Outdoors

Choose Your Adventure

Rock Climbing Bishop’s Peak

WRITTEN BY PADEN FOLLOWWILL PHOTOS BY CAITLIN EMMA SMITH

For the past 6 years I have been scaling rocks from Yosemite to Joshua Tree. But even if you don’t have the time or interest in traveling, there is good news for adventurous locals. A strong climbing community exists on the Central Coast along with a smattering of rock faces and boulders available - the most densely populated of which are nestled throughout Bishop’s Peak.

As the primary climbing area and most popular local cragging spot in the county, Bishop’s Peak offers several dozen (mostly) single-pitch routes. You’ll find bouldering, sport, traditional, mixed, you name it.

An extinct volcanic plug and the tallest of the Nine Sisters, also known as the Morros, Bishop’s Peak features a rock formation with some crack, mostly face, and a lot of slab (Morro Rock, Black Hill, Cabrillo Peak, Hollister Peak, Cerro Romauldo, Chumash Peak, Cerro San Luis and Islay Hill make up the other eight volcanic peaks and hills between Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo). It is also home to Chlorissa, Pete, Potato and Hummingbird Boulders. These, along with a handful of other boulders, provide locals access to some of the best bouldering along the Central Coast.

If you are a beginner, Bishop’s Peak offers a number of friendly climbs for those willing to face fears of heights. Cracked Wall is home to a 70 foot route called 60 Seconds Over Soledad. Rumor has it that this beginner route and popular favorite can be done in a minute flat. Other notable climbs are Camel, Only Way to Fly, and Western Airlines. There is also a classic multi-pitch route on the face of the “P” painted wall that takes climbers up a series of pitches and a final thrilling scramble up to the very highest summit boulders.

Rock climbing is exhilarating. No matter your level or expertise, tying into a rope, chalking up your hands, putting on highly uncomfortable shoes and facing a towering, immovable rock fortress and mentally pep-talking yourself to succeed, is an incredible experience. It is you versus the rock and It takes strength, technique and mental toughness to succeed. SLO LIFE

Directions to Bishop’s Peak: There are three trailheads. To reach the first from 101, head north on Santa Rosa Street. Turn left on Foothill Boulevard. Turn into the parking area off of Foothill Boulevard on the right hand side of the street at Bishop’s Peak. To reach the second from from 101, head north on Santa Rosa Street. Turn left on Foothill Boulevard. Turn right on Patricia. The trailhead is on the left had side of the street about a mile ahead. To reach the third from from 101, head north on Santa Rosa Street, turn left on Highland and follow it until the dead-end at the trailhead.