Friday May 8- Arrival & Sunset Hike - SLO Temp 75°/54°, Sunset time 7:50 PM

We are scheduled to arrive in San Luis Obispo on Friday afternoon. Check-in at the La Questa Inn is 4PM. We’ll get settled, grab a bite to eat and get ready to leave for the sunset hike…but first…Communication.

Communication, You’ve been added to a group text, SLO Tri-Trippers ‘26. We’ll use this to communicate up to date plans, locations, etc. throughout the weekend. We can also use this to share photos of our weekend in SLO.

Terrace Hill Open Space Sunset Hike, Let’s kick the weekend off right with a sunset hike. We’ll leave for the sunset hike by 7PM, sunset is at 7:50PM. This will give us plenty of time to get there and find parking in the neighborhood, which can be difficult at times. Carpooling is recommended.

We are “hiking” the Terrace Hill Open Space, widely considered one of the best sunset spots in SLO. This family friendly hilltop park is known for it’s short hike and spectacular 360° views of San Luis Obispo, Bishop’s Peak and Cerro San Luis. Follow these directions to the trailhead located in the neighborhood, off Bishop Street.

Things to know:

• The trail is short with minimal gain ending at a flat plateau with benches and great views.

• Dress in layers as it will likely get chilly after sunset.

• Bring snacks, beverages and blankets. Foldable chairs are also a good idea.

• Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leash.

After sunset, we’ll head back to the hotel and prepare for the SLO Tri-Tip Challenge.

Saturday May 9 - SLO Tri-Tip Challenge - SLO Temp 89°/47°

It’s the BIG DAY! LET’S GO!! Meet in the parking lot of the La Questa Inn at 7AM. We’ll travel together to the Bishop’s Peak trailhead located on Highland Dr. (Highland Dr. Trailhead). Carpooling is recommended as parking is again in a neighborhood and very limited. Park on the roadside and meet in front of the Bishop’s Peak Trailhead sign. We’ll begin hiking at 7:30AM.

Bishop’s Peak, our first peak, the tallest of the three Moro’s or “sisters”, is about 3.5 mile out and back trail with about 1000’ of gain. The trail is well travelled and although difficult it is manageable for most who are in shape. It is fairly exposed to the sun so sun protection is recommended. We should complete this trail in about 2 hours.

Things you should know:

• Plan breakfast before we leave to the trailhead.

• Bring a cooler with snacks, water and electrolytes for the day. Keep it in your vehicle.

• It’s going to get warm. Hydrate and bring plenty of water. Sun protection is also recommended.

• Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash.

Cerro San Luis (Madonna Mountain), is our second peak. We’ll travel from the trailhead at Bishop’s Peak directly to the trailhead at Cerro San Luis located at Marsh St. x 101 (directions here). The parking lot is fairly small. Find parking, fuel up and meet at the Cerro San Luis Trailhead sign. We should begin hiking somewhere around 10AM.

Cerro San Luis (Madonna Mountain) is another popular 4-mile round-trip hike. The summit rises 1,292-feet showing off more panoramic views of San Luis Obispo. The trail is another well travelled trail, much of which is a fire road. The trail is also full sun so be prepared with plenty of water, electrolytes, snacks and sun protection. There is a short rock scramble at the very top, which is very manageable. This trail should take us about 2-2.5 hours to complete.

Things you should know:

• Make sure you stay fueled up and hydrated between Bishop’s and Cerro San Luis.

• It will again be fairly warm. No need for extra layers to stay warm however sun protection is highly recommended.

• Hydrate and bring plenty of water and trail snacks.

• Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash. It will be warm for your furry friends. Pack water for them as well.

The Poly “P”, our final hike of the SLO Tri-Tip Challenge. We’ll travel from Cerro San Luis to Cal Poly (directions here). Park in the parking lot next to the trailhead at the base of Chapin Peak, behind the “red brick” dorms.

The Poly “P” trail is about 1 mile out and back with about 300’ of gain. It’s the easiest of the three peaks. It may feel like the hardest of the three after a long day and the expected warm temps. Stay hydrated and fueled up. This trail should take us about 30-45 minutes to hike. THIS IS IT!!

Things you should know:

• Its important to stay hydrated and fueled up between Cerro San Luis and The Poly “P” trail.

• We will be hiking this trail in the peak heat of the day. The trail is exposed. No need for extra layers here. Sun protection and hydration are key.

• Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash. The trail is on Cal Poly campus. Leash laws are enforced due to the possibility of students/visitors and livestock on or nearby the trail.

CONGRATULATIONS!! You’ve completed the SLO Tri-Tip Challenge. Let the bragging and boasting begin. Oh…and we can’t forget about the legendary Firestone Grill Tri-Tip Sandwich and a beer! Follow these directions to the Firestone Grill.

Things you should know:

• Parking downtown is tough but there are nearby parking garages. Here’s a few links to nearby garages. Chorro x Marsh , Palm x Morro and a second on Palm x Morro.

• Firestone Grill is BUSY but the line moves fast. Be prepared to order.

• There is an outside patio where dogs are welcome while you eat.

After lunch we’ll head back to the hotel, clean up and get ready for more food and drinks in downtown SLO.

Sunday May 10 - SLO Temp 87°/52°

Congratulations on conquering the Tri-Tip Challenge! There is no better way to earn a legendary Central Coast breakfast than by tagging Bishop, Cerro San Luis, and the Poly "P" in one go.

Since today is Mother’s Day, we’re trading the trail mix for mimosas and celebrating the moms in the group with a perfect SLO morning.

☕ The "Victory Lap" Breakfast

Here are the best spots to refuel before the drive home:

• Sally Loo’s Wholesome Cafe: Perfect for a Mother’s Day vibe. Think fresh sourdough waffles, breakfast bowls, and great lattes in a cute, rustic setting.

• Kitchen & Vine: A casual breakfast lunch eatery located in an 1800's historic farmhouse nestled in a center of San Luis Obispo serving the community with fresh food over the counter with a homey welcoming feel.

• Apple Farm Restaurant:‍ ‍ Farm-fresh comfort food, warm hospitality, and the same cozy charm that’s made this a beloved destination for decades.

• Hidden Kitchen: If you’re planning to drive home via Hwy 1 North, check out one of Hidden Kitchens two locations. Offering a healthy meeting place for family, friends, and newcomers to share, connect, and gather around the one thing that has consistently brought many groups of people together: delicious food!

• Scout Coffee: If you need a quick, high-quality caffeine hit and a pastry before hitting the road.

🚗 Final Checklist

• Hydrate: You crushed three peaks; drink more water than you think you need for the drive.

• Check for Ticks: Especially if the dogs joined you in the tall grass.

• The Photo: Don't forget to post that group summit shot (or the empty Firestone tray) in the text group before you lose cell service!

And speaking of losing cell service, Hwy 1 is OPEN to Big Sur. Make this a true RADventure and roadtrip home up the coast. It’s an EPIC roadtrip with many sights to see and stops to make along one of the country’s most scenic roadways.

Safe travels home, everyone. You earned every bit of that recovery today!