Morro Rock State Historic Landmark was formed about 23 million years ago from the plugs of long-extinct volcanoes, member of the “Nine Sisters” of volcanic plugs. It is home of nesting Peregrine Falcons, and is closed to any climbing or disturbance. Morro Rock was an important navigational aid for mariners for over 300 years as it height of 576 feet made it the most visible in a chain of nine peaks. Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo named the rock “El Morro” in 1542. In Spanish “Morro” means crown shaped hill.
Morro Rock, sometimes called the “Gibraltar of the Pacific,” is the last peak which extends from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay.