Cerro San Luis Obispo
| Cerro San Luis | |
|---|---|
 Cerro San Luis (left) | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,292 ft (394 m) NGVD 29[1] |
| Naming | |
| English translation | Bishop Saint Louis Hill |
| Language of name | Spanish |
| Geography | |
| Location | San Luis Obispo County, California, U.S. |
| Parent range | Santa Lucia Range |
| Topo map | San Luis Obispo |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | 20 million years |
| Mountain type | Volcanic plug |
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 incorrectly as "Madonna Mountain" or "Mission 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. The large white "M" present on the east face derives from Mission Prep High School and not Madonna as many believe.
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.[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]
Activities
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 descent for mountain bikers. There is also a trail that encircles the mountain about one third the way up.
Naming Controversy
The correct name for this peak is "San Luis Mountain" or more recently "Cerro San Luis"/"Cerro San Luis Obispo". Transplants to the San Luis Obispo area (typically from Los Angeles County, the San Francisco Bay Area or the San Joaquin Valley) often telegraph their status as recent arrivals by referring to San Luis Mountain as "Madonna Mountain" or "Mission Mountain." Their confusion derives 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. Still others refer to San Luis Mountain as "Madonna Mountain" because much of the surrounding land is actually owned by the Madonna Family of San Luis Obispo.
References
- ^ "Cerro San Luis, California". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
- ^ "Cerro San Luis Obispo". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2009-12-20.
- ^ "Cerro San Luis". Eco SLO. Archived from the original on 2008-05-09. Retrieved 2009-12-20.
- ^ "The Nine Sisters of San Luis Obispo County". Santa Lucia Chapter, Sierra Club. Retrieved 2009-07-01.