Join the Third Annual

central coast Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025

the peaks of the Central coast challenge

BISHOP PEAK – Elevation 1,559′ (475 m)

The tallest of the Nine Sisters in San Luis Obispo, this 3.8-mile out-and-back trail offers a challenging climb to the top of Bishop Peak, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Six-Pack Route Details: Hiking Bishop Peak Trail from Patricia Drive
Distance: 3.4 miles; Vertical +/- 1,131 feet

GAVIOTA PEAK – Elevation 2,451′ (747 m)

This 5.9-mile out-and-back trail offers a challenging yet rewarding climb to the top of Gaviota Peak, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

Six-Pack Route Details: Hiking Gaviota Peak
Distance: 5.9 miles; Vertical +/- 1,400 feet

GRASS MOUNTAIN – Elevation 3,651′ (1,113 m)

Grass Mountain is not the tallest mountain in the area, but it rewards with stunning views over the surrounding area, especially when the poppies are blooming. This trail is part of the Midland Schools trail system, and open to the public by their generosity. Permit and parking pass available at the trailhead.

Six-Pack Route Details: Grass Mountain Trail
Distance: 5.2 miles; Vertical +/- 2,400 feet

OATS PEAK – Elevation 1,352′ (412 m)

Hiking to Oats Peak will take you to high above Montana de Oro State Park.

Six-Pack Route Details: Oats Peak Loop
Distance: 9.8 miles; Vertical +/- 1,453 feet

HAZARD PEAK – Elevation 1,086′ (331 m)

The hike to Hazard Peak will take you up a steep series of switchbacks, but offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the rest of the park. Hike Hazard Peak as an out-and-back or continue on the trail and make it a loop!

Six-Pack Route Details: Hazard Peak Loop
Distance: 11.0 miles; Vertical +/- 1,463 feet

BROADCAST PEAK – Elevation 4,029′ (1228 m)

This hike begins near Lake Cachuma and climbs to West Camino Cielo before the final push to the summit.

Six-Pack Route Details: Broadcast Peak via the Tequepis Trail
Distance: 8.75 miles; Vertical +/- 3,241 feet

CALIENTE MOUNTAIN – Elevation 5,105′ (1556 m)

The hike along the Caliente Ridge Trail will take you to the highest point in San Luis Obispo county.

Six-Pack Route Details: Caliente Mountain Ridge Trail
Distance: 16.9 miles; Vertical +/- 2,437 feet

Meet the Curator

The peaks in the California Central Coast Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge have been curated by long-time Santa Ynez Valley resident Curt Cragg.

Curt is an outdoors advocate, having served on the boards Santa Barbara County Trails Council and the Los Padres Forest Association as a Volunteer Trail Project coordinator and Volunteer Wilderness Ranger for many years.

Curt is also an avid hiker and backpacker who enjoys exploring the Sierra Nevada and the Los Padres National Forest trails.