That's A-Morro!

Los Osos Hike to Swings and Morro Rock Overlook

Los Osos hike to swing Morro Rock overlook

Most swing sets are found in a playground, but this set of swings is found in a grove of large eucalyptus trees overlooking one of San Luis Obispo's iconic formations: Morro Rock, the northernmost of the ancient volcanoes dubbed Nine Sisters and the only one that emerges from the ocean. Head out for a 2.5-mile (round-trip) hike featuring the swings and continuing on to Broderson Peak Trail for a premier vantage of Morro Bay. The trail starts in Los Osos and travels through Baywood Ecological Reserve up towards Broderson Peak. Hike for about a quarter of a mile before reaching the tree swings tucked in the grove. The view from the swings looks out over the long sand-spit that separates Morro Bay from the Pacific and offers a fantastic vantage of Morro Rock rising from the sea. Continue along the sandy singletrack for about half a mile before turning right up the hill that takes you to Broderson Peak. Hike up through sand dunes and across a brief section of Monterey shale rock. Along the way you'll pass more eucalyptus groves and views of Black Hill, Cabrillo Peak, and Hollister Peak, all part of the Nine Sisters chain. At the top there are two benches: one looking out over Morro Rock and the other facing the ocean and the back side of Montaña de Oro State Park. Two cool!

TIP: Nearby Montaña de Oro State Park gets spectacular golden wildflowers in spring, but it's also the Pacific-hugging bluffs and utterly pristine coastline that make this place a standout. Find solitude, secluded sands, wild waves, and tranquil tide pools on the 4-mile (out-and-back) Bluff Trail.

From Hwy. 101, take Los Osos Valley Rd. west until it becomes Pecho Valley Rd. in Los Osos. Continue on Pecho Valley Rd. and take the second left, onto Rodman Dr. Drive up the hill and park at the end of the street. The trail begins after a “Dead End” sign and gate. The trail meets up with what is known as Broderson Peak Trail (coming up from Los Osos). The trail you'll take is unnamed; however, it is a clearly defined singletrack trail that is well maintained and easy to follow. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View