As a local resident of Los Osos, I’ve had the pleasure of hiking some of the most scenic trails in the area. Whether you’re looking for an easy coastal walk or a challenging summit hike, Morro Bay hiking offers something for everyone. From panoramic ocean views to quiet estuary trails, this guide highlights the best hikes in Morro Bay for all skill levels.
For those visiting the Central Coast, stopping by Morro Bay is a must-do experience. These trails not only showcase the area’s stunning landscapes but also provide opportunities to spot local wildlife, including sea otters, egrets, and peregrine falcons.
Find the Best Morro Bay Hiking Trail for You
Morro Bay offers a variety of hiking trails, whether you’re looking for stunning views, wildlife encounters, or a peaceful walk. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:
Morro Bay Trails with the Best Views
- Black Hill Trail – Quick summit hike with panoramic views of Morro Rock and the Pacific.
- Cerro Cabrillo via Quarry Trail – Challenging climb with rugged terrain and incredible viewpoints.
Morro Bay Trails for Wildlife Lovers
- Morro Bay Harbor and Estuary Trail – Flat, easy trail with shorebirds, sea otters, and harbor seals.
- Elfin Forest Trail – Boardwalk path through a coastal pygmy oak forest, great for birdwatching.
- Marina Peninsula Trail – Quiet estuary walk with abundant birdlife and scenic bay views.
Most Accessible Morro Bay Trails
- Morro Bay Harbor and Estuary Trail – Paved and wheelchair-friendly for the first 0.8 miles.
- Elfin Forest Trail – Fully accessible boardwalk with interpretive signs and stunning estuary scenery.
Most Peaceful Morro Bay Trails
- Crespi Trail – Less crowded hike with rolling hills, oak groved, and estuary views.
- Windy Cove Trail – Short and quiet hike with scenic views of Morro Rock and the harbor.
- Portola Point Trail – Peaceful, moderate hike through oak-covered hills with estuary overlooks.
Morro Bay Trails for a Longer Adventure
- Quarry Trail Loop via Canet Trail – 3-mile loop with sweeping coastal views.
- Chumash-Crespi Loop Trail – 3.3 mile loop with serene ridgelines, oak groves, and grasslands, perfect for a nature escape.
- Black Hill via Exercise Trail – A longer, gradual climb to Black Hill with a scenic workout route.
Now that you have an idea of which Morro Bay hiking trail best suits your adventure, let’s take a closer look at what makes each of these trails special.
Let’s Explore These Must-Hike Trails in Morro Bay
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions, trail lengths, elevation gains, and insider tips to help you plan your perfect hike.
1. Black Hill Trail via Black Hill Road
One of the most rewarding Morro Bay hiking trails, the Black Hill Trail takes you to the summit of a 661-foot volcanic peak, offering breathtaking views of Morro Bay, Morro Rock, and the Pacific Ocean.
- Distance: 0.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 190 feet
- Trailhead: Upper State Park Road
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Reaching the summit for sunset is one of the most scenic experiences in Morro Bay.
If you’re looking for a longer hike, you can take the Exercise Trail to Black Hill or try the full loop via the Exercise, Grove, and Pipeline trails.
Personally, I love this hike because it’s quick, scenic, and always delivers on views. It’s my go-to spot when I want a peaceful moment above Morro Bay, with the ocean stretching endlessly into the horizon.
An Insider Tip: This is one of the best spots in Morro Bay to catch a sunrise or sunset.
Directions: To access the trailhead, simply drive down Main Street until reaching Morro Bay State Park. Turn left onto Parkview Drive, leading into Morro Bay Golf Course. Stay on Parkview Drive until encountering a fork in the road. At the fork, veer left and ascend uphill as the road transforms into Upper State Park Road, culminating at a small parking lot near the trailhead.
2. Marina Peninsula Trail
If you’re looking for a relaxing stroll in Morro Bay, the Marina Peninsula Trail is a peaceful walk along the water’s edge.
Located near Morro Bay State Park, this easy trail is a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying the quiet beauty of the estuary.
- Distance: 0.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Trailhead: Morro Bay Marina, across from Morro Bay State Park Campground
- Difficulty: Easy
The flat terrain and stunning bay views make this trail ideal for families and those seeking a leisurely stroll. It’s also a great option if you’re camping nearby at Morro Bay State Park and want a quick nature walk to start or end your day.
3. Cerro Cabrillo via Quarry Trail
For a more challenging Morro Bay hiking adventure, the Cerro Cabrillo Trail offers a rugged climb with rewarding views.
- Distance: 2.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 900 feet
- Trailhead: Quarry Trailhead along S. Bay Blvd.
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
This hike includes steep inclines and some rock scrambling near the summit, so sturdy hiking shoes are a must.
After a good rain, sections can be muddy, so plan accordingly. If you have knee issues, I recommend sticking to the Black Hill Trail instead.
The summit offers one of the best panoramic views in Morro Bay, making the effort well worth it!
Having hiked this trail myself, I can tell you it’s a challenging but rewarding experience. The recent rains have made some sections a bit tricky, so be prepared for a more demanding hike.
4. Crespi Trail
Looking for a less crowded but equally scenic Morro Bay hiking trail? The Crespi Trail provides a relaxing hike with stunning views of the estuary and the surrounding hills.
- Distance: 3 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: 505 feet
- Trailhead: Park Ridge Trailhead along S. Bay Blvd Near Turri Road
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Even during busy weekends, this trail remains peaceful, making it ideal for those who want a quiet nature escape.
Birdwatchers will especially enjoy this trail, as it provides ample opportunities to spot herons, egrets, and other coastal birds.
If the parking lot is full, consider parking on Turri Road. This trail is a great option for a leisurely hike, whether you’re looking to spot some wildlife or just enjoy the beautiful scenery.
5. Windy Cove Trail
For a short yet rewarding hike in Morro Bay, the Windy Cove Trail offers spectacular views of Morro Rock and the harbor.
- Distance: 0.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Trailhead: Near the Morro Bay State Park Campground
- Difficulty: Easy
An insider Tip: for an extended hike with even more beautiful views, park across from the Morro Bay State Park Campground and follow the lot towards Bayside Cafe.
From there, you’ll find stairs leading up to the Museum of Natural History. Once on the trail, you’ll descend towards the harbor, passing through pine groves and enjoying views of the Morro Bay Water Access point and the Heron Rookery Natural Preserve.
If you’re interested in kayaking in Morro Bay, this hike pairs well with a paddling adventure.
6. Elfin Forest Trail
A hidden gem for Morro Bay hiking, the Elfin Forest Trail is a short, scenic loop that meanders through rare coastal forest and features stunning views of the estuary.
- Distance: 1.3 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Trailhead: 15th Street, Morro Bay
- Difficulty: Easy
The elevated boardwalk makes this trail accessible to all hikers and protects the delicate ecosystem. If you’re a plant or wildlife enthusiast, this trail is a must-visit.
If you have time, join a guided nature walk in the Elfin Forest, held every third Saturday of the month. Check the Elfin Forest site for details on upcoming topics.
Directions: Start at the Elfin Forest Natural Area parking lot located on 15th Street in Morro Bay. The trailhead is easy to find and well-marked.
7. Portola Point Trail
For those looking to explore more of Morro Bay State Park, the Portola Point Trail offers a moderately challenging hike through oak-covered hillsides.
- Distance: 1.9 miles out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 450 feet
- Trailhead: Quarry Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
As you climb, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the estuary and Pacific Ocean. This is a great trail if you want a bit more solitude while still enjoying the breathtaking scenery that Morro Bay has to offer.
8. Quarry Trail Loop via Canet Trail
One of my personal trails in the area is taking the Quarry trail all the way up to the edge and connect with Canet trail and make a big loop using Live Oak Trail and continue back to Quarry trail.
This trail views of the estuary, and the surrounding peaks.
- Distance: 3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 505 feet
- Route: Quarry Trail → Canet Trail → Live Oak Trail → Quarry Trail
- Trailhead: Quarry Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
Start at the Quarry Trailhead near the parking area in Morro Bay State Park and follow Quarry Trail east as it gradually ascends through rolling hills.
After 0.7 miles, reach the intersection with Canet Trail and turn right to continue climbing.
This section includes switchbacks and elevated views of Morro Bay, with exposed, grassy terrain.
After 1.1 miles, merge left onto Live Oak Trail, which winds through wide, open meadows with sweeping coastal views. Expect minimal shade as the trail gradually descends.
Finally, after about 1 mile, reconnect with Quarry Trail for a gentle descent back to the trailhead and parking area.
9. Chumash-Crespi Loop Trail
Nestled within Morro Bay State Park, the Chumash-Crespi Loop Trail is a 3.3-mile moderately challenging hike offering scenic views of the bay, rolling grasslands, and a serene oak grove. It takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete and is popular among hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners.
- Distance: 3.3 miles (loop)
- Elevation Gain: 551 feet
- Route: Chumash Trail → Crespi Trail → Chumash Trail→ Parkridge Trail → Canet Trail → Chumash Trail →
- Trailhead: Chumash Trail of Turri Road, 0.5 mile inland from South Bay Drive
- Difficulty: Moderate
Start at the Chumash Trailhead on Turri Road and head north, gradually ascending through grasslands and shrubs with views of Los Osos Creek and Cerro Cabrillo.
At 0.45 miles, turn right onto Crespi Trail and follow it counterclockwise for better bay views later.
Stay right at the split to remain on Crespi Trail and continue toward the oak grove, a shaded and serene section. After crossing a dry creek bed, the trail curves left and gradually ascends toward Morro Bay views.
At 1.97 miles, continue north onto Park Ridge Trail, climbing gently along a ridge with expansive views of Morro Bay and the estuary.
Follow this trail until it meets Canet Trail, then turn right and descend toward the junction with Crespi Trail.
At this intersection, turn left onto Crespi Trail and follow it westward, then turn left onto Chumash Trail for a gradual downhill return. Complete the loop and back at Turri Road.
This trail is exposed, so bring sun protection and water. Expect sweeping coastal views, a beautiful oak grove, and a diverse mix of terrain throughout the hike.
10. Morro Bay Harbor and Estuary Trail
The Morro Bay Harbor and Estuary Trail is a scenic 2.5-mile loop that offers a relaxing coastal experience with stunning views of Morro Rock, the harbor, and the surrounding wetlands.
This easy, paved trail is a favorite among walkers, runners, birdwatchers, and cyclists, providing a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Morro Bay while enjoying a leisurely outdoor adventure. Perfect for sunrise walks and wildlife watching.
- Distance: 2.5-mile loop
- Elevation Gain: Minimal (~3% grade)
- Trailhead: Parking lot off Embarcadero at the east end of the trail
- Difficulty: Easy
This year-round trail is great for wildlife enthusiasts, as it passes through areas where you can spot shorebirds, sea otters, and harbor seals.
The first 0.8 miles of the trail are fully paved and wheelchair-accessible, making it ideal for strollers, cyclists, and those with mobility needs. After this section, the trail transitions to a natural sandy surface, where all-terrain tires or motorized equipment may be required. The entire route remains gentle in grade (3% or less), ensuring a comfortable walk for all fitness levels.
Beyond Hiking: More Things to Do in Morro Bay
Beyond hiking, Morro Bay offers a variety of outdoor adventures, local events, and fantastic dining options. Whether you’re paddling through the bay, watching wildlife, or savoring fresh seafood, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Want to get on the water? Check out my guide on Morro Bay Boat Adventures for the best electric boat rentals, and scenic cruises.
- Looking for a unique local event? Experience the annual Morro Bay Witches Paddle, where the bay comes alive with costumed paddleboarders gliding across the water.
- Interested in wildlife? Morro Bay is home to sea otters, harbor seals, and over 250 species of birds. Head to the Morro Bay Estuary, Heron Rookery, or the Sandspit for incredible wildlife viewing.
- Craving great food after a day outdoors? Treat yourself to fresh seafood, farm-to-table meals, and oceanfront dining at some of Morro Bay’s best restaurants:
- Tognazzini’s Dockside – A casual seafood spot with harbor views and fresh-off-the-boat catches.
- The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar – Known for locally sourced seafood and stunning bayfront views.
- Blue Sky Bistro – A great spot for breakfast with a view or a relaxed seafood lunch by the water.
- Dorn’s Breakers Café – Serving classic California coastal cuisine with a view of Morro Rock.
- Windows on the Water – A fine dining experience featuring sustainable seafood and an extensive wine list.
Whether you’re exploring Morro Bay on foot, by boat, or through its amazing food scene, you’re sure to fall in love with this Central Coast gem!
If you’ve explored the best Morro Bay hiking trails and are craving more adventure, head just south to Montaña de Oro State Park—one of the most stunning coastal parks on the Central Coast. With rugged cliffs, hidden beaches, and scenic ridge hikes, Montaña de Oro offers some of the best hiking in the region.