5 Great Places to Hike in Morro Bay, CA

Morro Bay is full of natural beauty and outstanding landscapes. Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the area and enjoy Morro Bay’s vistas.

Experience Five Great Places to Hike in Morro Bay

Whether you are looking for an easy walk or a longer hike, you’ll find a wide variety of hikes in Morro Bay. You can hike along the coast and see dramatic Pacific Ocean seascapes or stroll along the estuary and watch for birds. You’ll experience Morro Bay’s beauty, history, and wonder as you walk.

Marina Peninsula Trail, Morro Bay State Park

The Marina Peninsula Trail is a half-a-mile long boardwalk that meanders through Morro Bay’s fascinating estuary. Walkers can see mudflats, the salt marsh, sandspit, and Morro Rock. The boardwalk is a great place for birdwatching, and visitors often see herons and egrets.

Black Hill Trail

Black Hill Trail is a fabulous hike with panoramic views. Hikers can choose from a shorter route or choose a longer route. Black Hill trail travels through Morro Bay State Park. If you are looking for the shorter route and want to focus on the view, you can park at the Black Hill parking lot and walk a .3 mile to the top of the hill for a .6 mile round trip hike. If you park at the Exercise Trailhead, you’ll enjoy a three-mile round trip hike.

From the top of Black Hill, you’ll be rewarded with views of creeks running into the estuary and views of Morro Rock.

Los Osos Oaks State Reserve

Los Osos State Reserve is a protected area with a fabulous landscape. The expansive sand dunes are home to live oak trees that are hundreds of years old. In addition, several plant communities such as sage scrub, central coastal scrub, coast live oak forest, riparian, and dune oak scrub exist in the reserve.

Los Osos State Reserve has several hiking trails. Visitors might see wildlife such as the titmouse, brush rabbit, or California valley quail. Hikers will walk through shady areas in addition to bright, sunny areas. The live oak trees on the coast are magnificent and have large trunks and twisted, fascinating branches. You might find an ancient Chumash Indian midden with shell fragments as you walk.

Pecho Coast Trail

The Pecho Coast Trail is a beautiful area that features two guided hiking opportunities. Guests can take the 3.75-mile round trip hike to Point San Luis Lighthouse or the longer eight-mile round trip Rattlesnake Canyon hike. As you walk, you’ll see stunning beachscapes and expansive landscapes. During spring, visitors enjoy seeing wildflowers. In addition, visitors often see California gray whales in the Pacific Ocean.

The Point San Luis Lighthouse is a unique historic lighthouse. You’ll love taking pictures and learning more about this attractive lighthouse. The Point San Luis Lighthouse was built in 1890 and is currently operated by the Coast Guard.

Bluff Trail, Montana de Oro State Park

Bluff Trail is two-miles long one way and features outstanding coastal vistas. Different trail options allow hikers to shorten or extend their hike. You can see beaches, tide pools, rock islands, and natural bridges as you hike. In addition, this trail features wildflowers and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.

Don’t miss hiking by Grotto Rock, an impressive stone island with tunnels and arches. Bluff Trail has very little elevation change and is suitable for all abilities. Recent improvements mean that the trail is wheelchair-friendly.