Located just west of downtown San Luis Obispo, the 1,292-foot Cerro San Luis Obispo (or Mount San Luis) offers sweeping views of the Santa Lucia Mountains and other peaks in the Morros, the chain of mountains Cerro San Luis Obispo is a part of. The Morros, or Nine Sisters, are a line of prominent volcanic peaks between Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. These beautiful peaks set the postcard-like backdrop to SLO and make excellent hiking destinations. Cerro San Luis Obispo offers an excellent view of the adjacent Bishop Peak, perhaps the most well know member of the Morros.

Laguna Lake Park lies south of Cerro San Luis Obispo. This 375-acre park includes a 25-acre lake and several hiking trails. The trek from Laguna Lake Park up Mount San Luis is 5.7 mile round trip with 1,150 feet of elevation gain (for those who prefer something shorter, there is also a more direct 3-mile route from the trailhead at the end of Fernandez Road).

Laguna Lake

The start of this trek gives hikers a few options, as there are a number of routes to the base of Mount San Luis. One trail heads straight up the center of Laguna Lake Park beneath a row of power lines. To the left, a trail travels closer to the lakeshore, and to the right, a third trail travels closer to the base of a long ridge that runs alongside the park. Take any of these parallel trails heading northeast through a grass field toward the park boundary. When the trail of your choosing comes even with Cerro San Luis Obispo, turn right and follow the trail uphill to the left of a prominent outcropping.

A mountain biker rides toward Cerro San Luis Obispo

Another trail can be seen crossing the ridge to the right. This single track is a forth option from Laguna Lake Park. It provides tremendous views and should be taken in at least one direction on this hike. To start this way, take the path across from the bathrooms and hike up the notch in the ridge. The trail will enter an open space adjacent to the park that is owned by the Madonna Family. Much of Cerro San Luis Obispo itself is owned by the Madonnas, and for this reason, a few (but not most) locals actually call this peak Madonna Mountain. After climbing up the notch, the trail turns left and follows the ridgeline through fields of grains where Poppies and Larkspur bloom in spring.

A view of Cerro San Luis Obispo from the ridge trail

From the junction of the trails, continue north toward the summit. The trail joins a wider dirt road ascending from behind Madonna Inn. At the T-junction 0.4 miles later, turn left heading up hill. The wide trail bends around the northern slope to offer fantastic views of Bishop Peak. Three other Morros, Chumash Peak, Cerro Romualdo, and Hollister Peak can also be seen from this vantage point.

Looking back over Laguna Lake Park

Bishop Peak and other Morros beyond Cerro San Luis Obispo Trail

The trail continues to climb, swinging around to the north side of the mountain. The vegetation becomes more herbaceous. Central Live Oaks provide occasional shade, while Indian Paintbrush, Morning Glories, Lupines, Monkeyflower and other wildflowers add splashes of color to the trailside.

Looking down on San Luis Obispo from Mount San Luis

Cal Poly, northern SLO, and the Santa Lucia Mountains fill the view as the trail winds up to a loop beneath the summit. Turn right or left here (or take the foot path straight up to the western summit) to loop around to the upper eastern summit. A tall white cross standing atop the summit does not interfere with the sweeping views of San Luis Obispo. Complete the loop on the way back down and return the way your came. If you ascended via one of the park trails, take the path across the ridge on the descent. The views will not disappoint. No fee or permit is requires, so get out and enjoy.

Poppies along the trail

To get to the trailhead: From the 101 Freeway in San Luis Obispo, exit on Madonna Road and head west for half a mile. Turn right on Dalidio Drive to enter Laguna Lake Park. Park at the end of the drive or turn left at the only intersection to find parking closer to the lakefront trail.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Laguna Lake Park to Cerro San Luis Obispo GPS in a larger map
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Photos

 

                                                           

These photos were taken in April of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Elevation Profile

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Gaviota Wind Caves This 2.5-mile hike just off the 101 visits wind-carved caves with great ocean views.
	Salmon Creek Falls This 0.6-mile hike visits a fine 120-foot waterfall near the start of Salmon Creek Trail.
	Jade Cove and Plaskett Rock Point This 1.5-mile hike along an ocean bluff visits a prominent peninsula and a small cove.
	McWay Falls This 0.6-mile hike looks out on a stunning Big Sur waterfall that pours 80 feet right on to the beach.
	Partington Cove This 1.5-mile hike visits a cove and a secluded beach along the scenic Big Sur coast. The cove is accessed through a tunnel.
	More Central Coast Hikes Explore other destinations along the California coast between Ventura and Monterey, including trails in Los Padres National Forest.

More Info

 

Cerro San Luis Obispo on wikipedia.org

Cerro San Luis Obispo on sierraclub.org

The official website from the San Luis Mountain run, which circles Cerro San Luis Obispo