san luis obispo, mountains, foothills, central coast Kyle Hanson san luis obispo, mountains, foothills, central coast Kyle Hanson

#342 Bishop Peak

Bishop Peak is the highest of the 'Nine Sisters' volcanic plugs at 1,559 feet. The rocky peak resembling a Bishop's miter was named during the Mission days. Run as a natural reserve, ecosystems include chaparral, grassland and oak woodland making it important for conservation. A moderate 4.4 mile out and back hike will bring you to the top with sweeping views of San Luis Obispo and its valleys.

 
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san luis obispo, central coast, ocean, state park Kyle Hanson san luis obispo, central coast, ocean, state park Kyle Hanson

#304 Morro Rock

Morro Rock in an ancient volcano and main landmark of Morro Bay at 581 feet. This monolith is protected as Morro Rock State Preserve which includes the surrounding stretch of coast as a beach. It is the first of San Luis Obispo's 'Nine Sisters' or volcano plugs created 20 million years ago. Native Chumash and Salinan consider it sacred and archeological evidence has found settlements near the site dating 6500-2000 B.C. Morro Rock is the perfect place to relax on the Central Coast.

 
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desert, national park Kyle Hanson desert, national park Kyle Hanson

#255 Ubehebe Crater

Ubehebe Crater is a half mile length volcanic crater in Death Valley National Park. It was created by a steam and gas explosion caused by rising magma touching ground water. Research has estimated it could have occurred less than 1,000 years ago making it very young in geologic terms. Timbisha Shoshone Native Americans called the crater 'Tem-pin-tta- Wo’sah' which translates to 'coyote's basket'.

 
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sierra nevada, mountains, desert Kyle Hanson sierra nevada, mountains, desert Kyle Hanson

#163 Fossil Falls

Fossil Falls Scenic Area along the beautiful Highway 395 contains volcanic lava flows up to half a million years old. Basalt lava was sculpted by rushing water creating the smooth formations seen today. Native American artifacts have been found here dating from 12,000 to 3,000 years ago when the area was a wonderful place to live for its plants, animals and once abundant water supply.

 
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san luis obispo, central coast, ocean, state park Kyle Hanson san luis obispo, central coast, ocean, state park Kyle Hanson

#128 Black Hill

Black Hill is a 665 foot mountain vista in Morro Bay State Park on the Central Coast along Morro Bay Lagoon. The hill provides a 360 degree view of San Luis Obispo county including the lagoon, ocean, Santa Lucia Mountain Range and the rolling green foothills. It is one of the famous 'Nine Sisters' volcano plugs in San Luis Obispo which formed over 20 million years ago. At a half mile round trip hike, this short hike boasts an incredibly memorable view. 

 
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