Bishop Peak in San Luis Obispo, CA

Hike Bishop Peak San Luis Obispo, CA

Class 5 3.9 miles 1100 gain 3-5 hrs Out + Back May 20, 2019
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Bishop Peak GPX Track

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Bishop Peak requires a small section of Class 5 (YDS 5.6, 5 bolts plus anchors) to reach the true summit (the west summit). Most people head over to the Class 2 east summit, but I wanted the actual peak. I was disheartened, knowing I didn't want to free solo a 5.6, and without knowing anyonenearby who knows how to sport belay, I almost didn't attempt the peak. However, I dragged my friend Andrew along who lives in San Luis Obispo.

We started up from some suburban street, which I suppose is one of the couple trailheads to access Bishop Peak, and took the switchbacks to the saddle between the east and west summits. After a narrow and poison oak encroached social trail, we pulled a couple of Class 2/3 moves to get to a nice view of San Luis Obispo framed by rocks. We put our gear down and I taught Andrew how to lead belay at the base of the summit block. I normally wouldn't do something this sketchy, except that it was a 5.6 and I was really confident I wouldn't fall. I also forgot quickdraws, so I made a couple alpine draws with slings and extra carabiners and had to alternate each bolt, down climbing and climbing back up. Let's just say I'm glad we didn't have any adults around for all our silliness. Though, he was a fast learner and we took our very sweet time. It was fine.

The 5.6 was short and sweet and the summit block had really nice views of the area.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Bishop Peak
1546 ft
1066 rise

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Starting out from the trailhead into a forested section.
Starting out from the trailhead into a forested section.
View of Bishop Peak.
View of Bishop Peak.
Looking north as we head up the popular trail.
Looking north as we head up the popular trail.
Another forested section as we wrap around Bishop Peak's south side.
Another forested section as we wrap around Bishop Peak's south side.
Cerro San Luis Obispo visible center.
Cerro San Luis Obispo visible center.
Starting up the switchbacks.
Starting up the switchbacks.
Image 6 from gallery
Image 7 from gallery
Looking back along the switchbacks toward Cerro San Luis Obispo.
Looking back along the switchbacks toward Cerro San Luis Obispo.
Some stairs as we near the saddle between the east and west summits.
Some stairs as we near the saddle between the east and west summits.
Heading to the west summit (Class 5 high point).
Heading to the west summit (Class 5 high point).
Image 11 from gallery
Looking back to the Class 2 (east) summit.
Looking back to the Class 2 (east) summit.
Some Class 2/3 moves to get to the base of the summit block (visible center).
Some Class 2/3 moves to get to the base of the summit block (visible center).
Framed south-ish view toward Cerro San Luis Obispo.
Framed south-ish view toward Cerro San Luis Obispo.
The 5.6
The 5.6
Andrew on his first outdoor climb!
Andrew on his first outdoor climb!
Andrew on the summit.
Andrew on the summit.
Bishop Peak summit, view east toward the Class 2 summit. Andrew waving at the bottom.
Bishop Peak summit, view east toward the Class 2 summit. Andrew waving at the bottom.
Bishop Peak summit, view west.
Bishop Peak summit, view west.
Bishop Peak summit, another view east, with Cerro San Luis Obispo visible on the right.
Bishop Peak summit, another view east, with Cerro San Luis Obispo visible on the right.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!