Bishop Peak from Patricia Drive
Quick Facts
- Time: 2:30 hours
- Distance: 4 miles out and back
- Elevation: 1230'
- Difficulty: Strenuous with technical sections
- Terrain: Rocky, uneven path with steep sections
- Shade: First half shaded, second half exposed
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Parking: Limited street parking on Patricia Drive
- Safety Note: Most frequent rescue site in SLO
Learn about elevation profiles
Trail Character
This iconic SLO hike rewards effort with sweeping views and its central location makes it popular with Cal Poly students. But don’t mistake Bishop Peak for casual walk. It’s a significant technical challenge on an extremely uneven path. The terrain is steep and rocky, especially in the last half. The trail narrows significantly in sections, with hikers often needing to stand aside for those coming the other way.
Safety Considerations
Bishop Peak is known for rescues. Several times a year news reports Cal Fire sending people to get stuck or fallen hikers. Helicopter evacuations are not uncommon. Stay on the trail, be careful when taking selfies, don't take unnecessary risks. The uneven steps force hikers to raise their knees and test their ankles, especially on descent.
Trail Segments
The route we take has four sections.
- First, a steady incline sets a good precedent. We recommend going a bit slower than usual as a good warmup.
- Next, dense woods provide welcome summer shade. Watch for poison oak encroaching on trail. Watch for rock climbers scaling the eastern granite.
- Third, challenging terrain between the woods and switchbacks varies in width. Hikers take care when passing in both directions.
- Finally, the switchbacks: About ten sharp turns on rocky, single-file trail leading to summit. There’s no shelter from elements, plan according to weather.
Summit Experience
The top ridge of Bishop Peak is famous for its three points, visible from anywhere in SLO. The trail leads to a saddle between the middle and eastern points, where you’ll find a bench and sweeping views. One or two hikers in a group often venture further up the granite boulders on the eastern tip. Allow at least fifteen minutes to rest and explore.
Weather and Timing
There’s no shelter from the elements during the second half, making this hike particularly challenging in summer heat or winter rain. The shady forest section provides good respite when returning from the summit in summer, allowing groups to slow down and cool off.
Photos by Joe Gremillion