The Famous Morro Rock

In 1542, Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo named Morro Bay’s magnificent landmark “El Morro” (Spanish for crown shaped hill). Morro Rock is also sometimes called the “Gibraltor of the Pacific.” It is the last of the Nine Sisters, volcanic plugs that include nine peaks ranging from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay. The peaks are aptly named the Nine Sisters because they are all in a row, and in close proximity.

Morro Rock is a current State Historic Landmark that was formed about 23 million years ago from the plugs of long-extinct volcanoes. The Rock is a bird sanctuary and home to nesting Peregrine Falcons and is therefore closed to any climbing or disturbance.

At a height of 576 feet, Morro Rock was an important navigational aid for mariners for over 300 years and it is the most visible in a chain of nine peaks. It is probably the most photographed of all the Morros, and provides a unique outcropping at the entrance of Morro Bay.

For more information on Morro Rock, visit slostateparks.com.