🥾 Peak #1 - Bishop’s Peak

We kick off the SLO Tri-Tip Challenge from the Highland Drive trailhead, diving straight into one of the most iconic climbs in San Luis Obispo — and the tallest of the Nine Sisters.

Trail Stats (Highland Trailhead):

• Distance: ~3.5 miles round trip

• Elevation Gain: ~850 feet

• Trail Type: Out-and-back

• Estimated Time: ~2 hours (add time for summit photos and snack breaks)

• Summit Elevation: 1,559 feet

This route wastes no time. After a short residential approach, you’re immediately climbing through shaded oak woodland before the trail tilts upward in earnest. The grade is steady and sustained — the kind that gets your heart pumping and your group chatting… until the incline steals everyone’s breath.

As you gain elevation, the views open up behind you with every switchback. Near the summit, the terrain turns rockier with a short, fun scramble to reach the top — nothing technical, just enough to make it feel like an accomplishment.

And then the payoff, from the summit, you’re treated to sweeping 360° views: downtown SLO, the rolling Edna Valley, the coastline, and even Morro Rock standing tall in the distance on clear days.

Fun Facts:

• Bishop Peak is the highest of the “Nine Sisters,” a chain of ancient volcanic plugs stretching from SLO to Morro Bay.

• The peaks were formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity.

• The name “Bishop” comes from early explorers who thought the peak resembled a bishop’s miter.

It’s punchy, scenic, and the perfect way to launch the Tri-Tip Challenge weekend. Conquer Bishop from Highland, and you’ve officially earned your appetite.

From the trailhead, you’ll start climbing almost immediately on wide fire roads that make this a perfect social hike — plenty of room for trail banter while the grade steadily builds. The incline is consistent and honest, but never technical, making it a great endurance push in the middle of the challenge.

As you gain elevation, the reward comes early and often. Turn around at any point and you’ll see downtown SLO shrinking below, Bishop Peak rising proudly across town, and the patchwork of Edna Valley stretching toward the coast. On clear days, the Pacific glimmers in the distance.

At the summit, you’re greeted with broad 360° views of the Nine Sisters volcanic chain, the Santa Lucia Range, and the rolling Central Coast hills.

Fun Facts:

• Cerro San Luis is part of the same ancient volcanic system as Bishop Peak.

• “Cerro” means “hill” in Spanish — though your legs might argue that definition.

• It’s one of the most visible peaks from Highway 101 as you roll into SLO.

Cerro San Luis is steady, scenic, and satisfying — the perfect middle chapter of the Tri-Tip Challenge. By the time you descend, you’ll feel strong, accomplished, and very ready for whatever’s waiting on the grill.

🥾 #3 Cal Poly P (Poly P) — The Short & Spicy Finale

We finish the SLO Tri-Tip Challenge with a local classic — starting from the parking lot nearest the trailhead and heading straight up toward one of the most iconic hillside landmarks in town.

Don’t let the mileage fool you… this one gets your heart rate up fast.

Trail Stats (Trailhead Parking Lot Start):

• Distance: ~1 mile round trip

• Elevation Gain: ~300 feet

• Trail Type: Out-and-back

• Estimated Time: 30–45 minutes

• Elevation at the “P”: ~600+ feet above sea level

🥾 Peak #2 Cerro San Luis (Madonna Mountain)

Next up in the SLO Tri-Tip Challenge: the steady, panoramic climb up Cerro San Luis — better known locally as Madonna Mountain. If Bishop is the dramatic summit moment, Cerro is the rhythmic grind with nonstop views the entire way.

Trail Stats (Lemon Grove / Madonna Rd Route):

• Distance: ~4–5 miles round trip (depending on route variation)

• Elevation Gain: ~1,200 feet

• Trail Type: Loop or out-and-back options

• Estimated Time: ~2.5–3 hours

• Summit Elevation: 1,286 feet

From the moment you leave the lot, the trail tilts upward. The climb is short, direct, and delightfully punchy — a mix of dirt path and stair-step style footing that keeps your calves engaged the entire way. It’s a quick grind, but that’s what makes it fun. This is your victory lap.

As you climb, the views open up almost instantly. Look back and you’ll see downtown SLO, rolling green hills, and both Bishop Peak and Cerro San Luis standing proudly — the peaks you’ve already conquered.

At the giant hillside “P,” you get classic campus views overlooking California Polytechnic State University, plus a perfect sunset perch if you time it right.

Fun Facts:

• The “P” was originally constructed in 1919 by Cal Poly students.

• It has been rebuilt multiple times over the years as a student tradition.

• It’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in San Luis Obispo.

Short. Steep. Iconic.

The Poly “P” is the perfect exclamation point on the Tri-Tip Challenge weekend — one final climb, big smiles at the top, and the satisfying feeling of knowing you earned every bite waiting at the finish line.

Firestone Grill — Where the Tri-Tip Challenge Was Born

Before it became a hiking tradition, the SLO Tri-Tip Challenge started the way all great ideas do — around a table at Firestone Grill.

Founded in 1995 in downtown San Luis Obispo, Firestone Grill quickly became a Central Coast institution. What began as a casual burger and BBQ joint grew into the place locals and Cal Poly students line up for one thing in particular: their legendary Santa Maria–style tri-tip sandwich. Grilled over red oak, thin-sliced, piled high on a French roll, and served with their signature BBQ sauce — it’s simple, classic, and proudly Central Coast.

Over the years, Firestone has become more than just a restaurant. It’s a post-game stop. A celebration spot. A “we earned this” kind of place.

And that’s exactly how the Tri-Tip Challenge took shape.

After tackling SLO’s volcanic peaks — Bishop Peak, Cerro San Luis, and the iconic Cal Poly P (Poly P) — the finish line isn’t tape stretched across a trail. It’s a tri-tip sandwich on a tray.

The significance is simple: You climb the peaks that define SLO’s skyline. Then you gather at the place that defines its flavor.

Firestone Grill represents the heart of SLO — community, tradition, and good food shared after a day well spent outside. The Tri-Tip Challenge isn’t just about elevation gain; it’s about earning that first bite, reliving the summit moments, and celebrating the weekend together.

Three peaks. One town. One legendary sandwich. LET’S GOOO!!