Morro Rock is an iconic peak that was formed about 23 million years ago from the plugs of long-extinct volcanoes. It is a morro, which is a rocky outcrop in the shallow waters of a harbor, often round in shape and sometimes very high. They are commonly made from hard granite or quartz. Evidence supports a theory that the morros erupted along old fault lines, leading to a hot spot deep within the earth.
Morro Rock is part of the “Nine Sisters” of volcanic plugs, which are extinct volcano peaks which run in an approximately straight line for twelve miles, stretching from Morro Bay to San Luis Obispo.
Morro Rock's highest spot has been recorded as 576 feet tall, is the entrance to the Morro Bay Harbor and is connected to shore by a causeway. The rock was mined on and off until 1963 and provided material for the break water of Morro Bay and Port San Luis Harbor.
Morro Rock was first sighted in 1542 by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who called it "El Morro," which is Spanish for "the pebble." Since then, it has become an important landmark to sailors and travelers. It is considered a sacred site by the Chumash Indian tribe, who have the rare exemption to legally climb Morro Rock for their annual Solstice ceremony.
References:
http://www.slostateparks.com/morro_rock/default.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morro_Rock
http://www.morrobay.com/rock.htm
http://www.beachcalifornia.com/morro2.html
Morro Rock is an ecological reserve. Climbing the actual rock is illegal and prohibited. Please admire the rock from the public viewing spots and trail.
In order to log this cache:
1. Go to the following coordinates - Morro Rock is a very distinctive landform. How do you think it was produced? Email me your answer.
2. Email me the number of people in your group.
Optional: Please take a picture of your group at Morro Rock and post it to the gallery.