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Morro Creek Karst Rock Climbing

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Routes in Morro Creek Karst

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Psalm 42 (Adela Hurtado Memorial Route) S,TR 5.12- 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a

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Elevation:	808 ft	246 m
GPS:	35.42807, -120.7599 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	2,528 total · 34/month
Shared By:	Aaron Formella on Oct 7, 2018
Admins:	andy patterson, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes Page Updates (admin only)

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Description

This may be our county's only currently accessible limestone climbing area. If you like very steep terrain you will enjoy the climbing here. How about water-falls? There's one here too along with a couple shallow pools to swim in depending on water levels. There is a small amount of information about this area and a few routes listed in Tom Slater's guidebook, "California Central Coast Climbs: San Luis Obispo."

The climbing here is mostly bouldering on various pockets, jugs and slopers of limestone roofs. The landing areas aren't great and are frequently changing due to water flow after rains when the area beneath the cave floods. Bring pads and spotters and even be prepared to build-out landings with the accumulated debris (mostly wood) that washes into the area. Across the creek from the limestone cave is another type of rock (likely igneous) that has some boulder traverses over the water (shallow water soloing?) and a single sport route.

It is climbable in all seasons and often stays somewhat cool in the summer due to the shade and high walls surrounding the area. In winter after a rain, the area can flood making it inaccessible.

The area, although small, is quite beautiful and would be a good spot to shoot climbing photos with the small waterfall in the background. For some reason trash often gets left in this area. Please set a good example and carry out at least one piece in addition to all of yours when you leave.

Getting There

5 minutes or less from the parking areas. There are 3 small dirt pullouts on the south side of Hwy 41. There is limited parking; maybe room for only about 5 to 6 vehicles max. The GPS location on this Mountain Project map is accurate ( 35.42808, -120.75991 ). From the east, pass the Cerro Alto turn-off and go maybe 0.4 - 0.5 miles to the first and largest pullout. It shows up quickly just after the road bends right and a guard rail appears on the south (left) side of the road. The pullout appears when the guard rail ends. There are two smaller pullouts past this one. It is ideal to drive to the area from the west (heading east) since you don't have to cross a lane to get into the pullouts, although I'm not familiar with the landmarks before the pullouts. If you've reached Cerro Alto, you've gone too far, turn around.

Once at the pullouts, there are several trails and various ways to get into the area. If parked at one of the two smaller pullouts descend via obvious trails to the creek and head up stream. There is a large boulder in the stream that guards the grotto of the cave. Skirt through a small tunnel to it's left, climb over it, or hike above it and descend the easy chimney in the limestone. Alternatively, if you are parked at the largest, eastern pullout, you can climb down into the area via a couple low 5th class moves from upstream of it, or descend a very steep trail to the same chimney or boulder described above.