Sister Act

Reservoir Canyon Hike to View 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. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

    View
  2. Paint Brushy

    This time of year you’ll have good reason to head for the hills—the electric-green rolling hills of Brushy Peak Regional Preserve in Livermore. This 4.5-mile loop hike is like stepping into a plein air painting.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    2025 POST Wildflower Walks

    Get flower empowered! POST’s complimentary 2025 Wildflower Walks guide blooms with the best places to see a variety of florals across the Peninsula and South Bay this spring.

    View
  4. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Weekend in Reno Tahoe

    Weekend plans? Reno Tahoe! Just a few hours by car or a short flight away, Reno Tahoe springs to the moment with great ways to combine adventure and relaxation in its beautiful mountains-meets-desert setting.

    View
  2. Hiker walking along the North Bluff Trail on Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park

    Purely Wild

    Channel Islands National Park lives up to its nickname as “North America’s Galapagos.” This less-traveled national park is an undeveloped and isolated series of five dramatic and distinct islands reached by boat. Hike the largest of the islands, Santa Cruz.

    View
  3. Woman hiking the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon

    Truly Grand Day Hike

    One of the best spring day hikes in the Grand Canyon? See layer upon layer of the park’s grandeur—including the river—on this 3-mile (one-way) journey to Skeleton Point via the South Kaibab Trail.

    View
  4. A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

    Petal Paradise

    Tulips, lilacs, and daffodils—flower power is in full bloom at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Sprawling across 150 acres surrounded by mountains, the gardens are putting on their best show right now.

    View