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Cerro Cabrillo Trail - Morro Bay State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 33 Google reviews · Running trail in Morro Bay, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Cerro Cabrillo Trail - Morro Bay State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Cerro Cabrillo Trail - Morro Bay State Park
“This collection of trails, part of Morro Bay State Park, winds through rolling grassy hills and offers great views.”
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.
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.
Not the best biking in the county but good intermediate trails. Popular hiking spot with short routs. Views are decent compared to surrounding trails. There is some rock climbing close to the quarry.
Worth the climb up the steep trail. Gets a little slippery and eroded, but the Tiki rock and amazing views are so worth it.
Trail conditions & character
“This collection of trails, part of Morro Bay State Park, winds through rolling grassy hills and offers great views.”
“This collection of trails, part of Morro Bay State Park, winds through rolling grassy hills and offers great views.”
“There was also a man in a van hanging in the parking lot.”
“My hiking boots slipped in the steep slope of the dry gravel, during the final push up to the rock.”
“No dogs allowed and minimal shade on warmer days.”
Plan your run at Cerro Cabrillo Trail - Morro Bay State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.ca.gov
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Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Morro Bay
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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