Morro Rock
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Beginning in 1880, more than a million tons of stone were quarried from Morro Rock. In 1969, Morro Rock was given protected status to protect the habitat of the endangered Peregrine Falcon and all quarrying came to an end. It is now a state ecological preserve and no climbing or other encroachment is allowed. Enjoy the surrounding beach and bay, but watch for rogue waves and heavy surf on the breakwater. |
Morro Rock is a large geological formation called a morro located a few hundred feet off the shore of Morro Bay,
California along the Central Coast. It stands 576 feet tall at the entrance to the Morro Bay Harbor and a causeway
connects it with the shore.
Morro Rock belongs to San Luis Obispo County's ancient chain of volcanic peaks, the Nine Sisters. The peaks were
formed about 23 million years ago.The Nine Sisters run in an approximately straight line for twelve miles, stretching
from Morro Bay to San Luis Obispo. These peaks separate the Los Osos and Chorro Valleys. Davidson Seamount,
regarded as part of the chain, is submerged about 2 1/2 miles offshore of Morro Rock.
Known as the "Gibraltar of the Pacific", It is unmistakable, an iconic peak that defines the city of Morro Bay.
It stands like a monolithic guardian above Morro Bay's lush estuary.
It was named by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo when he first charted this coast during his voyages of discovery in 1542.
California along the Central Coast. It stands 576 feet tall at the entrance to the Morro Bay Harbor and a causeway
connects it with the shore.
Morro Rock belongs to San Luis Obispo County's ancient chain of volcanic peaks, the Nine Sisters. The peaks were
formed about 23 million years ago.The Nine Sisters run in an approximately straight line for twelve miles, stretching
from Morro Bay to San Luis Obispo. These peaks separate the Los Osos and Chorro Valleys. Davidson Seamount,
regarded as part of the chain, is submerged about 2 1/2 miles offshore of Morro Rock.
Known as the "Gibraltar of the Pacific", It is unmistakable, an iconic peak that defines the city of Morro Bay.
It stands like a monolithic guardian above Morro Bay's lush estuary.
It was named by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo when he first charted this coast during his voyages of discovery in 1542.
Juan Gaspar de Portola and his overland expedition passed the rock in the autumn of 1769. Captain Portola described
the rock as an island at high tide "a little less than a gunshot" from shore.
Morro Rock is considered a sacred site by the Chumash Indian tribe. They have the rare exemption to legally climb
Morro Rock for their annual Solstice ceremony.
Previously, Morro Rock was surrounded by water, but the northern channel was filled with material from the rock to
make the harbor. The "Rock," as locals call it, was quarried from 1889 to 1969. Morro Rock provided material for the
break water of Morro Bay and Port San Luis Harbor.
In 1966 a bill was introduced which transferred the full title of Morro Rock to the State of California. Later the San Luis
Obispo County Historical Society and the City of Morro Bay succeeded in getting the Morro Rock declared as California
Registered Historical Landmark #821. Morro Rock also became State Landmark #801 in 1968. The rock has since
been designated a bird sanctuary for the Peregrine Falcon and other bird species.
There is no public access to the rock itself, because it is now a reserve for the locally endangered peregrine falcon.
The area around the base of Morro Rock can be visited and opens onto a long sandy beach popular with surfers and
beachcombers. The access road follows the bay, affording great views of otters, seals, and boats entering the harbor
mouth. Follow Embarcadero Blvd North to Coleman Drive. There is access to the breakwater, but it is a treacherous,
high surf area during the winter storms.
Every few years, someone tries to climb the rock. They are usually caught since they usually cannot get down without
assistance. Climbers risk more than fines or jail time as the rocks that form Morro Rock are loose and fall down
regularly. The base of Morro Rock is littered with fallen boulders.
the rock as an island at high tide "a little less than a gunshot" from shore.
Morro Rock is considered a sacred site by the Chumash Indian tribe. They have the rare exemption to legally climb
Morro Rock for their annual Solstice ceremony.
Previously, Morro Rock was surrounded by water, but the northern channel was filled with material from the rock to
make the harbor. The "Rock," as locals call it, was quarried from 1889 to 1969. Morro Rock provided material for the
break water of Morro Bay and Port San Luis Harbor.
In 1966 a bill was introduced which transferred the full title of Morro Rock to the State of California. Later the San Luis
Obispo County Historical Society and the City of Morro Bay succeeded in getting the Morro Rock declared as California
Registered Historical Landmark #821. Morro Rock also became State Landmark #801 in 1968. The rock has since
been designated a bird sanctuary for the Peregrine Falcon and other bird species.
There is no public access to the rock itself, because it is now a reserve for the locally endangered peregrine falcon.
The area around the base of Morro Rock can be visited and opens onto a long sandy beach popular with surfers and
beachcombers. The access road follows the bay, affording great views of otters, seals, and boats entering the harbor
mouth. Follow Embarcadero Blvd North to Coleman Drive. There is access to the breakwater, but it is a treacherous,
high surf area during the winter storms.
Every few years, someone tries to climb the rock. They are usually caught since they usually cannot get down without
assistance. Climbers risk more than fines or jail time as the rocks that form Morro Rock are loose and fall down
regularly. The base of Morro Rock is littered with fallen boulders.
| HOME - EVENTS - SHOPPING - LINKS - CONTACT US |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
