The Best Hikes & Trails in Morro Bay

Morro Bay is undoubtedly a hike-enthusiasts paradise, with a wide variety of hiking trails to choose from.

Whether you are looking for a rigorous climb with panoramic views or a peaceful stroll through the marsh, Morro Bay has a trail for you. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up some of our favorites in the area–each offering some new adventure to unfold.

Best Views

Black Hill

A local favorite, the Black Hill hiking trail offers a vast view of Morro Bay. Choose between a quick 0.6 mile trek or the longer 3-mile round-trip hike. Once you reach the top you'll see the estuary and Morro Rock to the northwest.

Local Tip: leave the car at your hotel and walk to the end of Ridgeway Street where you can pick up a connecting trail to the peak.

  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Distance: 3 miles or 0.6 mile option
  • Type of Trail: Dirt

Cerro Alto

Tucked off of Highway 41 between Morro Bay and Atascadero, and in Los Padres National Forest, is a 5-mile loop to the top of Cerro Alto. For this hike expect lots of climbing, with over 1,500 feet in elevation gain, but great reward at the top with views. On clear days you can see Morro Rock and the ocean in the distance past miles of rolling hills. Off Highway 41 follow the signs for Cerro Alto hiking trail, park in the lot at the dead end of the road and take the trailhead off this lot. To hike this peak, a day pass costs $10.

  • Difficulty: difficult
  • Distance: 5 miles
  • Type of Trail: singletrack

Local Tip: A $10 day pass is required to hike Cerro Alto.

Elfin Forest

The Elfin Forest is an accessible, 1-mile boardwalk trail through the beautiful oak forest. The trail is a showcase of a wide variety of flowers and animals, as it passes through eight distinct environmental types. The forest is maintained by the Small Wilderness Areas Preservation, which offers periodic docent-led walks.

  • Difficulty: easy
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Distance: 1 mile

Type of Trail: Boardwalk

Local Tip: you can find upcoming tour topics for the docent-led walks here.

Portola Point

This trail is inside Morro Bay State Park. Begin at the Quarry Trail, continue on to the Live Oak Trail and then to Portola Point Trail. The path moves through the hills and rewards hikers with great views of the estuary and beyond.

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: 2 miles
  • Type of Trail: Singletrack

Best Accessible Trails

Marina Peninsula Trail

This 0.5-mile-long trail starts in the parking lot of the Morro Bay State Park Marina and winds through the estuary–offering an up-close look at the salt marsh, mud flats, sandspit, and Morro Rock. This trail is an excellent choice for a peaceful, scenic stroll.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Distance: 0.5 mile
  • Type of Trail: boardwalk

Cloisters Wetland Trail

Located in North Morro Bay, Cloisters Park is a 2.6 acre wildlife habitat, with a freshwater lagoon. Take San Jacinto Street off Highway 1 and turn left on Coral Avenue. Park in the parking lot at Cloisters Community Park. The paved trail goes through the park. When the path forks go to the right to the wetlands or to the left to go to the beach and the dunes.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Distance: 2.6 acres
  • Type of Trail: Paved and boardwalk

Local Tip: You can also access the boardwalk from the parking lot at the end of Azure Street.

Best Variety

Both the Morro Bay State Park and Montana de Oro State Park are renowned for their spectacular scenery produced over millions of years by volcanic activity, plate tectonic interactions, and erosion. Both locations offer diverse trail systems for visitors to enjoy.

Morro Bay State Park Favorite – Cerro Cabrillo

The Cerro Cabrillo Peak trailhead is located on the east side of South Bay Boulevard inside the State Park. The trail has areas of flat path as well as steep climbing near the peak. Wildflowers and great views out over Morro Bay are the highlights of this hike.

  • Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
  • Distance: 2 ½ miles
  • Type of Trail: Singletrack

Local Tip: Stop by the Museum of Natural History for more insights into the park’s unique landscape.

Montana De Oro State Park Favorite – Bluff Trail

Bluff Trail follows the cliffs and rugged coastline, affording views of tide pools, rock islands, natural bridges and beaches. Hike it in the spring to see why the park is called “Mountain of Gold” with all the golden wildflowers. The path is level and suitable for all ages and levels of hikers. Bluff Trail is 2 miles long in one direction with many side trails to extend the hike.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Distance: 4 mile loop
  • Type of Trail: Paved and dirt

With such an extensive trail system located right in Morro Bay's backyard, you can explore the breathtaking landscapes of California’s Central Coast to your heart's desire. As you set out to do just that, remember to pay respect to the land– pack out what you bring in and definitely make sure to fully appreciate its rustic beauty. Happy hiking!

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