Bishops Peak is the highest of the Nine Sister of San Luis Obispo, which represents a very rare alignment of hills, formed from the plugs of long-extinct volcanoes. They are prominent landmarks forming a unique skyline in San Luis Obispo County located between the cities of San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay.
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Official Website
With an elevation of 1,559 feet, and we started at about 600 feet, it is a fairly easy hike. We shoved off late in the day, around 6:30 pm-in hopes to catch the sunset. Unfortunately, there was deep-deep fog rolling in all around the mountain top. The misty fog and sinking sun made for a very eerie and chilling atmosphere.
The trail begins in a truly enchanted forest. It reminds me of the Lord of the Rings forest as the trees are all twisted and oddly shaped. They laid a dark cover of shade upon the ground, which would make for a difficult descent at night 
Once through the enchanted forest, we were able to see the peak of the mountain. Since there were billows of fog rolling in, some of the peak was hidden.
We zig-zagged up the side of Bishops Peak, in where we saw some terrific views of San Luis Obispo and the outlining areas. Due to the deep fog, we couldn't see too far. On some days, it is said you can see all the way to the Oceano Dunes.
Once to the peak, the view was totally limited by the fog, and it was very unnerving. Darkness was starting to fall, and combined with the fog, it was very eerie. We were standing on top of the highest peak in SLO, and couldn't see but more than 10 feet in any direction.
You could feel the cold, moist air on your face, which was very refreshing after hiking up the peak. Sadly enough, we couldn't see the sunset, but we vowed to tackle the mountain on another day when it wasn't as foggy!
The hike down was very cool. Descending the mountain, there were some awesome views of the lighted small city of SLO. BUT, we only had one flashlight between 5 people. So naturally, we sent the children and women in the front line. They were to lead us through the now dark and enchanted forest. Having heard about a mountain lion sighting a few weeks back in this region, i was glad we had Cue the killer attack dog to protect us!
Of course, we were stumbling through the forest, unable to make heads from tails, as the fog and twisted tree cover wouldn't let the moon light through. However, we made it through the enchanted forest without any mountain lion attacks.
All in all, it was a very unique hike. The fog added a new layer of mystique to the trip. The mountain reminded me of Monument Mountain in Massachusetts, without the snow!
Next week-Kayaking through the Dinosaur Caves.
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