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San Luis Obispo

Administrators: Mike Morley, andy patterson
Latitude: 35.3063  Longitude: -120.6780 
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Ken Klis on Edgeucation, Bishop Peak summit.
photo...


Introduction 

San Luis Obispo, or "SLO" as the locals call it, is situated along the Central Coast of California, roughly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The town is probably best known for its university, Cal Poly. SLO is also the home of the regionally famous (and very pink) Madonna Inn, as well as the turning off point for tourists visiting the Hearst Castle. The town itself has a population of around 45,000.

There are seven main "morros", or small peaks, that define the quaint and bucolic landscape around San Luis Obispo. Even John Muir, famed naturalist and founder of the Sierra Club, made note of them in his 1883 travel diary:

"The trail brings the traveler suddenly in sight of
Bishop Peak...
The town is fairly encircled with beautiful hills...
the one just named being most conspicuous."


Climbing 

  • Bishop Peak is the primary climbing area and offers several dozen (mostly) single-pitch routes as well as some of the best bouldering along the Central Coast.

  • Cabrillo Peak (Cerro Cabrillo) lies just south of Morro Bay and overlooks the scenic Morro Bay estuary. Cabrillo is a beginner-friendly area that's well-suited for toproping and larger groups.

  • Cerro Romualdo, which lies on some 500+ acres leased by the National Guard (Camp San Luis) affords excellent slab-to-steep face climbing.

As of January 2006, CERRO ROMUALDO IS ENTIRELY CLOSED TO CLIMBING. There are ongoing talks with the National Guard, and progress is being made. The hope is that a "win-win" solution can be achieved. For now, future access is uncertain. PLEASE RESPECT CLOSURES AS NOT TO JEPRODIZE THE EFFORTS OF LOCAL CLIMBERS THAT ARE WORKING VERY HARD TO RESTORE ACCESS.

There is **NO PUBLIC ACCESS** to Hollister Peak or Chumash Peak, as these are entirely on private property.


Resources 

  • The best climbing shop in town is Mountain Air Sports, located downtown at the corner of Marsh and Broad.


  • The Firestone Grill downtown is the place to go for tri-tip, burgers, and fries. The steak cobb salad is highly recommended.

  • Farmer's Market happens every Thursday downtown.


The Classics

Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for San Luis Obispo:
60 Seconds Over Soledad   5.6     Trad, TR, 1 pitch, 70 feet   Bishop Peak : Cracked Wall
Shadow   5.7 R     Sport, TR, 1 pitch, 80 feet   Bishop Peak : Shadow Rock
Flakes to Fresno   5.8     Trad, TR, 1 pitch, 30 feet   Bishop Peak : Summit Blocks - East (Main)
Rusty's Cave   5.8     Trad, 1 pitch, 50 feet   Bishop Peak : P-Wall
P-Crack   5.8     Trad, 80 feet   Bishop Peak : P-Wall
Stage Fright   5.9     Trad, Sport, 1 pitch, 70 feet   Bishop Peak : P-Wall
Desperado   5.9     Sport, 1 pitch, 80 feet   Bishop Peak : Shadow Rock
Diamond   5.9     Sport, 1 pitch, 80 feet   Bishop Peak : Shadow Rock
Thin Man   5.9 R     Sport, 1 pitch, 150 feet   Bishop Peak : Shadow Rock
Impacted Stool Crack   5.9     Trad, 50 feet   Bishop Peak : P-Wall
Out of Hangers   5.10a R     Sport, 1 pitch, 80 feet   Bishop Peak : P-Wall
Lycra   5.10a     Sport, 1 pitch, 70 feet   Bishop Peak : Shadow Rock
Civilized Evil   5.10a     Trad, TR, 1 pitch, 50 feet   Bishop Peak : Cracked Wall
Camel   5.10b     Sport, TR, 1 pitch, 50 feet   Bishop Peak : Cracked Wall
Gold Rush/High Noon   5.10b     Sport, TR, 1 pitch, 40 feet   Bishop Peak : Wild Western Pinnacles
Lama   5.10b     Trad, Sport, TR, 1 pitch, 60 feet   Bishop Peak : Cracked Wall
Only Way To Fly   5.10c     Sport, TR, 1 pitch, 50 feet   Bishop Peak : Cracked Wall
Battle of the Bulge   5.11a     Sport, TR, 80 feet   Bishop Peak : Shadow Rock
Western Airlines   5.11b     Sport, 1 pitch, 50 feet   Bishop Peak : Cracked Wall
Rat Race   5.11+ R     Sport, 1 pitch, 40 feet   Bishop Peak : Cracked Wall
Browse More Classics in San Luis Obispo

Featured Route For San Luis Obispo
Brian Knight crimping the corner problem

The Corner Route V0-  CA : Central Coast : ... : Chlorissa
The name says it all. Up the corner (Right side of the topo picture). I have seen at least four variations using different holds and sequences, so get creative and have fun. The crux comes at the top. Look for hidden holds on the right,just over the edge, and then on the left and avoid barn dooring off....[more]   Browse More Classics in CA


Photos of San Luis Obispo Slideshow Add Photo
Bishop Moon.<br />Photo Tom Slater

Bishop Moon.
Photo Tom Slater

Sunset-Morro Bay.<br />Photo by Blitzo.

Sunset-Morro Bay.
Photo by Blitzo.


Comments on San Luis Obispo Add Comment
Show which comments —
By Welle
From: St. Louis Park, MN
Aug 18, 2009

Is this area worth moving to, to enjoy a full-time, 8-5pm job, with the intent to surf and rock climb with any free time? (...mountain biking and a 'close' drive for skiing as well).

What end of town is the best to live to do this? I'm a 26 yr old single male. Help and advice greatly appreciated.