expected, but we were also stopping to take photos. When you get to the top, you can go off the beaten path a bit and find some cool things or climb to the top of the rock t get a 360 degree view. Definitely recommend if you have a few hours to kill. Bonus: Take lunch and eat at the top!

We hiked up from Foothill Rd which is a bit more scrambly in sections than leaving from Patricia Dr. Allow about 1.5 hours. Moderately strenuous with a great view from the top.

We started at Patricia TH and you start hiking UP right away but it's a nice path up to the stock tank and then you'll eventually veer left through a tree section before wrapping around the other side of the mountain via switchbacks to the top. The grade is very comfortable and there's great views the entire way with mixed flora to see too. We went up while the marine layer kept us cool and the sun came out as we started to come down. The climb to the top rocks was fun too. We had a little assistance from my cousin in law to get up.

A wonderful hike on a nice trail; a few too many people but who can blame them.

We hiked this a couple times while our youngest was at Cal Poly SLO. It is a strenuous and long hike, but worth it. We made the trek as 60 year youngs and just hiked Mt Madonna recently at 63, Good for keeping in shape! The views are worth the uphill walks. At the top of Bishops there are large rocks to climb. Be careful.

If you are used to walking, this is a good solid 3.8 mile hike (if you leave from the Patricia Road trailhead), clearly marked , fairly busy. It's probably best to go earlier I. The day when there is still some cloud cover. You will work up a sweat as you gain over 1000 feet in elevation. It's never too steep but if you are not in shape, you will be challenged. The reward at the top is a panoramic view from the highest local point. You can scramble pretty easily to the east peak and from there kick back and feel the reward.

A great hike with gorgeous views all around but tough: very steep, loose dirt and rocks on the trail. Be prepared to take your time, take water, use sunscreen.

What a great hike following the time change! The views from the top were spectacular. Took about 60 minutes up and about 40 minutes back. Highly recommended hike!

Always beautiful and no matter what the season. Well worth a visit particularly if you are traveling from elsewhere. Can be crowded with Cal Poly daredevils during weekends, however.

As in other reviews, Bishops is not an easy hike up but still doable for most. Just take your time. Start early and stay hydrated. The hard spots are the beginning with a steep grade then the final legs of rocks to carefully climb to the top. Even for the agile,every year there are rescues and injuries. Alternatives for the less strenous, The San Luis Peak is much easier with no rocks to climb and for the short trek and still gets a view of the city (mainly used by locals) is the South Hills peaks behind Meadow Park.

Gorgeous hike with numerous trails to get you to the top. You will hike through open fields, forest like areas and challenging spots! This hike has a bit of everything! And it's dog friendly =)

We had a little trouble finding the start of the hiking trail but it was worth it. Lots of young people charging up and down the hill but it was really beautiful and we got the workout we came for.

This trail is quite a bit different from Valencia. The initial part is very steep and can wear you down a bit if you are not in shape. Once passed it their are quite a few switchbacks. At times the trails are very narrow and rocky and you wonder if you actually are still on a trail. The view from the top is excellent as you can see the city and downtown area very well. It is a great hike as long as you are in reasonably decent shape.

The view from the top is worth seeing ! I saw it about 40 years ago and I enjoyed it just as much now -

This hike started out very mild with some wooded areas and then gradually gaining elevation as you circumnavigate the mountain. Once on the other side, you take a zigzag trail up the side of the mountain. This is where things start to get steep. In total I spent about 3 hours getting up and back down the mountain. I’m not a fast hiker, but the view was worth it.

Close to centre off Patricia drive this well marked trail is a must do. It's well maintained and quite busy ( but we did do it on Memorial Day afternoon).
Took us an hour to the top. Not particularly difficult as the climb is slow but take lots of water as there is none along the route.
Lovely walk that circles the peak through forests.
Amazing views of the surroundings.
Highly recommended.

The top of this peak offers some great views, on a crisp clear day. This is a very popular hiking place so parking can be difficult sometime. The best time to climb is mid week, and mid morning. This is a pretty hard hike for beginners, but the trail is well maintained. Bring lots of water, and be really careful when going down, because you can slip and end up on your butt, or worse your legs.

This is a great hike, some mild steepness but not too bad. The 360 view from the top is amazing. All the way to Morro and Pismo!

I've hiked Bishop Peak several times from all three locations. My favorite starting point is on Patricia Dr nearby Anacapa Cir. Big parking hint: drive up Anacapa Cir all the way to the back and there are several parking spots almost always empty (my favorite place), then walk down to Patricia Dr for the trailhead.

A few minutes into the trail the hikers immediately encounters the steep grade. After passing the water tank the trail goes into a shady forest where the trail becomes less steep. While steadily ascending the trail turns into switchbacks and after about an hour, an old-timer like me (mid-fifties) reaches the peak in an hour. I find the descent to be the same amount of time. I take my time because twisting an ankle (I've seen it happen to a young guy) is a possibility.

I strongly recommend trail shoes that grip much better than running shoes, a pint of water (more if it's hot), a hat for shade, and a towel to wipe away perspiration. A camera for some good shots as you'll see all the way to the Oceano Dunes. Have fun!

I can believe the view from the top of Bishop Peak is wonderful since it is very good even two-thirds of the way up which is as far as I got. It was not so much the effort of going up but my fear of losing my footing on the very rugged path on the way down (I have a hip replacement). We also had trouble finding our way into one of the two or three access points to the Park, finding our way to the Peak trail from the Patricia Road entrance, and then finding that again on our way back out.

Easy-to-follow trail to a volcanic plug. We parked at the trailhead on Highland Drive, but there's a spur from another trailhead/parking spot if you want a longer outing. Great views of the surrounding area. Note that the trail ends before the Peak; the scramble there is not recommended as there is not an established route. If you want to reach the peak you should have some experience in bouldering. (There's a memorial for a young man who died making the attempt.)

My girls suggest 5am sunrise hike/watching but I prefer mid morning or after the noon sun subdides...hiking above the clouds and birds and panoramic views of SLO Los Osos and further make this a memorable activity!!!

Good hike to take with family/children. Not too strenuous.

Bishop's Peak seems to be the favorite hike that people who know and love SLO want to do when they visit. It's a pretty decently long hike, and gets very steep toward the top. Making it all the way to the top of Bishop's Peak is not for those who are not in good shape, and there are big boulders at the top that you're navigating around. For someone who wants a lighter hike, you could easily do the Felsman loop around the base which is easy, or go as far as you'd like up Bishop's and turn around before it gets too steep. The hike is dog-friendly (dogs on leash). If you go to the top, you are rewarded with incredibly gorgeous 360-degree views. Parking is free on the street right at the trailhead (Patricia Drive near corner of Patricia Court I believe) And bring lots of water - for you and your pup!

Two trailheads: Patricia Drive trailhead has switchbacks and takes you gradually uphill with some shade from beautiful oaks. The Highland Drive trailhead puts you on a very steep, short hike to Summit Trail. We saw two hikers on hands and knees finishing it. Felsman Loop is a lovely hike on good trails. Summit trail has lots of boulders and rocks to climb over, so consider your ability to climb rocks without falling before you take this portion of the trail to the very top.

Such a great experience. We are really out of shape so just took out time. Other people breezed by us. Just go at your own pace and enjoy the scenery!

Amazing views from the top and all the way up. It's very rocky and at times can be hard to get up. Be careful and wear appropriate shoes for the hike.

Nice 1,000 foot climb with views of the greater SLO area.
Allow 2 hours+, bring water. Be courteous and quiet in the parking neighborhood.

I have to climb this frequently because of the scenery and the nice people you meet on the way. WHAT A VIEW FROM THE TOP!

There are several places to park at a trailhead when starting this hike. Depending on time of day it can get busy. Can get both windy and sunny so be prepared plus bring water. I have seen all skill levels on this mountain so it is not too difficult. Many places have poison oak growing right into trail so wash up after the hike well. Dogs are Ok just keep on leash please. I like the Highland entrance but Patricia is good too. Be careful on rocks at top and climb slowly the views are great from there. Please let me know if this was helpful

Probably not an ideal family hike, but definitely popular w the college crowd. Views put over the fields are nice, but why not head all the way to the coast instead?

For in town hikes I like the trail just a ways behind the Madonna Inn.
I’m pretty sure if you’re intrepid you could start there and hook up to Bishops peak trail...

Boy did I sleep well after this hike! I am not an avid hiker but I do walk/run almost every day and while i thought the hike up was not too too strenuous, I was physically exhausted that night. It's a very well travelled trail that switchbacks up the mountain so you don't notice the steepness as much. There are stable rocks to help you climb up the steeper parts - almost like stairs. At the top is a bench that states "trail's end" but many people navigate the last big boulders to get to the tippy top of the rock. Some people bring food or cameras and just hang out. I too went up - and it was not that easy for a scaredy cat like me. Once you're up - the views are beautiful but then you realize... I have to get back down. That made me more nervous. The last boulder is not part of the official trail for safety reasons I'm sure but plenty of people do it and it's not too too crazy if you try it. Bring water! It gets cooler and windier the higher you climb and there are patches of shade but overall you will be exposed to the sun a long while. Great workout - it took us about 2.5 hours roundtrip including spending about 15 minutes on top of the peak.

We hiked this peak while staying at the neighborhood nearby; it is a beautiful walk if you take the Fehlman's loop, or a bit of a climb if you head to the top of the peak. Some poison oak along the way (avoid) and it's a great idea to bring water.

Yeah, it's a great hike, but it's not a good place for dogs or novice hikers. You can take the "easy" way but the parking is awful, or you can take the rugged way and risk snakes, slipping, etc. The fire dept/police should charge people who go up but can't make it down. They could afford a new truck with the fees. Stupid people who leave valuables in their cars should expect problems with theft.

We have the most beautiful hiking around...this trail is one of the best.

Take Highland Drive off Patricia Drive and follow it to curbside parking at the culdesac. You'll already be a third of the way up so great vistas will be available to the east and south shortly after you begin your hike. You don't need to go to the top to get a nice overlook of CalPoly, Laguna Lake, and Los Osos Valley. Trees will provide shade during the beginning of the hike, but you'll be on open trail as the path winds around the south side of the peak. After that the only shade will be whatever you can find under rock outcroppings. I consider this a moderate climb, taking about an hour and a half to 2 hours to reach the top, allowing time for frequent rest stops. Once you get to the west side of the hill, a series of switchbacks take you to the top. A couple of memorial benches mark the end of the trail, but the more ambitious amoung us will scramble to the top of the boulders for a more comprehensive view, including Morro Bay. It took me about 45 minutes to get back to the car.

It may be tempting to take this hike lightly because it's near town and very popular. It is a lot of fun, but the last few hundred feet of elevation is a fairly tough climb. Yes, it's a piece of cake for the seasoned hiker. But if you're stopping in town and happen to think it looks like a fun couple of hours, be sure you're up for it. Take some water. It gets windy and dry for the last quarter of the trip. Beautiful 360 degree views from the top. It's a great way to get the lay of the land if you are new to SLO.

360 panoramic view of SLO...you can see Pismo and MB too....a great but hard hike...gets you in shape.

We went up from the Highland trailhead. It was a very warm day, but that didn't seem to slow down the Cal Poly students (just me). We scrambled up the south and middle peaks; definitely try the middle peak as the views are spectacular and it's easier (but longer to get to). The dog dish chained to the bench is cool.

Medium level hike with great views. go when it is cool weather.

well maintained trail to a large hill view point. You can see large portions of SLO

I am not an avid hiker, but as a local it is obviously an attraction. I personally have not reached the peak in my adventures, but it has been a good experience.

Strenuous at first but gets easier once you hit the switchbacks, Views all the way out to Morro Bay on a clear day. The best time to go is in the winter or early spring when the hills are green.

Worth the sweat it takes to make the climb. Great view . Start out early to beat the heat and take your water, sunblock, and hat!

Not for the faint of heart. More than a hike, fantastic views! Spring is a great time to enjoy the weather and flowers

As I saw the Bishop's Peak from San Luis Obispo, I figured that it would a relatively easy trek. Not a high mountain and so a short and easy trek.
Short yes, easy no. It starts gradually and relatively easy but as you pass the treeline, the trail winds up in a series of steep curves leading to the top. It is hard at moments. As you get to the top end of the trail (It says "Trail End") you still have to do some easy rock climbing to get to the top.
It took 2 hours round trip and there were hundreds of other week-end trekkers. A familiy trek. Some of them didn't even have a minimum of trek equipment. I still recommend some water, very good shoes and a jacket. On top, the wind was blowing quite cold. Add the sweat from the ascent and you are a candidate for a cold.
A trek to recommend for the effort and the breathtaking view of San Luis Obispo and surroundings.

Great hike and wonderful views! I wouldn’t say it’s for beginners though. Also some of the trail maps tell you that it’s 3.5 miles but fail to mention whether that’s 3.5 miles one way or 3.5 miles up and down. I’ll admit I didn’t track my miles but it seemed to be more likely 3.5 miles one way.

it's a challenging climb to the top. We made it about a third of the way before we had to turn back for a drinks with friends.

Not as difficult as I expected..Beautiful scenery. Busy enough to travel it alone, but more fun with a friend. Totally worth it!

This is a rocky peak easily accessible if you are visiting Paso Robles and have 2 or 3 hours. Be prepared for up and up and up - it's a long climb and an unimproved trail, but it offers spectacular views of the area once you get past the lower wooded area. Bring plenty of water, good shoes a must, even hiking boots would be useful, and a camera. It is well worth the effort.

Great trail in the heart of SLO - Easlily accessible from several trail heads. Nice quick workout uphill all the way, and then down on the way back - just the way I like 'em.

Best view of San Luis Obispo. Moderate hike! My 6 year old can do it but he is no slacker either! Take snacks so you can eat up on the top and enjoy the view after your hardwork. Go early in the morning before it heats up.

Not particularly strenuous, it can be done in 90 minutes by the fast and fit. However, if you walk and stop then plan on 2+ hours. Only the bottom 1/3 is in shade, so I suggest you go early before it gets hot. Great views. Rewarding. We parked on Highland.

Bishop Peak is a popular hike in San Luis Obispo, CA. Good tennis shoes should suffice for most hikers and most people would be able to do this hike. Once you get to the top, you are treated to the best views of San Luis Obispo and the surrounding area. Breathtaking! I highly recommend a hike up Bishop Peak. You will likely see quite a few other people hiking, depending on the time and day. Weekends are def busier. Keep an eye out for poison oak, which is prevalent on the central coast of California.

Fun hike, kind of "the" San Luis Hike - but be prepared to see lots of students, trail runners and people with dogs. Go during the summer when it's less overrun with college kids.

This is a great short hike. The trail is heavily traveled and there is some graffiti and garbage at the top. The views from the top are beautiful and there are rocky outcroppings to scramble around and explore.

This was one of our favorite places to hike in California.
What a nice surprise. About 3.5 hike around trip which was perfect amount for our whole family.
There were benches towards the top for resting which was amazing.
Great weather for August!

This is a very popular hike and can be crowded. Spectacular views of the city, interesting, rocky trail. Several people get hurt on this trail every year, so watch your step. It can get rather hot in the summer. Bring sufficient water.

Not a bad hike, but go with a friend because it can be slick due to silt. Sled on my butt. Does not take long - about 30 min to 45 min.

We were staying near the peak at an Air BnB and did the hike the first morning we were in town. I would say it is a moderate hike, we saw a lot of people with hiking boots and walking sticks. We had none, but may have made it a tad bit easier. We are both active and in good shape, but at the end definitely was tired lol. Views are awesome all the way up, so take your time and enjoy!

I'm not a hiker and in general don't bother, but this does have a beautiful view as a payoff for the work put in to get to the top.

Great views of SLO, fun trail that was moderate intensity. Trailhead was a bit tricky to find the first time because we relied on GoogleMaps...it's in a residential neighborhood. Once on the trail, recommend having a map (or iPhone) to keep track of a few forks in the trail, but generally well-marked. It took my son and I about 45 mins to hike (briskly) to the top. Little kids (7+) can do it, but may take them longer. Wear sturdy shoes, and pack a windbreaker and water.

Takes about 90 min up and 30 min down .
But I'm old and slow!
My teens love this hike.
Keep dogs on leash or get big fine. Dog bowl at top.

First, it is kind of strange to be reviewing a mountain, nevertheless, I can see how it's useful.

This is a good hike, not a walk in the park. Come prepared. Bring sunscreen and water. It's a nice hike. San Luis County has many hikes. This is good one.

Thank you mountain for your service.

The hike from Foothill Blvd is tough (straight up). The trail from Highlands is easier. The view is amazing. It took over 2 hours round trip.

I recommend you do this hike early morning. it gets hot and be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, water. the later you go the more people will be on the summit trail and it might spoil the experience. The trails are well marked and it is quite breath taking at the summit.

Depending on your entrance to Bishops, you either have a slow and steady or strong and steep entrance, followed by a medium difficulty hike of switchbacks to get to the top. The top is where it's at so just keep on pushing (people of all ages and sizes do it everyday) and the view is one of the best in SLO. Be wary of random patches of poison oak, especially if you like to go off trail or climb rocks at the top. I learned the hard way what the plant looks like, feels like, and does to your body when I passed between two 4ft plants of the stuff while exploring the top. Still worth it.

I've only ever hiked the Foothill side of this mountain. I know I'm not getting the full Bishop's Peak experience, but I'll make the rest of it someday. That said, I really enjoy this hike - it is moderately strenuous, but not overly long, and the payoff is spectacular. Views are incredible, and you barely had to venture out of city limits to see it. I would love a bit more shade - hard to hike this in summer time as the sun beats down on you pretty harshly. Otherwise, I highly recommend it. Maybe see you out there someday...

Fairly popular place not far from the campus attracts lots of folks for a fairly vigorous hike to the peak. Great views of the greater SLO area and Los Osos Valley.

This is a must see view of San Luis Obispo. Start at several places, but I usually start along Foothill Blvd, just outside the city limits. You'll see parking on the Bishop Peak side of the road. The first part is a little steep but once you get past the oak trees and the rocks, you'll be fine.

The perfect balance of scenery, sweating, climbing through rocks, uphill inclines and exploration. A great way to break up the drive from Santa Barbara to San Simeon.

Very nice hike, the upper half has very little shade so a hat, sun screen and water are highly advised. The trail is well maintained and has many stone steps. The fist one third is in an oak forest. Just stay on the trail to avoid poison oak in the woods. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash and there is a fine up to $500 if a ranger sees your dog running free. The hike is about 4 miles round trip with about 1200 vertical feet of climbing. The summit is 1,546 feet, hiking shoes and poles are helpful in many areas. Parking at the trailhead on Highland Drive is limited, you may have to park and walk a ways up the road to the trail entrance.

I hiked this with my son. You do need to be in shape for this hike. :-) I made it to the very top, but just could not get on that lookout rock at the end, because the edge made me too nervous. But, all along the way I was awestruck by the beauty. A must if you are visiting San Luis Obispo and like to hike!

Conveniently located, this 1550-foot volcanic rock pile is an excellent lung stretcher for a reasonably in-shape hiker. It's steep without being incapacitating, and longish without being exhausting. My last hike at age 67 took about an hour to get the top. Parking and trail access are easy.

The caution would be that accessing the very tippy top requires some rather risky jumping across rocks, with nothing the break your fall if you slip. But the 360-degree view of the Middle Kingdom is worth the risk and exertion.

A rapid, youthful hiker may take 45 minutes, but most experienced hikers will still need 1:15 to 1:30 to reach the peak. The effort is well worth it. You'll enjoy wonderful views, vigorous climbs, and several microclimates if you're paying attention. Don't stop at the benches - climb the rocks to the peak for the 360 views, but do exercise caution. The hike downhill was an easy 40 minutes. There are a couple of forks in the path that aren't marked as well as one would hope, but there are plenty of locals on the trail who can clarify the 'real' trail for you.

Bishop Peak is a beautiful hiking trail that requires moderate hiking experience due to some of the elevated climb and narrow paths near the top of the peak. I recommend climbing/hiking Bishop Peak around or between 8:00am-10:00am for an optimal and comfortable hiking experience. If you are an experienced hiker, then I would recommend climbing to the very top of the peak (be careful since a person was injured in 2016 when they explored other areas of the peak that may have required additional equipment (rope, and/or other hiking gear)) where you get a better view of San Luis Obispo.

Two ways to reach this peak, one of the volcanic plugs; one from the east (easier) or from the south (much more difficult ascent). Hard upward hike that affords excellent views of SLO. It is all trail, but it is also all in the sun, so wear sunscreen and a hat, and most of all, no tennies, wear real hiking shoes as the trail is a bit slippery at times. You will not be disappointed in this one.

Great views - worth the hike. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. Follow the trails and remember your camera -- really incredible views!

Visting SLO you would be dismayed if you did not stop at Bishop's Peak. Beautiful panoramic views of SLO and a great activity for beginners. Sadly trail paths were not very visible and if you've never trekked BP before you will get lost.

This is a nice hike with great views. It's fairly rigorous, so be ready for a good work out. If you go during the summer or warm season, be sure to bring enough water and leave early enough in the morning to miss the afternoon heat.

This is a great hike! I would recommend going all the way to the top of Bishop's as the view is just stunning. Make sure to bring your camera!

Highly recommended. Medium strenuous. Bring a water bottle. Some used hiking sticks but not necessary. Gorgeous views!

It's a steep trail, so be prepared with plenty of water and motivation! From Patricia Drive trailhead, expect it to take about 1.5 hours to the top and down if you're in decent hiking shape... and perhaps up to 3 hours if you take it slow.

A moderately vigorous hike starting briefly in a cool shaded forest then progressing to switchbacks through rocky, scrubby terrain reminiscent of parts of Mt. Whitney. Very limited to no parking at the trailhead, so your hike may be extended another 1/4 mile or so on an uphill street before you even start. If was very well traveled on the Sunday that we went; mostly students, some jogging, and a couple families. Dogs are allowed on the trail on leash. Plenty of places to move over to the side of the trail to let people pass as need be, but no benches along the way if that is what you need on a hike. Though not breathtaking, there are pretty views of SLO and beyond. There are benches at the top, and you can continue upward another 20 yards or so by scrambling up the boulders if you have good balance and both hands free (not hanging onto a dog, escorting a child, or toting a lot of camera equipment). There is a plaque at the top memorializing a student who fell to his death from the rocks, but that tragedy probably didn't happen while staying on the trail. In February, the hike warms you on the way up but it's pretty cold and windy at the top, so dress in light layers. Overall a highly recommended hike and well-worth the effort.

This is a very popular hike with young and old alike. Your efforts will be rewarded by continuously improving views as you ascend one of the the Nine Sisters of San Luis Obispo County, nine volcanic remnant peaks that line the Los Osos Valley. Be prepared for a strenuous hike. There is no water along the route. The view at the top is unequaled in the area.

This is a great hike, but not a casual one. We like to start at the top of Mountain Drive (I think that's the name of it... that's what we call it anyway :-) and hike through some of the most beautiful oak forests around. We pass the rock climbing area where our son Dustin used to climb. Then on to the path that takes us to the top. The walk is steeper than the hike up Madonna Mountain (San Luis Mountain) but not as long. The views are incredible of course.

Pretty views all around. Take along lots of water. You need to watch out for lots of poison oak all along the trail.

The 1000 foot elevation gain from the Highland Drive trailhead is perfect for a moderate level hike! The view from the top is beautiful. Just be careful if you plan to climb the rocks at the top! My sister and I weren't brave enough to climb all the way up the rocks to the tip of the peak! Next time I will try the hike from the Patricia Drive trailhead.

The trails -of which there are many - are as varied as a fully bloomed flower. To the west you can hike up the trail to the top of the peak trailing rocky terrain and incredible views. Beware it can get somewhat crowded on the weekends or holidays. However, to the east you can traverse shaded terrain that resembles a forest in parts with winds gusting down canyons and cooler less populated trails. This place is a pure shoulder dropper with my excitement building each time I drive the hour north to visit. A fabulous place to walk - hike - sit on bluffs and let your mind just....rest!

Hiking up Bishops Peak with my wife and daughter was a lot of fun. It's a bit steep in places but the view from the top is spectacular. Climbing on top of the rock at the peak should NOT be attempted by someone with a fear of heights.

Short hike. continuously uphill. very well worth the time and effort. Be at the top for sunset!!!! Simply beautiful.

If you want a great hike in SLO on the Central Coast, this is it. Whether it's a clear day or not the views from the top of Bishops Peak are spectacular. On an overcast day
the peaks jut through the clouds like islands in the sky. On a clear day you can see 360 degrees of the Centeal
coast and Pacific Ocean. Plus it's a nice diverse intermediate hike up to the top. Bring lots of water.

Beautiful view, and a great workout or scenic hike! But beware of poison oak! May be crowded at times also

This hike is well worth it! It isn't that long but is fairly challenging. The views are fantastic even halfway up!

Great for short or long hikes with out without pets. Don't forget your phone/camera to capture the breathtaking views.

We were in SLO for Thanksgiving break and decided to take a hike around this famed peak for the experience. It was overcast but the rain had passed so pleasant for a hike but some sections were very muddy. We decided not to attempt the hike to the summit due to time constraints and went on a loop around instead. It was a good mix of different terrain - wooded areas, rocks, open plains. Easy trail that does not require a whole lot of effort and good views.

If you want to hike to the highest spot in SLO Town, then Bishop's Peak is it. Bring along a bottle of water and take your time...and do watch out for the poison oak!

Have an hour or three to spend out in the open air? This is a very popular hike with several trailheads. City-wide views and a view towards the Morros (the seven sisters ridges) are great on most days. Easy to moderate hiking, few obstacles and a mostly wide flat path to the top!

We started our tour on a nice sunny day. The distance to the top is impressive but still within a short time. However, the closer we got to the top of the mountain the more clouds appeared. When we were finally up the sky was cloudy and unfortunately we could not see very far. Nevertheless, I will climb the mountain again in more beautiful weather.

I had the trail listed at 4.0 miles from the Patricia Dr trailhead entrance. It was a pretty warm day for Mid-October but my 7 and 10 year olds thought the hike was easy. The first mile is slight uphill and the 2nd mile gets a lot steeper. There's sone climbing at the end if you want to reach the actual peak.

As for the foot traffic, lots of college students were doing the hike. There wasn't many parts of the hike where we didn't see any other hikers. Personally I prefer it to be much less crowded!

I really enjoyed hiking up Bishop Peak. It was challenging, rewarding, beautiful, populated so as to be safe, clean, well-maintained, and a must-do. I'm happy I found out about it. The only issue is the parking can be tough, but other than that, hikers of novice to moderate levels should find this hike a challenge. More experienced hikers might consider it a nice workout, but it's still worth the trip.

This challenging hike is on a good trail. Not for the out-of-shape hiker, the views from the top are amazing and well worth the effort. I would not recommend taking your dog, though, as the trail gets very narrow the nearer you get to the top.

Relatively straightforward hike. Pleasant views. Great for sunset but dependant on time of the year and position of the sun!

This is one of the best hikes in San Luis Obispo, tho there are many others. The hike goes through oak trees, ferns and beautiful plants. Once you get around to the other side of the mountain you are out in the open. The view from the top is 360 of the surrounding area. You can see Pismo beach in the distance and the community of San Luis Obispo. Worth the couple of hours it takes. Take snacks and water to enjoy at the top...

The trail is busy and easy if you're a regular hiker, although there is elevation gain (obviously). It can become a hot slog at mid-day, so don't do it then. The views are wonderful, though. Time will vary of course, but on average leave 3 hours to go up and down and rest at the top. Bring water, please!! And don't wander off the trail, and don't go exploring at night. There are several helicopter rescues there each year (I can see them from home) and that will be the most expensive ambulance ride you will ever take.

This hike takes about 1 1/2 hours for recreational (novice) hikers and is worth the time because it gives you a view from the Edna Valley to the the ocean on a clear day. It is very traveled, and frequent stops are needed to accommodate hikers coming the other direction.

Loved this hike!

It had great views, lots of rocks/flowers/things to see such as people rock climbing and it surely gives you a workout.

I’d say it’s an intermediate hike. I saw a lot of kids and dogs but hard enough I wouldn’t bring my mom or someone who does not hike.

There’s a bench at the top that says it’s the end of the trail, best feeling!

As other yelpers indicate, stay to the LEFT of the trail. We turned right at some point and hit an intersection towards the top that felt like a dead end and backed up a bit to stay to the left which was the right path.

Took us about 3 hours roundtrip including a few stops to rest and take pics. It started as a chilly morning but I got so sunburned so make sure to bring water and sunblock!

First, please don’t make our mistake by starting on the Foothill Blvd. side of the mountain. That hike starts straight up the mountain and is pretty steep and requires some rock scrambling. Start at the trailhead and the hike will be moderate (in our minds, but please know we hike at least once a week). Once we reached the actual trail, it was a pleasant hike - not too steep, and we reached the top in no time. Excellent views and the fact that you are on highest of the local morros was worth the effort.

This hike gains a little less than 1,000 feet in elevation. For an infrequent hiker like me, it was wonderful to be able to reach the top and sit on the bench. Fantastic views of SLO. My dog loves this hike and we love getting compliments from fellow hikers about her athletic prowess; she scampers on the rocky path like a little mountain goat. This hike is considered a rite of passage for the local college kids so it's fairly popular.

Hiked with my college daughter to the top. Sturdy sneakers with good grips a must as it is a bit pulverized towards the top. Nice benches and a memorial plaque reminding visitors of the danger of scaling the rocks beyond the summit. TONS of poison oak at the base but lessens as you climb. Gorgeous views. We did the roundtrip in 2 hours with a 15" rest at the summit. We were early birds (hit trailhead at 8:30) and the crowds were streaming up on our descent.

It was a little hard for Nora, but she really enjoyed it. The girls loved all the views and seeing all the cows!

This is a well trafficked 4 mi hike, up and back, with 1000+ ft elevation change. Download a map to your phone or GPS before you go because some of the trail near the base is not well marked. Even with the elevation change the trip up is a bit easier than the trip down. Poles would be helpful where the gravel is a bit loose.

This is an awesome hike. We like to go from the Patricia St. entrance. The forest of oaks feels like you are in a story book. The views from the top are spectacular. Make sure that you take water. It may be a little much for kids.

Spectacular hike, clear path, lucky to have such a wonderful hike at our door step....and free of charge! Sierra Sisters did this a couple days ago, lead by Lynda Pepper.....awesome lady

If you hike to the top of Bishop's Peak in San Luis Obispo, you will be treated to a great view of the area. I remember going up there some years ago and being amazed that the pilot of a small plane flying by was at eye level with us hikers! It's a vigorous climb, so be sure to allow plenty of time, wear sturdy shoes, and bring lots of water!

Bishop Peak provides a wonderful hike setting very close to town. The view is wonderful with benches at the top. As mentioned in another person's review, the very poor signage/directions prevented a five star rating. We made a couple of incorrect choices before some "locals" put us on the right path. Once we found the main route all was well. I look forward to a repeat hike without the diversions.

An exceptional hike to climb one of the Morro(s), the nine volcanic peaks that define the Edna and Los Osos valleys and go from vineyards to the blue Pacific.

Bishop Peak named by the Fathers of Mission San Luis Obispo and their contemporaries because the top of the peak looks like a Catholic Bishop's ceremonial hat. In addition as San Luis is named after the boy bishop from Toulose, France the connection is all the more appropriate.

On any given day bikes and cars will be parked at the various trail heads advisable testimony (in
All types of weather) of this grand adventure. The vistas evolve as you ascend the peak and at the top a 360 degree panorama of beauty awaits!

A hike that is not for the amateur. A little experience in above average hiking is necessary to conquer this peak. If the hike isn't breathtaking enough, the view will surely take your breath away. Plan an early morning start and the pre-afternoon weather will get you in the mood to tackle this one again and again and again.

Average hike if you start from the neighborhood. A little tougher if you start from Foothill. Not a beginner hike if your a newbie, if you take a slow pace it will be worth the effort. I like to jog it and climb the rocks, on a nice day you see Morro and the SLO Valley.

This is a good climb, but fun. A lot of it is flat and shady, but the last mile or so, wow, a good workout. Views at the top are nice. Parking is difficult so get there early and bring lots of water. There is good climbing around there, too, if you boulder or rock climb.

Last 1/2 mile real steep but worth the view, a lot of switch backs, no much shade, take a lot of water

This hike gives you the best view of San Luis Obispo you could possibly have besides being in a helicopter or plane. The trail was nice and well kept, but if you are looking for a really peaceful trail Bishops Peak is not the place. Personally I liked being near all the people so my family and I had a blast. The only reason I gave it a "very good" instead of an "excellent" was because when you get to the top it is kind of hard to climb the very peak. I was able to do it but my 8 year old sister and my mom who is scared of heights could not make the climb to the very peak.

In 1919 many, many men worked very hard to dig up granite from the hill and slowly brought it into town to finally finish building the First Presbyterian Church in San Luis Obispo. My wife and I were married there on Decenber 19, 2001. The peak itself is part of the seven sisters from San Luis to Morro Bay. Also known as the Nine Sisters when you include 2 hills. Beautiful, historic and a must to see to all who visits the Central Coast.

A great example of why San Luis Obispo is such a charming town: enjoy nature minutes from downtown. Bishop's Peak offers a very popular walking and running trial that isn't terribly challenging but offers awesome panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. As the tallest of the Morro mountain range, you can see all 8 of its sister peaks on a clear day including Morro Rock off in the distance. Bicycling is not allowed so head over to Madonna Mountain if you're looking for cycling.

It's four miles roundtrip, almost exactly, to the top with nearly 1,200' of climbing over those two miles up. This is not an easy hike and the trail gets pretty rocky toward the end but it is definitely doable if you're in reasonably good shape and the views are totally worth it! It took us about 2 hours total. Doggos are welcome - be sure to bring water for them. The trail is very exposed and can get quite warm.

I went up Bishops Peak with my family (including 2 "old" teenagers) and enjoyed the hike. It took us about one hour to go up and 40 minutes to come down. We started at Patricia drive and then encountered some signs for Felschman loop. The signs for Bishops Peak only showed up a little higher up.

Great afternoon hike for singles and families. Pets are welcome and abundant. Takes about an hour to walk the dirt path to the top. Fantastic views of SLO. Just off 101 at Marsh St. Exit.

Overall we had a good hike and were glad we went. However, my husband and I are in fairly good shape and planned to get as close to the top of Bishop Peak as we could. We started the hike at the top of Highland Rd (not Pennisula) Maybe we took a wrong turn, but we could not find any trail that took you up unless you rock climb. Also several other groups of hikers we met were confused on which trail to take. We ending up doing Fleishman's loop and enjoyed the views - but not sure how some of the other reviews said they hiked with young kids since there were some very steep inclines

2 hours round trip for our family for great views and meeting friendly hikers helping each other up the (optional) rocks at the summit. Not an easy hike but we saw small kids doing well and lots of dogs. The view Is great all the way up and it’s well work the work. No bathrooms so take care of business before.

This was definitely a mountain climb, not walking on paths. Walking sticks are certainly a big help unless you're very experienced. It was beautiful the day we went but if it had been wet, etc it would have been harder.

It's a good hike for the moderate (and a great push for the beginner). After passing the friendly cows in the lower area, hiking under the shady trees, climbing around some big boulders, you then see beautiful breathtaking views of the entire valley below. Allow appx. 2 hours for the entire round trip.

This is a great hike, takes around 1.5 - 2 hours. Signage is good, easy to follow. Great views of San Luis Obispo and surroundings on the top!

Bishop Peak is a great moderate hike almost everyone can enjoy.The first time I went up it was a little tough. I was carrying alot of extra weight.Once I got in better shape it is not bad at all.The trails up to the peak are beautiful. Always great weather.If you are going to be in the area,give it a try.

Be sure to bring you point and shoot camera for some beautiful pictures. There are wonderful 360 views from the peak of the San Luis Valley. On a clear day you can see from Edna all the way to Morro Bay.

This appears to be a popular hiking spot - I met many friendly folks along the way. It took roughly 45 minutes to reach the top walking at a brisk pace, and the view was well worth the effort. Not much shade, as mentioned in a previous post.

A must do when in SLO area, a bit of a calorie burner, but well worth the climb on well maintained trails. Can be a bit busy on weekends.

If you are just looking for a relatively quick hike with great views, drive and park at 12 Highland Drive (there are many cars that park along side the road here). You start the hike through a little forest and then begin the fairly easy hike up to the top! It took us (both in our late 20's in good shape) abut an hour to reach the top and 45 minutes to get back down.

Once you're at the top, don't forget to go past the benches and continue climbing toward the right set of boulders (at your own risk!) You can get some great views at the very very top :)

Everyone on the hike was super friendly. We saw runners, families, dogs, and individuals. I'd highly recommend this!

If you're not completely fit, it can get a little strenuous in certain spots. It's a nice trail to bring dogs on, and know that you WILL cross paths with other hikers as it's a very popular trail. The view from the top is amazing but there are no rails to keep you from slipping off the rocks so it's not a place to let your young children loose.

Did this with my adult daughters recently and loved it. Awesome views of the San Luis Obispo area and peeks of the ocean. Would have been that much more beautiful if we weren't in our fourth year of drought. Pretty easy in terms of difficulty, but there are some boulders at the very top that are awkward to climb and should only be done by those who are capable of that. We did, and you'll need to be careful up there because it would be ugly if anyone fell off. We did have a few bugs find us at the start of the hike, but they didn't last long. I wouldn't worry about bug spray unless you're fairly sensitive.

My wife heard about the Bishop Peak trail through some friends so she talked me and a few of our friends into giving it a shot. I had never heard of it, and wasn't expecting much due to its location. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised. A very invigorating--but casual hiker friendly--trail with great elevation change and varied terrain. Not to mention a spectacular view of the surrounding area on the way up and awesome panoramic view at the very top (especially if one is brave enough to go to the very top of the rocky summit. Probably will do this one more than once.

Great way to start the day hiking at Bishop's Peak! Overlooking the clouds, this hike allows you to work the leg muscles as you encounter, flat ground, boulders and smaller stones/rocks. A steady climb upward to the top, a great form of exercise not to mention an incredible view! I would recommend making the time to find and hike up Bishop's Peak!

The hike up Bishop Peak is fairly steep, but short. It makes for a pretty quick payoff for your work: beautiful views of the valleys below. Have some tread on your shoes as some areas are a little slippery. Overall, not a bad trail.

We hiked different portions of the peak on two separate days. A moderately challenging hike to the top can take up to two hours depending on the routes chosen. Great views in every direction.

The hike up to the top of Bishop Peak takes you through an oak woodland, then up through the chaparral. When you arrive at the top, you are rewarded with a 360 degree view of San Luis Obispo.

Well worth a shower and a dinner after ward. Long Hike pretty high up good views with a couple of stops for pictures and water. One of the features of this town. local beef roams the hills and is better for scenery than your hamburger buns..

I have hiked up to the end of the trail twice and it is a workout with not lots of shade. Go early in the morning and watch the sunrise since there is little shade along the way. Dogs are welcome. At the end of the trail you can scramble up the rock for an even better view. Parking is available on the street next to the trailhead. The beginning of the trail are smaller hills with a bit of forest, but eventually it gets steep and mostly chaparral.

Highly recommend if you are fit and agile. It's a pretty steep and rocky hike at points. Great views along the entire way.

Be sure to bring a water bottle or two and wear walking or hiking shoes.

Older or younger may struggle and probably would be better off turning back if they have the urge.

It takes at least two hours so be sure everyone takes a bathroom break prior too.

If you're looking for some good exercise right near downtown SLO, this hike fits the bill. We hiked the 3.5 mile roundtrip trail from the Highland Dr trailhead starting point. Parking is a bit tough unless you get there early since it's a popular hike. The beginning part of the trail offers some shade, but the last .5 mile to the top is mostly in the sun, so bring your hat and sunscreen and enough water depending on the heat. The views from the top are great and there are opportunities to scramble on some boulders for some free climbing challenges.

A beautiful hike that takes you through a little forest, it's very dry, you can tell that California is in a drought. The trail winds around to the west so if you go in the afternoon you are baking in the sun with no shade. I would go in the morning. Beautiful views, good workout. Hike took about an hour and a half to two hours. We met a man on the hike who hikes it three times in a row, three days a week! He was in his early '60s, extremely fit and friendly.

nice hike, takes about 2-3 hours for up and back. entrance is just shy of anacapa circle on Patricia. we, of course, assumed it was on anacapa circle because that's what some of the comments said. so we walked around the circle finding no entry point and then realized it was back 100-200' or so. no big deal. fairly easy hike, but the last part to the top gets a bit more steppy, having to navigate rocks and such. when you get to the sign saying "end of trail" you are still not at the top. the reason for this is quite simple - you have to traverse numerous large boulders to reach the actual top in order to get the best 360 degree views. I would suggest that you listen to your own body when deciding whether or not to do this last part. if you are a young guy in good shape, it's easy, but if you are a bit older with some issues, I'd take a pass. getting up is semi difficult, getting back down is more so. I needed all 5 body parts to do it - both hands, both legs (no kidding), and my rear end. I'm older and was up there with 2 20 year olds. we descended at the same time and I bet they beat me back to the real path by 2 minutes! great way to spend some time when in SLO. highly recommended. oh, and there is great signage for the various paths so you really cannot get lost. anyone that hikes a lot knows that signage is super important.

Quite a work out once you get to the West-face. In warm weather go early or late, you re sure to work up a sweat. If it is too much for you, try Madonna Mountain, it is a much easier climb with goo-too better view.

Rocky so good shoes are needed. Bring plenty of water and it will be a pleasant climb. Lots of locals and students on the hike. Views are worth it.

love the hike. used to do it more than a hundred times a yr. have not been much lately. it is getting to be too crowded with people and dogs. love the view from the big rock on top.

I was looking forward to breathtaking views...but it was bleh. It is a great workout however, about 1.5 hrs up and back. There's a lot of people, some friendly, some crabby...(mostly the fat girls, ironically), and lots of dudes without a shirt posing on top of rocks. I brought kombucha and my iPhone. It's too bad I didn't wear a bikini because there's some serious sun on this hike! Farmers tan! Overall, I'd go next time for a workout, but not for its beauty.

Bishop Peak is probably the most frequented hiking trail in all of San Luis Obispo County. It's as if, every Saturday, everyone in town looks at each other and declares "Let's go hike Bishop Peak". It's a busy trail, not one on which you can escape the sight of humans.

The highest in a chain of morros (extinct volcanoes), Bishop Peak has an easy to follow single-track trail up to the top. The trail is anywhere from 3.5 - 4.5 miles round trip (depending on which publication you consult) with an elevation of 950 feet. The whole hike (in and out) will take you about 2 hours.

The hike is intense (more than expected) and demanding but shouldn't be difficult if you're a regular hiker or have an athletic bent. You might want, however, to avoid the heat of the day as the trail is mostly exposed.

Near the top you'll see a bench etched with the words "end of trail". Beyond that go all those who are truly driven to reach the peak. It's not much further at all, but it involves scaling some boulders which will require a bit of acrobatics on the way up and down.

Even if you can't get much beyond the bench though, the views are great.

Bishop Peak is a very good, not too difficult hike, best tackled during the still cool, early morning hours. There are several entrance points but the one I took began at the top of Highland Drive, where hikers can park for free along the street.

Dogs are allowed.

We did this in the afternoon and I was surprised at how much shade there was along the way. It is steep and rocky and not for novice hikers. Great views and the perfect length. Loved this hike. Parking at the top is limited and you need to park along the street and walk up to the trailhead.

Great Hike close to town. BE AWARE….take a lot of water. It's deceiving at first, only 2 miles up but if the sun is out and it's hot, it beats down on you the whole way up. Starting at the end of Highland Dr. there is a trailhead. Follow trail up, passed water tank, left after Bishop Peak Trail gate towards the trees. This little section is the only shady section you will have. After coming out of the trees you start to switch back your way up to the top. There is a dog bowl at the top to put some water in for your pooch or hopefully another traveler already filled it for you. It says pets on leash, but our well-behaved pooch ran along side us without a leash. We encountered a lot of dogs, both on and off leash. Overall a great hike. My wife survived it 7 months pregnant and 80 deg. weather.

We are 60 and did the climb...plenty of uphill but worth it for the view and the descent was fine. Pretty well marked but could be better. Saw a couple of young folks doubling back on their way down as the way to parking spots is not so clear. That would have been no fun!

Love Bishop's peak. Growing up in SLO, this mountain has been an important part of my life. From hiking for fitness, meditation or the sunrise, this mountain has many seasons, phases and special memories. Beautiful, majestic and magical.

You can either go a quick up and down or take your time and enjoy all that you get to see from Morro Bay to the south San Luis valley.

It's pretty easy to find this trail, and it's a great hike that offers both long and short options. It's easy if you're in reasonable shape, a climb but not too steep.

The trail up from Foothill is easy and grand vista's from every turn. As the elevation increases, you get different views and the trail is fairly easy except for a few boulder climb arounds about mid-way. Just take it slow and you'll be fine - I'm 73 and was not a problem. The top is a fine spot, but stay on the group - a few souls wanted to scramble up to the top of the high boulder and one slipped and hurt an ankle - yes, you are not invincible, so respect the trail and stay on it. Two hours would be a nice amount of time to climb, enjoy, return. Remember to pack you water, wear a hat and good shoes. Heavy-duty gear not needed, although some walkers did have the poles which seemed helpful for them, but really not necessary. Enjoy!

Always love a trip up Bishop Peak. The view at the top is super. Be careful moving about the big rocks at the top. Could be a bit of poison oak at the top too. Go for it, you won't be sorry. :)

This is an excellent peak for hiking, as it possesses the perfect combination of uphill rigor and peaceful walk. On top of that it is beautiful, beginning with green grass dotted by the occasional horse or cow, then through a faerie wood, and then turning rocky and dusty toward the top, where one can see out over greater San Luis Obispo.

Want a great view of San Luis Obispo? It is a leisurely 1 hour hike to the top but it does get quite steep towards the second half, and a final climb up boulders to the top.

This was a terrific way to spend a few hours on a cool and somewhat overcast morning. Three of us did the hike to the very top of this impressive chunk of rock sticking out of the flat valley in which SLO is situated. At close to 1,600 feet of vertical with several stretches of up and down, you feel by the end like you have earned whatever meal you gorge on afterwards. We went on a Friday and there were a surprisingly large number of people on the trail. Most seemed to be young hard bodied locals, probably Cal Poly students, who were clearly doing the hike for fitness. Some actually were running the trail which is a little demoralizing for those of us in our 60s who just walked it and scrambled over the boulders to reach the very top. Still, the views are breathtaking and the trail is actually quite good almost all the way to the summit. Don't miss this one if you have a few hours and enjoy a little bit of a workout. I wouldn't call it strenuous but it is definitely more than a walk in the park. Be aware that you will be very exposed on most of the hike so if the sun is out a hat and sunscreen would be a must.

We wanted a break on a longish drive to LAX. San Lois Obispo was close enough to half way so we looked for attractions here. Bishops's Peak is the highest of the Nine Sisters. We found two potential starting points for the walk, chosing the end of Highland Drive.

This was a good starting point, as we began and ended the walk in the dappled light of forest. Late on a Sunday morning, there were many parked cars indicating the popularity of the walk.

The trail head begins at the end of the cul-de-sac. The track follows the fence line and then turns up the hill. Turn left at the gate after about 0.5 miles. This continues through more trees and then comes out into the open for a number of switchbacks until the summit. The majority of the climb is on south facing slopes, so may be hot on a clear day.

Hence, bring a bottle of water and think of sunscreen and a cap.

Great views of SLO along the walk and especially from the top. there is a bench at the summit, with a few higher boulders. I climbed the boulders, my partner did not. Young children should not climb the boulders.

No bathroom facilities at the trailhead or along the walk.

This is a great hike for anyone from a beginner hiker to experienced and everyone in between. The views are amazing!

Me and my husband always enjoy the hikes on Bishop peak and around. Such a wonderful place to hike and relax.

A great hike! Challenging at times and once you’re to the top there’s some benches. We climbed up the rocks to get higher up. Was a great time! Took about 90 mins to get up and 30 to get down.

We started the trail at Brittany Circle. It's an intermediate trail as you get closer to the top with the winding trail and the large rocks. Going down was a lot more challenging than going up and since I and my husband don't usually hike, we took our time. I'm not sure if others had this experience but going down, it was more difficult to spot the trail and one of our friends tripped on loose rock and got some scrapes.

Central Coast CA was a great trip - away from the craziness of LA and the sad homelessness in San Fran. This weekend get away offers so much. The hike up Bishops Peak was strenuous in the hot sun but delightful in each step...amazing views and a feeling of accomplishment. Then we headed to Calcareous winery for AMAZING wines and more stellar views...and went to Novo for a peaceful meal after - set my the dried up river in a little garden...blissful!~

This is a tough hike for the average Joe, but well worth it! It has a couple different trailheads. Foothill trailhead is steeper than Patricia. The views will be your reward. Tip: Start early, less crowds.

Bishop Peak is the highest of the Seven Sisters that has public access. It's an effort (an elevation gain of over 1,500 feet), but even us old folks can do it if we take our time. And it's worth it! Magnificent views, all the way from Pismo to Morro Rock.

Yes, there are tons of people, but nonetheless it is an amazing hike with beautiful views and free! You just have to know when to go, early mornings, or even during full moons.

On a clear day the view is breathtaking and if you get to the top you can go to places where there is nobody around because there are huge boulders that create their own routes. There are a couple of different trails to get to the top trail and they are not well marked with signs but the trails are well marked on the soil, so you always know that you are on the trail at least. It's a great place to run as well as to go on a last minute hike with friends. A nice little get away that could take you away from your daily routine is less than an hour. It takes about 45 min to get to the top, bring water, and a camera.

Bishop Peak offers a wide trail semi challenging roughly three miles to the top. Start at the trail head off Highland Drive, much more scenic than starting off Foothill Blvd

Grab some water, sunscreen and a pair of shoes you don't mind getting dirty. A GREAT hike with an amazing view.

I went twice during my vacation. Without kids and a quick pace, we completed the hike in about 80 minutes..was like being on a stair master for first 50 minutes. With kids (2nd hike), we did it round trip in 2 hours. View is great, but not overwhelming great. To really get to the tippy top you need to know some locals, be in good shape, and have a friend to help you, otherwise, you could get seriously hurt.

This mountain hike is TOUGH (for me, at least) but the view from the top is INSANE!!! It makes the whole hike worth it. Coming down was a little rough on my knees, but still... NO REGRETS :)

Little trip to San luis Obispo over thanksgiving wkend. Decided to hike up Bishop peak to enjoy the views. Quite a trafficked trail but moderate climbing for enjoyable views at the top.

Nice hour hike, gorgeous views, careful at the top with the steep rocks. Views from Morro bay to the north as far as point sal to the south.

First of all, I'll start you off with a little tip for parking. There are two trails leading up to the top of Bishops, one is off of Patricia and Foothill (make a right onto Patricia from Foothill, Left onto Highland and drive ALL THE WAY UP. It looks residential and you'll think you've gone the wrong way, but you haven't). The second trail is a lot easier to find, head out Foothill past Patricia and you'll see Bishop's on your right hand side, the parking lot is a dirt lot right next to a field. Of the two trailheads, I prefer the one off of Highland, it's not as steep and it takes you through a beautiful emerald forest (oak trees, but hey, they're gorgeous).

The trail itself is easy to follow, a couple of times you'll run into a piece of the trail where you're climbing up rocks, but they're no higher than your knee or mid calf. Once you exit the "emerald forest" there won't be much of any covering on the remainder of the trail. Be sure to take sunscreen and put plenty on if you're fair skinned, you will get a little pink.

The entire hike is pretty steep, but doable for whatever your skill level is. Lots of families go on this hike too, with they're kids. Sometimes they do better than the adults. The whole hike is about 2 miles. Once you reach the top it looks like the trail ends but if you continue to the right there'll be some pretty steep boulders to climb to the very top of Bishops. From here you can see the entire city. It's a pretty fantastic view. I recommend going for sunset.

For those of you in great shape and you feel you can run up anything, try to run up Bishop's. It'll be a workout you won't regret! I found myself toward the end of the summer thinking it was the easiest trail to run, but still the next day I had a hard time walking. Big payoff for such a short hike!

ps, Sometimes there are horses walking around on the Foothill entrance, and sometimes there are cows walking around on the Highland/Patricia entrance. Depends on the season. Great photo opportunity!

Bishop's Peak is a great hike for anyone in reasonable shape. It is mostly uphill the entire way, so take water with you. But you're rewarded at the top with beautiful views of SLO and Cal Poly. It can be crowded with college students, so go early to enjoy the peace. If I'm hiking for exercise, I can get up and back in just over an hour. But most people take 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

It is a great hike and not to hard it's a lot of up hill but not very far with a lot to see although their are a lot of people walking there

It's tempting to try the hike on a cooler day, but then the fog may block the amazing view. Go ahead and go for it on a clear, sunny day - you won't be sorry. Lovely.

Always fun to climb! Relatively easy, and the trails are almost always clear of brush and obstructions. The view from the top is completely worth it! You can see 360 degrees, and it's truly breathtaking.

I have hiked Bishop Peaks mountain many times. When you reach the top of the mountain you have the option to climb on the big rocks. If you do, you get to see a wonderful 360 degree view of San Luis. The trail has a decent amount of switch backs towards the top.

We loved this hike. The trail signs to the peak weren't great. From Highland, keep to the left after the water tower. It's a switch back around the mountain. Beautiful view at the top.

This is a challenging hike. I am 60 and run about 10 miles a week. I had to stop a few times on the assent to rest. I started the hike at 10:00 and it got pretty hot. It took me about an hour to get to the summit from the Patricia Drive trailhead. It is a two mile hike. The last 3/4 mile is very rocky and no shade. I would recommend that you start before 10:00 in the summer, use the Patricia Drive Trailhead, take water and do not take a dog. I saw a lot of people having to carry their dogs up the hill.

One of my favorite hikes, and I have been on a few dozen. There are particularly steep parts and some of the bald, sandy rocks made me nervous on the way down. Take your time and you can negotiate this trail no problem. Wear hiking shoes for sure, and be aware that the bottom part is hard on the knees on the way down. I have perfectly healthy knees, but I felt it. Many don't bring poles, but if your knees bother you, you may need them. Ask the locals how to find the entrance.

If you are travelling for a hike, it is nice hike. Unfortunately in Oct, the land is very dry ... nothing much to see. Great drive by.

Super easy hiking trail. Jeans and maybe water. If you're taking a date, be prepared to hold his or her stuff. I suggest eating a big burrito after to replenish calories.

We did the "easy" hike and had a great time! We had heard that the longer hike starts from the bottom of Foothill Dr and the shorter hike starts at Patricia Dr/Highland, so we went with the latter since we wanted to do a good bit of driving that day (we were on a drive up the coast). If you do the shorter hike, you take Highland through the Cal Poly campus and then through a neighborhood, following signs for "trail access". You drive until the street dead-ends into a cul-de-sac with a few gated homes and access to the park/trail (but it is not very clearly marked that it's the trail for Bishop Peak). There are some parking spots on the street coming back down the hill.

It took us probably an hour on the way up and a little less on the way back. We started at about 7am so it was cool at the beginning but warmed up quickly- wear layers! The hike through the forest at the beginning was cool and the hike up the mountain varied in temperature as the sun rose and depending on which face we were climbing. it was foggy so it was cool to hike above the fog and see only peaks of other small mountains in the area!

Worth the drive can see hot spots and brush fires and crazy green haze very nice vistas take your trash and please no fires the place is only green two months a year

This is one of the most popular hikes in San Luis Obispo. Sometimes it can be crowded, with college kids. Make sure you bring water and allow at least 1.5 hours round trip. It takes about 1 hour to go up (or longer depending on your speed) and 30 to get down. Also, keep a look out of poison ivy/oak on the sides of the trail. Dogs are welcomed but need to be on a leash. I wear hiking shoes, because it is a bit rocky on the trail. Follow the signs so you don't get lost, and bring a phone just in case!

One of San Luis Obispo's most endearing qualities are the volcanic peals and open space that have been protected. Bishop Peak is a beautiful example of a volcanic outcropping, one of the Seven Sisters that extend all the way to Morro Bay. Hiking to the top is moderately strenuous but definitely worth the effort.

I would have given this Bishop Peak trail 5 stars except for the lack of signage and the confusing trails. (We ended up climbing a steep open "trail" several hundred feet before realizing that it was a dead-end -- and probably formed by runoff. There was seemingly a trail to the left at the point where we made this decision, but it was unclear if it was really a trail.) The views of San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly, etc., to the east are spectacular. This trail is not part of any state park, and is not really maintained.
The only parking is along the road leading up to the trail-head. On the Saturday we were there there were perhaps 30 cars parked along this road. We had to go about a mile down in order to find a space -- and then and walk up the road. On weekdays, this would probably not be a problem.

As folks over 70, this is a challenge, but well worth hiking up the mountain as the Cal Poly kids passed us in their flip=flops

Didn't come across this gem when we were vacation planning. A friendly local suggested it to us. We didn't exactly have the right shoes for a hike, but did it nonetheless! Nice trail. Lots of climbers along the way. Dusty so be prepared for that. I'd rate it a moderate hike. Not scrambling but would be tough to do in flip flops. Views can't be beat. So highly recommend this if you're in/near SLO. On one side you can view Cal Poly, and on the other SLO and on to the sea. Good times. We took a picnic and water to drink along the way. No bathrooms or concessions so prepare for that too.

A really lovely hike for a warm day, through shady forest and then zig-zagging up to the peak, along a well marked trail. The round trip took us a couple of hours, with many stops to admire the view, observe the wildlife and take far too many photographs.

There are two routes, of which we chose the shorter, starting at the top of Highland Drive. Parking was easy, and the hike starts gently as it passes along meadows before you enter the forest. A few hundred yards later the trees are left behind and pretty much the rest of the hike is completely exposed, so be sure to wear sun screen and carry water. There's a short series of switchbacks before the path straightens out towards the summit. The route is fairly uneven with lots of boulders to navigate, adding to the enjoyment of the day.

The views from the summit are glorious, and well worth the effort.

This hike was a lot of fun! The views along the way and at the top were amazing and well worth the trek. The hike was somewhat challenging but definitely doable, even for non-athletes like us. It took us ~2 hours to complete, round trip. We went on a weekday, so the trail was not too crowded but had enough people on it so that we knew which way to go.

Beautiful views! A little bit hard to follow the trail but spectacular hike among california live oak.

My husband and I finally had an opportunity to hike Bishops Peak this last Sunday and we were so glad we did! The morning was overcast which gave us a nice temperature for hiking up the mountain, but we did not get the clear views once we reached the top. (although it was still beautiful) The trail is well marked and wide enough in all spots to allow for people passing. We felt like the hike was a "good workout", although we both said it was not as hard as we were led to believe. Definitely hope to be back to SLO with time to do this hike again!

Lots of other hikers in SLO, but well worth the workout and views! Very rocky and a good climb thru woods, switchbacks and boulders.

Just love the Bishops Peak hike. Since it's in San Luis Obispo there is less risk of blistering heat and the view at the top is pretty spectacular

When it's nice outside it's a great and relatively easy climb. Beautiful view. When it's hot, it's hot! :)

This is a mildly challenging hike. I believe it is 3 miles to the top and well worth every step that you take to get to the awesome views. I would not go after a heavy rain though. The beginning of the hike is rather steep and does get slippery and very muddy after a rain.

Nice easy hike!
Did a morning hike to the top, round trip with some fun scrambling to the top 3hours.
Its not very steep.
Easy to find your way to the top.
There is rock climbing at the base of the rock and a few bolts at the top.

Purely Stunning. Views are beautiful and the trek up the mountain was extremely fun. It was a pretty steep climb initially so being fit does help a lot up Bishops. Overall, great climb and highly recommended.

There are lots of great trails and mountains to hike in San Luis Obispo and Bishop Peak is one of them. There are two trails up and we prefer the one that begins in the neighborhood off of Highland Drive. It takes about 45 minutes or so each way with great views when you get to the top. Bring water.

Nice hike, good views. And tons of people. Good place to take kids to bag a peak.

Parking was difficult because there isn't an actual parking lot (at least, not where we found the trailhead). It really is a great hike with beautiful views.

Hiked to the peak - Left from Patricia Dr at around 10AM on a Sunday morning. It was very warm - bring some water if you're not use to hiking in the heat. We encountered about 100 to 150 folks on the trail - so you're not alone - but had a great time. Around 4 miles round trip - I'd say it's medium difficulty.

If you want views, Cali vibe, and a really good workout this is for you. Put this on a moderate to difficult but well worth the time. Expect some traffic on weekends.

We have taken this hike just the two of us and with our grandsons.We enjoy not only the hike but also the views.

This is not an easy hike, great views, meet lots of friendly hikers to help an encourge along the way. Bring water as it does get mighty warm,,,esp for four legged hikers.
Plenty of families with kids & dogs, all made it to the top. Well worth the trip, but it is a way up and it does get hot..

Very nice hike - not terribly strenuous - but can have tricky terrain. Switchbacks near to top have loose rock and you can twist an ankle if you're not careful. With that said, I saw college aged hikers running the trail - some in flip-flops! Once at the top, you're treated with beautiful views of Laguna Lake and the town of San Luis Obispo. People ages 8-80 hike Bishops Peak ~ but, you have to be in decent shape to make it to the top.

Lovely hike on a Saturday Birthday morning with two dear friends. Can be strenuous toward the top if you’re not somewhat active. Take water and a snack. There are a couple of benches at the top. About 4.5 round trip from the Patricia trailhead. I wore light weight hiking boots. Lots of hikers with tennis shoes. A few dogs on leashes. Started trail at 7:00am...not crowded. 1.5 hrs up...1.5 down. Great views from most of this trail!!! Sun rise was a beauty!!!

Make sure you wear good walking shoes or cross trainers as the trail is steep, rocky and dusty in parts. On hot days take water. Note where you parked your car because there are a number of entry/exit points and, if you exit at a different one from where you entered, you will need to find where you parked your car. We had to ask directions from a local resident to find our way back to the car. A mountain lion had been sighted in the area recently and a sign warned trail walkers to keep an eye on their kids and pets.

It's a little challenging hike , not too steep. The view from the top is unbelievable ! Bring enough water , especially on warmer days ! It will take you about an hour and 30 min roundtrip.

This is a great hike with views of SLO from Morro Bay in the North to all points south. The switch backs on the far side(western face) of this hike can be brutal as there is no tree canopy, wear a hat, bring water. My little dog love to go - It took us about 2.5 hrs round trip - we use the Patricia Trail Head but there is also a trail head on Foothill Blvd.

Definitely a hike not for beginners. And take lots of water. We hiked it on a hot day with two older dogs and decided to not go to top for the dogs were overheating. Great views.

This is a nice and challenging hike but not too long. Extremely popular with the locals. Lots of good hiking in SLO. Great views from the top.

This hike has it all. Beautiful stroll through shady oaks, great 360 degree scenery, wildflowers, friendly commerauderie with people from around the world, traversing boulders.