Originally the “P” was an “H” for San Luis Obispo High School, however, nearly 100 years ago Cal Poly students changed the stone letter to a 50-by-30 foot “P” to showcase their school pride. And lucky for all of us hikers, this is now a unique and easily accessible hike.

To get to the P, follow the trail uphill behind the South Mountain Dorms (or red bricks). The “P” is very large and easy to see, with a two clearly marked paths that have been walked over for decades. There are two routes to get to the “P”, one steeper than the other which allows you to pick your poison. Regardless of the route you choose, the hike up to the “P”, while short, is steep and a good quick cardio burst.

Once you reach the “P”, continue up the steps to the left to take in an even more glorious view of the rolling hills that surround this artsy hike and showcase the city of San Luis Obispo below. There are several trails that will take you up to the top of Poly Mountain, while some people opt to run straight up the hillside as an easier/quicker route. Once you reach the top, you will look down on the entire campus, Bishops’s Peak and downtown SLO and on clear days can see for miles in both directions. Take time to sit down and rest at the top and take in the breathtaking views. Like nearby Bishop’s Peak, the spectacular panoramic views outweigh the difficulty of the climb.

An added incentive for completing the P hike? The San Luis Obispo Tri-Tip Tri-Top Challenge has been put in place for those living or visiting San Luis Obispo. The challenge consists of hiking three main peaks in the San Luis Obispo area including: the Cal Poly “P”, Cerro San Luis Obispo (Madonna) and Bishop’s Peak. Participants that complete the challenge receive a classic tri-tip sandwich from SLO’s Firestone Grill. This challenge can take up an entire day, requiring adequate planning to set aside at least four hours, depending on one’s hiking ability and speed. The Cal Poly P hike is considered the easiest of all three hikes.

History of The “P”

The first “P” to adorn Poly Mountain in 1919 was constructed of simply whitewashed stones. The wind and rain would wash the stones away which proved to be problematic. The stones also made it easy for high school students to transform the “P” back into an “H”.

The second “P” was constructed out of old, whitewashed barn doors by the Block “P” club, according to Wikipedia. This version of the “P” was also short-lived when a group of high school students lit the letter on fire. A new concrete “P”, also constructed by the Block “P” club replaced the wooden “P” and was overseen by the student body president. The new “P” was 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide, much smaller in size than the newest P.

On May 3, 1957 after the “P” was in shambles and in desperate need of repair, social fraternity Delta Sigma Phi and a group of agricultural engineering students stepped in to help build a long-lasting “P”. This “P” still can be seen on the campus hillside today.

Moden-day P

Students can often be found relaxing along the lush green hillside or even pain the “P” according to holidays (though this requires approval from the San Luis Obispo Mustang Booster Club and the keepers of the “P” before grabbing your paintbrushes.) Whether you are a student at Cal Poly or an avid hiker eager to see this fascinating landmark, head up one of the two trails to get a panoramic view of the astounding Cal Poly campus and the town of San Luis Obispo.

Horses are sometimes found along the hike to the “P”

P Hike Tips

Tip 1: Set out for the P hike just before sunset. Hike past the “P” to the top of Poly Mountain to take in a breathtaking sunset and capture some stellar photographs.

Tip 2: Chairs have been set up on the edge of Poly Mountain at the top. Reward yourself by taking a few minutes to take in the surrounding sights.

Tip 3: Hike the nearby Madonna and Bishop’s Peak in the same day to receive a free tri-tip sandwich from Firestone Grill (offer valid as of June 1, 2015).

Tip 4: The P hike trail starts behind the redbrick Cal Poly Dorms near the upper most parking lot. The trailhead begins behind at the locked gate. For parking there are metered spots available in the parking lots closest to the trailhead. The closest parking lot is called R-1. There is also a general parking lot off of Grand that you can park your car with a day permit. Parking on Slack St. is free but you will need to walk to the trailhead.

Tip 5: If you live in the area, visit the “P” often to take in the different ways the massive letter is decorated year-round.

Tip 6: Mind the horses. Horses are often spotted along the “P” trails.

Difficulty: Easy

Total Distance: 1 Mile

Trailhead address: Behind the South Mountain dorms at the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus.

Coordinates: 35°18′10″N 120°39′06″W

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There are two ways to access the Bishop Peak Trail. One trailhead begins on Patricia Drive and the other is a neighborhood access point at the end of Highland Drive. I will be covering the trailhead at Patricia Drive as this is the best access point in terms of parking and is slightly easier.

The hike from Patricia Drive is a moderate 4.4-mile roundtrip journey. The trailhead starts as a wide dirt path climbing west uphill to a fenced gate. This is where you will enter the Ferrini Open Space. At the curve in the road, turn left onto a narrow trail just after a short stretch of pavement. Stay on the paved road will lead uphill to a water tank, and the Felsman Loop Trail, which will loop you back to intersect with the trail.

The Felsman Loop Trail is 2.7 miles. If you wish to take the loop, you can explore the lower reaches of Bishop Peak and extend your hike. If not, continue forward on the trail.

Next you will encounter several switchbacks through open oak woodland. The trail then emerges into an open area near a seasonal cattle pond. Follow the main trail uphill to another cattle gate, where a marked “Bishop Peak Trail” sign branches left. The trail proceeds through a shaded forest, passing a popular rock climbing area where you can catch a glimpse of daredevils enjoying their sport. You will now be on the south side of Bishop Peak.

Follow another series of switchbacks leading up to the saddle between the west and east summits of the peak. At the saddle, a bench will come into view that marks the “end” of the journey. Disregard this bench and continue further towards the east (and slightly lower) summit. You will need to scramble over a short section of sandstone boulders to reach the top of the peak. This is where the true end of the hike, where you can take in breathtaking views of the entire San Luis Obispo area, including Cerro San Luis Obispo to the east.

Watching the sunset at the top of Bishop Peak

Bishop Peak Trail Tips

Tip 1: The sign for the Patricia Drive Trailhead is not visible from the road. Park along the street and be careful not to block a private driveway.

Tip 2: This trail is very popular with local hikers and students alike. Do not expect much solace if you will be hiking this trail on a weekend.

Tip 3: If you will be bouldering, exercise extreme caution. There have been a number of fatalities in this area over the years.

Tip 4: For a longer hike, take the 2.7 mile Felsman Loop trail and explore the lower reaches of Bishop Peak.

Tip 5: Try to time your hike to arrive at Bishop Peak at sunrise or sunset. You won’t be disappointed.

Tip 6: For a better workout take the Foothill entrance. Be careful coming downhill on this path as there are many areas with loose gravel.

Tip 7: Plan about 2 hours round trip to complete this hike. Plan a little extra time if you will be eating a snack or taking in the views at the top.

Tip 8: Near the end of the trail you’ll see a bench etched with the words “end of trail.” Don’t be deceived. The hike continues past this point, scaling giant boulders to reach what is truly the peak.

My little sister modeling at the top of Bishop Peak

Directions to Trailhead (courtesy of Summit Post): From San Luis Obispo head west toward Los Osos on Foothill Blvd. Turn Right on Patricia Drive and just after Patricia Court, the trailhead is on the left. As a courtesy to neighbors, please park on the Bishop Peak side (west) of Patricia Drive away from homes.

Early morning fog at Bishop Peak

Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Total Distance: 4.4 miles

Trailhead Address: 850 Patricia Dr., San Luis Obispo, California 93405

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Mountain bikers created a playground for themselves in a eucalyptus grove in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains near the Cal Poly campus. They call this The Eucs.

To get to The Eucs, you will hike 1.85 miles from the trailhead on Stenner Creek Road, where bikers can be seen zipping down freeride trails with impressively crafted banked turns and jumps. Hikers can also enjoy the trail up Stenner Creek Canyon as well, catching a glimpse of nearby Bishop Peak and surrounding San Luis Obispo views. The trail goes through grasslands and oak groves, and even passes a small waterfall along the way. This 3.7-mile round trip up Stenner Creek Trail to The Eucs has a comfortable 650 feet elevation gain and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

For simplified directions I would recommend for people to just follow the creek up to the top. Step by step directions sound much more complicated and detailed than this hike truly is, but for those of you who like that, I’ll provide those below as well!

Your journey will begin two and a quarter miles up Stenner Creek Road off Highway One, where there is a parking lot to park. Slide through a gate and walk up the dirt road to start your trek. Keep an eye out for the Santa Lucia Mountains which will be straight ahead as you begin your hike. After a third of a mile, the road turns into a ranch house. This is where you will turn right, crossing a bridge over Stenner Creek. On the far side of the bridge, there is a gate you will open, step through and close for the next explorer,

Past the gate, turn left and continue along the creek. There will be small eucalyptus grove you will pass through until you reach a cattle gate after another tenth of a mile. This is where the trial will split. Stay to the left and continue. There will be a grassy ranchland to your right and a small riparian woodland surrounding the creek to your left. The trail drops alongside Stenner Creek, passing beneath the shade of a few oaks as it gradually ascends toward the wall of mountains . This is where you’ll spot the rocky mass of Bishop Peak looming above the trial.

After crossing a footbridge, the trail will ascend up a steep hill, above the creek. Pass through yet another cattle gate at the top to reach a line of train tracks. Look both ways before crossing the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.

What do you know; you will find another gate on the other side that will lead you to a dirt track. Follow the track uphill into a grove of oaks. Beyond the gate, a smaller trail (Elevator Trail) breaks off to the right – a longer and steeper route to The Eucs. You can take this trail or stick with Stenner Creek Trail and in less than a tenth of a mile, you’ll reach a wooden bridge with a small waterfall dripping beneath.

Moving forward, the trail weaves between oaks over a few more bridges and switchbacks, eventually ascending out of the trees to reveal another view of Bishop Peak, 1.25 miles from the start. Continue following the dirt trail and you will cross another creek. At 1.5 miles from the start you reach a junction just below The Eucs. Turn left at the junction, following a single track that eventually turns into a wide road and climbs to the top of The Eucs over the next 0.35 miles.

In 0.05 miles, you’ll cross Stenner Creek one last time. At the next junction turn right to continue up the mountainside towards The Eucs. Proceed up the trail where you’ll pass the top of Elevator Trail – marked with a sign on the right – and continue up the next junction. Turn right and you will have arrived at The Eucs. There will be a sign labeling the trail you came up as the “Easiest Way Down.” Follow the route you took to get here to return back to the start.

Wooden bike path at The Eucs

Tips for Stenner Creek Trail to The Eucs

Tip 1: Mountain bikers looking for a longer adventure can start from Cuesta Grade along the 101 highway, bike down Shooters Trail through Los Padres National Forest to The Eucs, and loop down Stenner Creek Canyon to San Luis Obispo.

Tip 2: Pack a lunch and take a seat to watch bikers zip through a series of runs with banked dirt and wooden turns, jumps, berms and other fun creations.

Tip 3: Hikers should be wary of mountain bikers. Observe the action from a safe distance when you come to The Eucs.

Tip 4: Stenner Creek Road is only paved for the first 0.8 miles, and passes beneath a railroad bridge shortly after becoming unpaved. Exercise caution while driving.

Tip 5: This trail is free! No parking pass or permit required.

Learn more about The Eucs Project by clicking here.

Bike Ramp at The Eucs

Difficulty: Moderate

Total Distance: 3.7 Miles

Trailhead address: Stenner Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Trailhead coordinates: 35.330159, -120.663081 (35° 19′ 48.57″N 120° 39′ 47.09″W)

To get to the trailhead: From the 101 Freeway in San Luis Obispo, take Highway One northwest for 1.75 miles and turn left onto Stenner Creek Road. Drive 2.25 miles to the trailhead parking area, which will be on the left, just in front of a gate blocking the road.

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A popular hike for many students who attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, this hike can be enjoyed by people of all ages – old and young. This is an easy 3-mile round trip hike with 300 feet of elevation gain that takes you through the Poly Canyon Design Village, which features an eclectic collection of 15 architecture and engineering projects crafted by students at Cal Poly.

My little sister frolicking on the Poly Canyon hills.

The architecture department openly invites the curious to come check out this other-worldly village for themselves. Into a forest and along a stream, this idyllic hike begins with a whimsical stone arch which serves as the start of the decaying monuments. A hillside of other-worldly treasures awaits shortly after.

Stone Arch

This family friendly hike is perfect for kids who will be captivated with the structures that are designed to be climbed on, explored, and admired amid the rolling hills. From a futuristic bridge-boat on the side of a mountain to a Fallingwater-esque Shell House and a climbable Poly Pavilion are just a few of the projects that you will encounter along the trail. The projects range from unusual to futuristic to flat out funny. The trail winds around the different projects allowing for ample time to take in each site before continuing onto the next. Aside from the projects which may make you feel like you’re at a Burning Man Festival, there are also stunning vistas of the surrounding California mountains.

Some describe the Architecture Graveyard structures as creepy – boarded up houses with graffiti designs – while others describe them as truly phenomenal works of art. A few vandals have opened a few of the boarded up house-like structures offering those who dare a glimpse inside the creepy dwellings.

The trail starts at the Cal Poly campus(you will even catch a glimpse some of the luxurious Poly Canyon dorms as you begin the hike) and is about ¾ mile of mostly dirt-paved road and then follows the Brizziolari Creek up the Canyon.

Tip 1: Hiking boots are not necessary for this trail and may get in the way of climbing and exploring the different structures. Casual walking or training shoes will suffice and may even be a better option.

Tip 2: Bikes are allowed on this trail and you can continue on the dirt trails up into Poly Canyon for a mountain biking adventure.

Tip 3: Don’t forget your camera! You can capture some amazing images here.

Tip 4: There are no trash cans or bathrooms along the trail. Keep this in mind if you are packing a picnic lunch.

Tip 5: If you’re visiting on a weekday you will need to stop by the Cal Poly parking office at the main entrance on Grant Avenue for a parking permit. If you’re visiting on a weekend parking is free, no permit required.

Difficulty: Easy

Total Distance: 3 miles

Trailhead Address: Poly Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo, California 93405

Close to impossible to describe with words and pictures; only to be truly understood if experienced in-person. Architecture Graveyard: New bucket list item anyone?

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