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Bishop Peak
4.8 ★★★★★ 426 Google reviews · Running trail in San Luis Obispo, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Bishop Peak's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Easy-to-moderate hike to a peak offering valley views, plus a practice rock-climbing cliff.
What runners say about Bishop Peak
“I highly recommend go to see the sunrise, bring a thermo of coffee and enjoy the most beautiful view ever after a good hike.”
“Trail is well marked and it's an easy (to moderate) hike to the top, just be sure to wear shoes with good tread as some parts have some loose gravel.”
Amazing experience ! I highly recommend go to see the sunrise, bring a thermo of coffee and enjoy the most beautiful view ever after a good hike.
Excellent moderate hike. The peak is 1546’ above sea level. It is also a place to rock climb.
Incredible views at the top. Fun boulder climbing at the end of the trail to get even higher up 360 views of SLO on one side and the ocean on the other side. Recommend starting latest by 8am to avoid crowds, it can get busy at the top.
See the 360 trail view at: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pK4U8cp2o7XvtPdz5 Mid May 2024 - A cool day for horsing around on the Foothill trail up to Bishop peak. The Foothill trail to Bishop peak starts as a steep walk and it just gets steeper and rockier.
Trail conditions & character
“I highly recommend go to see the sunrise, bring a thermo of coffee and enjoy the most beautiful view ever after a good hike.”
“DO NOT take foothill entrance (unless you want to burn serious calories), if youre looking for the "easier" climb.”
“Rocky trail which would be muddy and potentially slick after a rain, but very well maintained.”
“Trail is easy to follow the Foothills road parking area except one spot, have to boulder through some rocks.”
“Dogs are allowed on the trail and poop bags are provided at the trail head in case you forget.”
Plan your run at Bishop Peak
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteslocity.org
- Phone(805) 781-7300
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–6 PM |
Running trails near San Luis Obispo
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Terrace Hill Open Space
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