Bishop Peak

Bishop Peak is part of the Nine Sisters, or the Morros, mountain peaks in California that stretch to Morro Bay. The peak reaches over 1,500-feet in height and is a volcanic plug. The name comes from the mountain peak's resemblance to a bishop's miter. The mountain is composed of dacite which was formed over 20 million years ago by magma that welled underneath soft rock until it became solid. That softer rock has eroded and the mountain range is what is left. The peak features a variety of vegetation including sage scrub, chaparral, and Oak woodland. There is also a plethora of poison oak, as well as California blackberry plants, monkeyflower, and coyote bush. Birds in the area include vultures, bald eagles, owls, and golden eagles and animals include raccoons, deer, foxes, opossums, coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lion. The area has featured some quarry work in order to provide granite for the city of San Luis Obispo. The city's First Presbyterian Church was constructed of the quarries granite. Today, the peak is part of the Bishop Peak Natural Reserve which includes about 350 acres worth of land. The reserve features a variety of trails and open space that is popular among locals and visitors to the area.