The Black Hill Trail in Morro Bay State Park is a short but rewarding hike that leads to breathtaking panoramic views from a 661-foot volcanic peak.
Whether you’re looking for a quick ascent or a longer, more immersive trek, there are three ways to hike Black Hill, each offering a unique perspective of the Central Coast’s stunning landscape.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the best routes, step-by-step, to help you choose your ideal hiking adventure.
How Long is Black Hill Trail Morro Bay?
The length of Black Hill Trail in Morro Bay varies depending on the route taken. There are three main trails leading to the summit:
- Short Route – 0.6 miles round trip (steep but direct).
- Moderate Route – 2.5 miles round trip (via Exercise Trail, a moderate climb with scenic overlooks).
- Longest Route – 4.1 miles round trip (via Exercise Trail, Grove Trail, and Pipeline Trail, offering a gradual ascent with diverse terrain and stunning views).
Each trail provides a unique experience, making Black Hill a great hiking destination for all skill levels.
How Many Trails Lead to Black Hill Summit?
There are three main trails leading to the Black Hill summit, ranging from 0.6 miles to 4.1 miles in length. These include:
- Black Hill Trail (Black Hill Trail from Black Hill Road in Morro Bay Golf Course, shortest and steepest route)
- Exercise Trail to Black Hill (moderate, scenic route at 2.5 miles round trip)
- Black Hill via Exercise Trail → Grove Trail → Pipeline Trail (longest route at 4.1 miles round trip, with a gradual climb and panoramic views)
Hikers can choose their preferred distance and difficulty level while enjoying scenic landscapes and stunning overlooks of Morro Bay.
1. Black Hill Trail (shortest and steepest route)
- Distance: 0.6 miles round trip, out & back
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Elevation Gain: ~190 ft
- Estimated Time: ~30 minutes
- Trailhead Location: To reach the trailhead, drive south on Main Street until you enter Morro Bay State Park. Turn left onto Parkview Drive, which leads into Morro Bay Golf Course. Continue on Parkview Drive until you reach a fork in the road. Keep left and head uphill as the road becomes Upper State Park Road, ending at a small parking lot near the trailhead.
If you’re short on time but still want to experience the incredible views from Black Hill, this is the perfect option. A short but steep ascent rewards hikers with stunning vistas.
Best for: A quick hike with minimal effort. Perfect for sunrise or sunset views.
Step 1: Park at the Golf Course
The trailhead is located over the Morro Bay Golf Course. Follow the dirt path uphill—there are no confusing junctions, so the route is straightforward.
Step 2: Begin the Climb
This section is short but steep, quickly gaining elevation with little shade. However, the views start opening up almost immediately, making the climb rewarding.
Step 3: Enjoy the Summit
After a brief but intense climb, you’ll reach the summit and be rewarded with panoramic views. This spot is fantastic for both sunrise and sunset hikes when the sky lights up in vibrant colors over Morro Bay and Morro Roack.
2. Exercise Trail to Black Hill (moderate, scenic route)
- Distance: 2.5 miles round trip, out & back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 620 ft
- Estimated Time: ~1.5 hours
- Trailhead Location: Located near Morro Bay State Park, with parking along Main Street. From downtown Morro Bay, drive south on Main Street. As you continue, Main Street transitions into State Park Road. Pass the state park entrance sign and the Marina. After the road bends, look for the second pullout on the left and park at the trailhead.
This moderate trail follows the Exercise Trail and Black Hill Trail for a steady incline with shaded sections. A great choice for a well-maintained path with manageable elevation gain.
Best for: Hikers looking for a moderate route with steady inclines and shaded sections. Great for morning hikes to enjoy cooler temperatures.
Step 1: Start at the Exercise Trailhead
The Exercise Trailhead, located near Morro Bay State Park, marks the starting point of the hike.
Begin on the Exercise Trail, taking a left turn at the junction to stay on course.
After crossing Park View Road, watch for passing cars before continuing onto Black Hill Trail. Follow the trail as it gradually ascends through a scenic oak grove, offering a peaceful and shaded start to the climb.
Step 2: Follow the Steady Incline
The trail remains consistent with a manageable incline, leading to a junction near the summit. At this point, you can either take the steeper route past the water tower or continue on the more gradual path.
The path will take you to the parking lot of the Black Hill summit trail.
Step 3: Begin the Climb and Reach the Summit
Start heading up the short and steep path.
As you near the summit of Black Hill Trail Morro Bay, a stunning panoramic view of the Morro Bay estuary, where winding waterways weave through coastal wetlands, framed by lush vegetation and distant mountains, unfolds.
In the final stretch, the terrain becomes slightly rockier, but the effort is well worth it.
At the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of Morro Bay, the Nine Sisters volcanic peaks, and the vast Pacific Ocean, making this an unforgettable vantage point.
Step 4: Descend the Same Way
After taking in the views, simply head back the way you came. The return hike is much easier, making this an enjoyable trek for most hikers.
3. Black Hill via Exercise, Grove, and Pipeline Trail
- Distance: 4.1 miles round trip, partial loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: ~872ft
- Estimated Time: ~2 hours
- Trailhead Location: Same as the Black Hill via Exercise Trail.
This is the longest and most scenic way to reach Black Hill, passing through eucalyptus groves, oak woodlands, and open chaparral. The trail is moderately challenging and perfect for those who want to experience varied landscapes.
Best for: Hikers looking for a longer adventure with diverse scenery. Ideal for a mid-morning or afternoon hike.
Step 1: Start at the Exercise Trailhead
The trail begins at the Exercise Trailhead, located near Morro Bay State Park. Follow the sandy path as it gently ascends through coastal chaparral and oak groves.
Step 2: Enjoy the Exercise Stations
At the junction, continue straight and you’ll pass a series of wooden fitness stations, including a balance beam and pull-up bars.
These provide a fun challenge along the way but become more difficult as you progress. Feel free to test your strength or simply continue hiking past them.
Step 3: Take in the Views
As you follow the Exercise Trail, you’ll walk alongside the wetlands and estuary of Morro Bay, providing scenic views and great photo opportunities. The Exercise Trail ends at Park View Road, where you’ll need to cross carefully. Once across, continue onto the Grove Trail, which gradually leads uphill.
Step 4: Transition to Grove Trail
After passing open sections, the trail enters a lush oak grove with hanging moss. This shaded section provides a refreshing contrast to the open chaparral.
Step 5: Continue on Pipeline Trail
Emerging from the grove, turn right at the junction and continue along the Pipeline Trail.
Step 6: Follow the Trail as it Winds
The trail gradually ascends and descends with views opening up of the surrounding hills.
The terrain remains well-maintained, but some sections become slightly steeper. Watch for trail signs to stay on the correct path. The dirt path meanders through dense vegetation, offering serene forest views. The dirt path meanders through dense vegetation, offering serene forest views.
Step 7: Enjoy Panoramic Views as You Ascend
As you climb higher, the well-worn dirt path opens up to sweeping views of the surrounding hills. The trail becomes more exposed, with occasional glimpses of Morro Rock in the distance, offering a perfect opportunity to pause and take in the stunning scenery.
Step 8: Transition to Black Hill Road
As you follow the trail, you’ll pass a water tower before the path ends at the Black Hill gravel road.
Turn left and continue uphill along the gravel road, leading you toward the final stretch to the Black Hill summit.
Step 9: Final Ascent to Black Hill Summit
As you near the summit, the trail steepens slightly, but the final stretch is well worth it.
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of Morro Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and rolling hills stretching inland.
Step 10: Descend Back
After taking in the stunning summit views, begin your descent by retracing your steps down to Black Hill Road parking lot. From there, turn left onto Black Hill Trail. At the next junction, stay left to continue onto Grove Trail.
This hike offers a mix of workout stations, forested paths, and sweeping vistas, making it a fantastic adventure for all skill levels!
Are Dogs Allowed on Black Hill Trail in Morro Bay?
Yes! Black Hill Trail in Morro Bay is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. The trail offers a great outdoor adventure for both dogs and their owners, featuring shaded sections, open vistas, and moderate elevation gain.
Keeping dogs leashed ensures the safety of wildlife, other hikers, and pets, while also preserving the natural beauty of the area.
Tips for Hiking Black Hill Trail in Morro Bay
- Best Time to Hike: Morning and late afternoon hikes offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
- What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy hiking shoes.
- Trail Etiquette: Stay on marked paths to preserve the environment and respect other hikers.
- Wildlife Awareness: Keep an eye out for deer, hawks, butterflies, and even the occasional bobcat.
Final Thoughts
Black Hill Trail in Morro Bay State Park is a must-hike for anyone visiting the area. Whether you take the quick but steep route from the golf course, the scenic Exercise Trail, or the longer loop through Grove and Pipeline Trails, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views and a memorable outdoor experience.
If you’ve already explored Black Hill Trail and are looking for more Morro Bay hiking trails, there are plenty of great options to choose from. Whether you want a challenging summit climb, a peaceful estuary walk, or a coastal bluff trail, Morro Bay has it all.
Camping in Morro Bay is a great way to soak in the coastal views, whether you prefer beachfront RV sites or tent camping.
After your hike, Morro Bay State Park offers even more to explore, from birdwatching and wildlife spotting to serene picnic areas nestled among the coastal landscape.
For those wanting to experience more of Morro Bay’s outdoor adventures, a day can easily be spent paddling through the estuary’s calm waters or renting a boat to explore the bay up close. Beyond the water, quaint coastal walks, wildlife viewing, and visits to Morro Rock make this area a perfect destination for nature lovers.
After a day on the trails and water, Morro Bay’s restaurant scene is the perfect way to unwind, with options ranging from fresh seafood with ocean views to casual local favorites.
If you’re looking for an easy yet incredibly scenic hike along the Central Coast, put this one on your list. Happy hiking!