2 climbers rescued after illegally scaling Morro Rock
The Morro Bay Fire Department rescued two people who illegally climbed Morro Rock on Thursday afternoon.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found two climbers about halfway up the Rock shortly after noon, Morro Bay Fire Department Chief Daniel McCrain said.
Firefighters ascended the rock, made contact with the climbers, then escorted them to the ground, he said.
“It’s really steep and rocky terrain with steep dropoffs that can be dangerous,” McCrain said. “For people that are unfamiliar with it, it is pretty treacherous up there.”
The climbers appeared to be in their mid-20s, and seemed to be visiting the area, he said.
The trip up the Rock may cost more than the travelers bargained for.
The climbers could be responsible for an approximately $2,000 fine for scaling the Rock without authorization, McCrain said.
The state registered Morro Rock as a protected bird sanctuary for peregrine falcons and as a historic landmark, which are both designations that prohibit people from climbing the Rock, according to the city of Morro Bay.
Morro Rock is also a sacred site for the Chumash and Salinan Tribes. The Native American Heritage Commission authorized the members of the Salinan Tribe to climb the rock on the summer and winter solstice for cultural and religious ceremonies, according to previous Tribune reporting.
When McCrain left the scene, State Parks officials were interviewing the climbers.
State Parks officials cited and released the climbers, State Parks San Luis Obispo Coast District Superintendent Dan Falat said. A court will decide whether to charge the climbers with fines, he said.
This story was originally published November 13, 2025 at 1:32 PM.
