Cerro Cabrillo Morro Bay
Hike to the summit of Cerro Cabrillo for breathtaking coastal views, or enjoy easier trails with stunning vistas of Morro Bay.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Cerro Cabrillo Morro Bay
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to the summit of Cerro Cabrillo for breathtaking coastal views, or enjoy easier trails with stunning vistas of Morro Bay.
"The views are beautiful, I'm glad I made the journey."
👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
Essential for the steep, gravelly, and rocky sections, especially the summit scramble.
🚫 No Dogs on Trail
Dogs are not allowed on the Cerro Cabrillo trail itself, though permitted in the State Park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cerro Cabrillo Summit
Summit of Cerro Cabrillo
Conquer the challenging scramble to the top for panoramic views of Morro Bay and the coastline.
Portola Point Views
Portola Point
Enjoy stunning vistas of the bay and marshlands from this accessible viewpoint.
Tiki Rock
Base of Cerro Cabrillo
Hike to this distinctive rock formation, one of the 'Nine Sisters' volcanic plugs.
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Planning Your Visit
Trail Difficulty & Footwear
Best Time to Hike & Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
Essential for the steep, gravelly, and rocky sections, especially the summit scramble. +1
🚫 No Dogs on Trail
Dogs are not allowed on the Cerro Cabrillo trail itself, though permitted in the State Park.
💧 Check Trail Conditions
Heavy rains can cause washouts and make the trail very difficult.
☀️ Minimal Shade
Hike during cooler hours and bring sun protection.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
Essential for the steep, gravelly, and rocky sections, especially the summit scramble. +1
🚫 No Dogs on Trail
Dogs are not allowed on the Cerro Cabrillo trail itself, though permitted in the State Park.
💧 Check Trail Conditions
Heavy rains can cause washouts and make the trail very difficult.
☀️ Minimal Shade
Hike during cooler hours and bring sun protection.
🦟 Mosquito Alert
Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially after wet winters.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers praise Cerro Cabrillo for its stunning panoramic views of Morro Bay and the coastline, with Portola Point being a favorite accessible viewpoint. However, the summit trail is noted as extremely strenuous and potentially dangerous due to steep, loose terrain and required scrambling, with some visitors experiencing injuries. Mosquitoes can also be a nuisance after wet seasons.
"This collection of trails, part of Morro Bay State Park, winds through rolling grassy hills and offers great views. Portola Point and Cerro Cabrillo were the highlights for me, but please note that the trail up to Cerro Cabrillo is extremely difficult and steep, plus scrambling is required at the top. You can keep things chill by avoiding that trail though!"
Christopher Roman
"I hiked the Quarry Trail to the Cerro Cabrillo, climbing to the base of the Tiki Rock, #3 (I believe) of the 7, 9, 13 or however many sisters there really are. I'm rating the part of the Cerro Cabrillo Area that I hiked. I found it challenging in parts, with steep terrain and some deep ruts. But a lot of it was fairly easy and flat. My hiking boots slipped in the steep slope of the dry gravel, during the final push up to the rock. I used my hands to steady myself. My hiking partner had better boots and no issues. I've heard it gets extremely slippery when wet. The views are beautiful, I'm glad I made the journey. I give 5 stars because I enjoyed it and would do it again. There are two parking lots for the hike. I parked in the one to the north, off South Bay, The Quarry Trail. There were not a lot of people and there were a handful of bikes. Hiked on a Wednesday. Fun trip."
Tami Donner
"A nice leisurely hike with moderate elevation changes overall fairly easy. But probably because of the season that we're in after the wet winter the mosquitoes may the hike less pleasurable by not being able to look around and enjoy the scenery. Constant buzzing at your ears and eyes and bites on your arms and legs."
rob herr
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located in the Cerro Cabrillo Trail Parking Lot, about 0.7 miles south of Main Street on S Bay Blvd in Morro Bay.
Yes, there are designated parking lots for the trailhead. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
Mountain biking is allowed on the Portola Point and Live Oak trails, but not on the main Cerro Cabrillo trail itself.
Yes, Cerro Cabrillo is located within Morro Bay State Park, offering access to various trails and natural beauty.
While the summit offers the most challenging climb, Portola Point and other sections of the trail provide excellent views of the bay and estuary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cerro Cabrillo is part of Morro Bay State Park, which typically has day-use fees. Check the official California State Parks website for current entrance fees.
Trails within Morro Bay State Park are generally open from sunrise to sunset. Always check the park's official website for the most up-to-date hours.
There are no age restrictions, but the strenuous nature of the summit trail makes it more suitable for older children and adults.
Dogs are not allowed on the Cerro Cabrillo trail itself, but they are permitted on leash in other areas of Morro Bay State Park.
No, the trail, especially the upper sections, is too rugged and steep for strollers or wheelchairs.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to the summit is considered strenuous and dangerous, requiring scrambling over boulders. The lower trails are more moderate. +1
Expect breathtaking panoramic views of Morro Bay, the estuary, the coastline, and the surrounding 'Nine Sisters' volcanic plugs.
There is minimal shade on the trails, making it important to hike during cooler parts of the day and wear sun protection.
Sturdy hiking boots with good traction are essential. Layers of clothing are recommended as coastal weather can change. +1
Restrooms are typically available at the parking areas within Morro Bay State Park.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers the most dramatic views. Portola Point and various overlooks along the trail provide excellent opportunities for capturing the bay and coastline.
Late afternoon during the 'golden hour' provides beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Morning light is also great for capturing the bay.
Yes, from various points on the trail, you can get great shots of Morro Rock in the distance, especially from higher elevations. +1
Look for the 'Nine Sisters' volcanic plugs, the diverse birdlife in the estuary, and the dramatic coastal landscapes.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Morro Bay Natural History Museum within the state park provides engaging exhibits for kids, making it a great educational stop. 👟 Hikers Seeking a Challenge
📸 Photographers
The Portola Point overlook also provides stunning vistas of the bay and marshlands, perfect for capturing coastal landscapes. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the expansive scenery and a telephoto lens for potential wildlife shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Nine Sisters' and Morro Rock
Hikers on Cerro Cabrillo can often spot other 'Sisters' in the distance, providing a unique geological perspective. The trails around Morro Bay offer varied terrain, from rolling hills to the imposing presence of Morro Rock, making it a visually diverse destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Navigating the Cerro Cabrillo Trails
It's a good option for those seeking scenic beauty without an extreme challenge.For the more adventurous, the direct trail to the Cerro Cabrillo summit presents a significant challenge. This route is steep, often featuring loose gravel and deep ruts, especially after rain.
Wildlife and Natural History
The Morro Bay Natural History Museum, located within the state park, offers educational exhibits about the local flora, fauna, and geology.
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