Cerro San Luis
Cerro San Luis
4.5
About
Located in the center of the city this peak rises more than 1,292 feet and is marked by a big "M", for Mission School, etched in its side. Once privately owned, the city eventually acquired 75 acres around the base of the mountain which is now open to the public for hiking, biking and sightseeing.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
15 reviews
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Jacob
Atascadero, CA273 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
One of my favorite places to hike in SLO County. It’s heavily trafficked, but for a good reason. Sweeping views of the city, the distant Pacific on the horizon, calm breezes, multiple trails, and spectacular beauty in a convenient location.
Popular access points are the parking lot just off the Marsh St exit and from the dog park at Laguna Park. There are several trails the wind all around the mountain, so you can easily get a 360 degree view of San Luis Obispo. The top offers panoramic views, but you can also go to the Mission Prep “M.” With the multiple approaches, you can climb up steeper trails, or meander gently to the top.
Popular access points are the parking lot just off the Marsh St exit and from the dog park at Laguna Park. There are several trails the wind all around the mountain, so you can easily get a 360 degree view of San Luis Obispo. The top offers panoramic views, but you can also go to the Mission Prep “M.” With the multiple approaches, you can climb up steeper trails, or meander gently to the top.
Written 20 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NationalParksTrails
San Luis Obispo, CA1,849 contributions
Jun 2018 • Solo
Have been on this mountain many times, and it is always different depending on time of day and year. Many times you may have the fog or clearing skies when you are hiking the trails. Although there are a few spots to park and start your hike all trails lead to the top. Just don’t get too adventurous because of the poison oak found in different spots. If you don’t know what you are looking for stay on main trails. Beautiful views as the main trail circles the top. Bring water with you and keep dogs on leash please. Have a great hike and let me know if this was helpful
Written 28 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SLOJon
San Luis Obispo, CA839 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
The hike up Cerro San Luis (aka Madonna Mountain) often plays second fiddle to the very popular hike up Bishop Peak, but it shouldn’t. Local residents are known to hike CSL almost every week. It’s not quite as high or as steep as Bishop, but that can be a plus not a minus. The trail is moderate in its challenge level, with a few parts a little more challenging and others parts being less challenging. It is relatively wide throughout with part of it being a a previously graded road. Use a trail map because there are no trail markers for the summit trail (the markers take you to the “M” (for Mission Prep School) on the east end of the mountain). The trail wraps around the mountain as you get near the summit and that affords outstanding views in every direction. There is interesting geology to see along the way.
I also recommend taking the additional “M” and Lemon Loop trails on CSL. Take two bottles of water for this hike.
I won’t hike it weekly, but I will hike it again.
I also recommend taking the additional “M” and Lemon Loop trails on CSL. Take two bottles of water for this hike.
I won’t hike it weekly, but I will hike it again.
Written 10 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leslie M
San Luis Obispo, CA44 contributions
Sept 2017 • Friends
I hike the Cerro San Luis all of the time. My family loves to take a small picnic to the top and really enjoy the experience. You can see Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, all over San Luis Obispo - it is breathtaking!
Written 2 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BarbaraAndPaul
New Jersey128 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
Wide trail, easy to follow with gorgeous panoramic views. Took us about 2.5 hours with time to stop to take pictures. We did not climb all the way up the rocks at the end but didn't feel we needed to since the views right below were beautiful
Written 16 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VespagirL55
Bisbee, AZ717 contributions
Dec 2016 • Friends
Hosted on this hike by a local, who thankfully knew the trails. Parked on a side street with trail access and hiked up; a Christmas tree formed by strings of lights graced the top, (powered by a generator, which was a little noisy but forgivable). We had seen the tree from the highway, but had no idea that it awaited us on this hike: a happy surprise. Fantastic sunset views. Lots and lots and LOTS of company: CalPoly students seemed to be converging on the top (local tradition??) at the same time as us, and a few mountain bikes were still out (all polite riders; love the loaner bell program!). We did go astray a bit descending after dusk, so take care if you do not know the area.
Written 19 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Douglas C
Fresno, CA11 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
Having previously hiked Bishop Peak (a very nice hike on its own), we wanted to do this one to see how the views and hike compared. While Cerro is a longer hike and there is more elevation change, it is an easier hike than Bishop. This is due mainly to the wide (in most places) fire road trail one gets to hike thinks to Mr. Madonna's ambitions and bulldozers long ago. It's still a decent workout, and the views are absolutely spectacular pretty much the whole way--better in many ways than those of Bishop. There are also a few nearly level spots along the trail that offer a bit of rest before getting steeper again. The payoff att he top is awesome, and the view of Bishop gives one a great perspective of that trail. Very kid and family (and pet) friendly, but in warm weather take plenty of water and sunblock as there is virtually no shade anywhere along the way. If you are looking to hike somewhere in the Central Coast/San Luis Obispo area, this is one you should not pass up. The 360 degree view of SLO, some of the other "Nine Sisters", etc. at the summit is way to good to miss.
Written 2 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CalifJanet
Atascadero, CA23 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
So the name is officially Cerro San Luis, but everyone calls it Madonna Mountain, and why not since they own it? By their generosity, the public has access to excellent trails--really roads--to hike to the top of this lovely peak in the middle of San Luis Obispo. Be sure to climb all the way to the top--the views are amazing. This hike is a great place to take your pup--trails are nice and wide all the way except for the very top. You'll both get a good workout--just be sure to pack water along for both of you.
Written 21 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
THA
Paso Robles, CA132 contributions
Apr 2013
Fairly long hike with a decent amount of elevation climb. Great views from the highest peak in SLO County make the reward!!!
Written 11 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SLOnative
San Luis Obispo, CA408 contributions
Great views of downtown San Luis Obispo once you reach the Lemon Orchard where a spring once irrigated someone's private/public orchard. The "M" on the mountain was put up in the late 60s by students from Mission High School below. (Now Mission College Prep) Every Easter a cross it lit on the top of San Luis Mountain. And during the Christmas holidays you can see a Christmas tree of lights floating in the sky above town. A few decades ago, local highway contractor and Madonna Inn owner Alex Madonna bought the mountain behind his Inn and sandwiched between his ranch on the north side of town. Without a permit, Alex or one of his employees drove a bulldozer around the mountain all the way to the top. Now-a-days recent arrivals call it "Madonna Mountain". When I told the late Inn keeper that a few years before he died 1999, he only smiled at me.
Written 25 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingCERRO SAN LUIS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Cerro San Luis
- Hotels near Cerro San Luis:
- (0.46 mi) Flying Caballos Ranch House
- (1.23 mi) La Lomita Ranch
- (0.48 mi) Cozy Cottage at the Flying Caballos Ranch
- (0.48 mi) Guesthouse at the Flying Caballos Ranch
- (3.54 mi) San Luis Creek Lodge
- Restaurants near Cerro San Luis:
- (0.14 mi) Spirit of San Luis Restaurant
- (0.14 mi) House of Bread
- (0.25 mi) Rod & Hammer's SLO Stills
- (0.26 mi) SLO Brew Rock
- (2.74 mi) High Street Market & Deli
- Attractions near Cerro San Luis:
- (3.05 mi) Puzzle Effect - SLO
- (3.11 mi) Taste of SLO - Walking Food Tour
- (0.57 mi) Tap It Brewing Company
- (2.60 mi) Central Coast Food and Wine Tours
- (0.56 mi) Liquid Gravity Brewing Company