| Cerro San Luis Obispo | |
|---|---|
Cerro San Luis (left) |
|
| Elevation | 1,292 ft (394 m) NGVD 29[1] |
| Translation | Bishop Saint Louis Hill (Spanish) |
| Location | |
| Location | San Luis Obispo County, California, USA |
| Range | Santa Lucia Range |
| Coordinates | [2] |
| Topo map | San Luis Obispo |
| Geology | |
| Type | Volcanic plug |
| Age of rock | 20 million years |
| Volcanic arc/belt | Nine Sisters |
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, and is often referred to as San Luis Mountain, Mount San Luis, or Madonna Mountain. It is a popular spot for mountain biking and hiking, offering spectacular views and steep terrain. There is a wide dirt road traversing the mountain that leads to the peak. Right below the west side of the visible peak, there is a fairly large plateau with a large wooden stage on the east end. A large white "M" is present on the east face, which derives from the Mission School and not Madonna as most believe.
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.[3]
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.[4]
There are several trails on the mountain that are good for hiking, mountain biking, and jogging. 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 decent for mountain bikers. There is also a trail that encircles the mountain about one third the way up.
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