California Destinations Hiking United States

Morro Rock via Morro Strand Trail

Morro Rock Strand Trail

The Morro Rock Strand Trail is a beach hike that will take you across sand dunes ending with scenic views of Morro Rock in the background.

Hike Overview

Time: Anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour. It depends how far you want to walk. We stopped before getting to Morro Rock.
Distance: About 3 miles loop if you go all the way to Morro Rock. We walked for less than 1 mile and found the spot we wanted to take photos at.
Difficulty: Easy
Dog Friendly: Yes
Parking: The parking is at Cloister’s Park

Morro Rock Strand Trail
This is where you park


Restrooms: There are restrooms here but they were locked when we tried to use them (after sunset).

Morro Rock Strand Trail
Morro Rock Strand Trail
They were locked though

What to Bring

This isn’t a long or an intense hike at all but it would still be good to bring these items:

  • Water
  • Bug repellant (this is important! We didn’t bring any and I got bit 10 to 15 times at least on my feet just from standing outside the car for a few minutes)
  • Camera/phone/drone for photos
  • Towel if you want to get your feet wet at the beach

Directions

The Morro Strand Trail entrance at Cloisters Community Park is about 20 minutes north of Pismo Beach.

Morro Rock Strand Trail

Morro Rock via Morro Strand Trail

Morro Rock Strand Trail

From the parking lot, you will walk on paved road for a bit.

Morro Rock Strand Trail

There are some signs along the way that will point you in the right direction. We recommend wearing sandals or water-shoes since you might walk on the water. Once you get to a fork in the road, you can either go to the right or the left. The right (towards the beach access) will be longer. We went towards the Beach Boardwalk.

Morro Rock Strand Trail
Morro Rock Strand Trail
Morro Rock Strand Trail

You will eventually get to the sand part and walk on here for a few more minutes before getting to the beach.

Morro Rock Strand Trail
Morro Rock Strand Trail
Morro Rock Strand Trail
Morro Rock Strand Trail
Walking on the sand

After about 10 minutes, you should be able to see a glimpse of Morro Rock.

Morro Rock Strand Trail
Morro Rock Strand Trail

There really wasn’t many people around us since most were closer to the rock at the actual beach. We wanted to be able to watch the sunset with the rock in the background so we stayed further back.

Morro Rock Strand Trail

Brea even had time to fly her drone which had some pretty awesome shots.

Morro Rock Strand Trail

We spent about an hour here waiting for the sunset and taking photos. Our friends even found cool shells and walked along the shore.

Morro Rock Strand Trail

This was a beautiful place to watch the sunset that required minimal effort. It was a great addition to our SLO trip!

Morro Rock Strand Trail

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