SLO's Tri-Tip Challenge: Facts and Myths

San Luis Obispo is a college town famous for many attractions, including the Madonna Inn, Bubblegum Alley, and the Fremont Theater. One local favorite adventure, initiated by California Polytechnic State University students, is the Tri-Tip Challenge, which involves hiking Cerro San Luis (also known as Madonna Mountain), Bishop Peak, and Cal Poly’s “P” hillside. The city of SLO sits inside a valley, allowing you to see all three mountains from virtually anywhere downtown. Reaching the peak of each mountain constitutes the "tri-tip" of the challenge. After completing the challenge, hikers often reward themselves with a hot tri-tip sandwich from Firestone Grill.

I encountered a few Cal Poly students at the top of Bishop Peak who were undertaking the Tri-Tip Challenge. Typically, people drive to the bottom of each mountain, but these students went above and beyond by walking from their dorms to the “P,” then to Bishop Peak, and finally to Madonna Mountain. They were eagerly looking forward to their sandwiches.

PC: thefoodienicole IG - Tri-Tip Sandwich

Some residents suggest that Firestone Grill should offer hikers a free tri-tip sandwich as an incentive for completing the challenge. However, Hal Billingsey, a family owner of Firestone Grill, states, “We’ve never been associated with the Tri-Tip Challenge. It’s been around for 15 years, and we don’t know who specifically started it. We’re not gimmicky; there’s never been a reason to give out free sandwiches to challengers.”

While many people would jump at the chance for a free item, offering a free sandwich to Central Coast residents who complete the Tri-Tip Challenge could lead to an increase in healthy hiking as well as an increase in Firestone sales. However, Billingsey points out the difficulty in verifying whether hikers have truly completed all three mountains when they enter the restaurant. He says, “Anyone could walk in and say they’ve done the challenge, but we don’t know if they’d be honest.” He adds, “Our menu is also already so cheap that it wouldn’t help our business to give out free sandwiches to everyone who does the challenge.”

Even though there is no official reward for completing the Tri-Tip Challenge, don’t let that deter you from trying it. Hiking three mountains in one day can be arduous, but finishing all of them offers a satisfying sense of accomplishment. Typically, hikers start with Bishop Peak, move on to Madonna Mountain, and finish with the “P.” If you exercise regularly, this challenge is a great way to push your limits and mix up your routine. Walking 8.6 miles uphill over rocky trails and loose gravel will test both your mental and physical endurance. There may be moments when you feel like turning back, but it's essential to keep going. Remember, it’s not a race, so you can take as long as you need.

When preparing for the Tri-Tip Challenge, it’s crucial to pack plenty of snacks and water to replenish the calories burned during your hike. Starting early in the morning, rather than mid-afternoon, will help you minimize sun exposure and avoid overheating and dehydration, especially as the Central Coast remains warm this time of year. An ideal start time is 6 a.m., before sunrise, but take a flashlight. Depending on your hiking experience, you can complete the challenge in three to five hours, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful sunrise and burn enough calories to indulge in a delicious sandwich—all before noon.