SLO County News BlogGolf, Wine, Real Estate, Business & Travel NewsSLO's Seven/Nine SistersSunday, August 21, 2005Most are accessible to the public, but a few need advance permission and two are strictly off-limitsThere are at least 16 major and minor peaks and knobs in the Morros chain, according to the Santa Lucia chapter of the Sierra Club. Some residents refer to the Seven Sisters, while others talk about the Nine Sisters. Here are the nine main peaks recognized by the Sierra Club, along with elevation and information on public access: Islay Hill 775 feet "Islay" means "wild cherry" in Spanish. Open to hikers and dogs on leashes, a 1-mile trail runs from the end of Sweetbay Lane to the top. To reach the trailhead, take Tank Farm Road to Spanish Oaks Drive. There's also a 2- to 2.5-mile loop system, which the city hopes to mark with posts. Visitors can also park at nearby Islay Hill Park and follow the creek to Sweetbay. Cerro San Luis 1,292 feet Also called San Luis Mountain and Madonna Mountain. The "M" stands for Mission College Preparatory school. It's mostly owned by the Madonna family, who traditionally allows access to the top by hikers and mountain bikers. The hike to the top takes about an hour and a half. The Lemon Grove Loop runs on city-owned land on the east side (1 to 1.5 hours), open to hikers and dogs on leashes. Take the Marsh Street onramp to Highway 101 and turn right before entering the highway to reach the trailhead. Bishop Peak 1,559 feet The tallest of the Morros, Bishop offers two trails for hikers and rock climbers. The climb to the top is the most challenging of all the Morros hikes (3 hours), while the Felsman loop explores the steep north slope (2 hours) but doesn't reach the top. The trailhead for both is the 800 block of Patricia Drive. There is also access from the top of Highland Drive. For a longer trek, some start at the turnoff on Foothill Boulevard, crossing the Madonna family's property to reach the trail to the summit. Although the Madonnas tolerate this, it's trespassing. Chumash Peak 1,257 feet This peak was named in honor of the local Chumash Indians. It is partially located on Camp San Luis Obispo property and accessible to the public with advance permission. It's about 1.5 miles to the top -- brushy and not maintained. Cerro Romualdo 1,306 feet Named after the only Chumash Indian to receive a Mexican Land Grant, the north side of the peak is owned by the California National Guard. An unmarked path to the top takes less than an hour and is dotted with poison oak. To enter for hiking or rock climbing, call Camp San Luis Obispo at 594-6510 at least 24 hours in advance. Check in at the guard booth with insurance and photo identification. Hollister Peak 1,404 feet Along Highway 1 between San Luis and Morro Bay, it was named after the family that owned all or part of it until the mid-20th century. It is privately owned by several families and not open to the public. Cerro Cabrillo 911 feet This peak was named for the Portuguese explorer, Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo, who was in the area in 1542. It is in Morro Bay State Park between Morro Bay and Los Osos and offers a moderately strenuous 1.5-mile climb to the top (1-2 hours) on unmaintained trails, which are also open for mountain biking. Enter from South Bay Boulevard, off Highway 1. The path starts about a half mile north of Turri Road. Black Hill 665 feet A short trail extends to the summit from the parking lot above the Morro Bay State Golf Course at the end of Upper State Park Road. That climb takes about 30 minutes and is easy for children. A longer forested trail offers 1-2 hours of hiking, starting from a turnoff on Park View Drive, about 0.4 miles from the park entrance on South Bay Boulevard. The Morro Bay Natural History Museum can offer more details. Morro Rock 576 feet A road runs to the base of the rock, with beach access on both sides. Climbing the rock is illegal. However, I learned from a local Chumash descendant that his ancestry is permitted access to rock once per year. Read More
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