Sister Act

Hike Reservoir Canyon to View of 9 Sisters

Nine sisters makes a big family, and it's even better when they're all good looking! San Luis Obispo is surrounded by nine ancient volcanoes known as morros, and affectionately called the Nine Sisters. For one of the best views of this family portrait, go on a challenging 5-mile (round-trip) hike in Reservoir Canyon, with an added benefit of a tree swing break. The trailhead is marked by a fire road gate. Hike next to a creek for about a mile before reaching the tree swing, hanging from a large eucalyptus tree nestled between the green hills. After passing several mysterious abandoned metal teepee and fort structures, the final section to the summit is tough, but the reward is worth it. Views span from Islay Hill, the southernmost of the Nine Sisters, to Cerro San Luis and Bishop Peak, the tallest of the morros. Cuesta Ridge, separating San Luis Obispo from the east, stretches in the distance. Keep left and continue up the trail for less than a quarter of a mile; you'll come to a circular stone bench built into the ground, offering shelter from wind, and more great views.

BONUS: Post-hike, refuel in downtown SLO at the popular Firestone Grill. Their outdoor patio is lively and their tri-tip is world-famous (on the Central Coast!).

From 101 N take the second exit past Monterey St. (last exit in San Luis Obispo) at Reservoir Canyon Road. Drive under half of a mile to the end of the road (cars will be parallel parked on this road on a weekend). The trail is marked by a gated fire road. The Reservoir Canyon hill goes by several names, including Murray Hill, High School Hill, and Lookout Hill. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

    Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

    View
  3. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  4. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Lava Lava

    Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

    View
  2. Kelso Dunes

    The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

    View
  3. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

    View
  4. Beaudry Bountiful

    There are no cars allowed on Beaudry Loop, but this 6-mile hike takes you on a wild ride. You’ll be climbing 1,500 feet up the southern Verdugos along a chaparral-lined trail with gorgeous mountain and urban vistas every step of the way.

    View