Topo map San Luis Obispo Elevation 394 m Age of rock 20.013271 million years | Prominence 290 m Mountain range Santa Lucia Range | |
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Similar Bishop Peak, Chumash Peak, Cerro Romualdo, Cerro Cabrillo, Hollister Peak | ||
Cerro San Luis Obispo is a 1,292 feet (394 m) mountain in San Luis Obispo, California. It is part of the chain of peaks called the Nine Sisters. It is colloquially referred to as "San Luis Mountain" based on history or incorrectly as "Mount San Luis", "Madonna Mountain" or "Mission Mountain." It is a popular spot for hiking, jogging and mountain biking, offering spectacular views and steep terrain. Right below the west side of the visible peak, there is a fairly large plateau with a large wooden stage on the east end. The large white "M" present on the east face derives from Mission Prep High School and not Madonna as many believe.
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Map of Cerro San Luis Obispo, California 93405, USA
History
Some time around 1900, an American Civil War veteran, G. W. Chandler, lived on the mountain and planted lemons and oranges. The trees still overlook the city and are watered by two springs. The Lemon Grove Trail at the base of the mountain takes its name from these groves.
Around 1958, a local business owner, Alex Madonna purchased a ranch on a portion of the slopes of Cerro San Luis Obispo, and constructed the now famous Madonna Inn at its base.
Activities
There are several trails on the mountain that are good for hiking, jogging and mountain biking. The primary trail head is at the end of Marsh Street which provides access to the Open Space and Lemon Grove Loop. A dirt road accessible from Lemon Grove Loop leads to the summit. There is a second road cut to the summit which has been abandoned and eroded to a narrow rocky path giving it the name "Rock Garden" and making it a popular descent for mountain bikers. There is also a trail that encircles the mountain about one third the way up.
Alternate Names
The correct name for this peak is "Cerro San Luis Obispo"/"Cerro San Luis". The peak is also referred to as "Madonna Mountain", "Mission Mountain" or rarely "Mount San Luis." Some confusion may derive from the "M" placed on the side of the mountain [by students from (M)ission Central Catholic High School in 1966, now Mission College Preparatory Catholic School] and its proximity to Old (M)ission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Others refer to San Luis Mountain as "Madonna Mountain" because much of the surrounding land as well as land at the summit is actually owned by the Madonna Family of San Luis Obispo.