“Can you climb Morro Rock?”

You can if you want to be arrested and fined. Once or twice a year someone tries it and because it’s a thing that’s so seldomly attempted, the “adventurer” is easily spotted, reported, and hauled off before they can even turn around to enjoy the view. They never get far up the rock and are always looked upon as true idiots by locals, visitors, observers, and the media. There are several reasons you can’t, and shouldn’t climb Morro Rock. First, it’s a state park and ecological reserve, making it illegal. Second, it’s considered a sacred ground for Chumash and Salinan Indians who were the only ones that allowed on it, once a year for an annual ceremony (until recently). A third reason is that it’s where a protected peregrine falcon lives  though no matter how good of a climber you are, you’ll never get close to it (It’s the fastest animal on earth). But probably the best reason not to climb Morro Rock is because it’s dangerous.  Morro Rock is delicate and crumbly from age and mining (yes, it’s been mined), and steep. Most of the fools that try climbing Morro Rock get caught by getting stuck. Why try to climb it anyway? Morro Rock is best appreciated visually or at its base where you can feel its enormity and gaze up at its golden agate walls with roosting seagulls and tufts of clinging vegetation.  It’s very easy to get to and appreciate. Our Harborwalk and Coleman Drive take you right out there. There is parking on both sides and on the South side you can hike part of the way around the rock.  Plus, Morro Rock is with you the whole time you’re in Morro Bay, everywhere you go. Don’t believe me? Just stop and take a  look. You can probably see it from where you’re standing.