Morro Creek Spring, Morro Bay, CA

## Overview Morro Creek Spring is a user-maintained natural spring located along Highway 41 near Cerro Alto Campground, in the hills between Atascadero and Morro Bay in San Luis Obispo County, California. The spring emerges from a small pile of fractured rock on a hillside, roughly 50 feet upslope from the collection point. A local steward channelized the flow using 6-mil black plastic sheeting, directing the water downhill to a dug-out collection basin sized for a 5-liter bucket. The water runs crystal clear and has encouraged the return of native grasses and watercress around the spring site — a good ecological sign of consistent, clean flow. Visitors have noted the presence of calcium carbonate deposits in and around the water, suggesting the spring passes through limestone or calcium-rich geological formations common in the Santa Lucia Range. The regular contributor who established the collection point has reported drinking the water continuously for over four months without any adverse effects, though — as with any wild spring — water quality can vary with season and weather, and testing is always a wise precaution. The spring flows year-round and is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. ## Directions **Starting Point:** Morro Bay, CA (heading east on Highway 41 toward Atascadero) 1. From Morro Bay, head east on **Highway 41 (Atascadero Road)**. 2. Drive approximately **¼ mile** east from the Morro Bay side. The spring is on your **right (uphill) side** of the highway. 3. Look for a **concrete culvert** about **20 feet up the hillside** — this marks the spring location. You may also notice a roughly 100-yard water run flowing down the opposite (downhill) side of the highway. 4. There is a narrow pullout along the road with roughly **30 feet of shoulder space** for parking. It is also possible to park directly beside the spring, though this leaves very little clearance (approximately 2 feet) between your vehicle and the road edge. **⚠️ Safety Warning:** This stretch of Highway 41 is very curvy with limited visibility, and heavy truck traffic is common. Use extreme caution when pulling over, exiting your vehicle, and crossing the road. Consider wearing a high-visibility vest and using hazard lights while parked. **Nearest Landmark:** Cerro Alto Campground, Atascadero, CA 93422 ## What to Expect Morro Creek Spring is a roadside spring in a rugged, scenic stretch of the Santa Lucia foothills. The collection setup is simple but functional — water flows from fractured rock through a channelized path into a small basin where you can fill containers. The water has been described as crystal clear, and the surrounding area features lush grasses and watercress, indicating a healthy, steady flow. The spring sits on a hillside just above Highway 41, so access requires a short uphill scramble of about 20 feet from the road. The terrain is uneven and can be slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is recommended. There are no formal facilities, signage, or trails — this is a wild, user-maintained spring. Because the spring is right along a busy, winding highway, the biggest challenge is safe parking and road crossing. Arrive during lower-traffic times if possible, and always be alert for fast-moving vehicles. The nearby Cerro Alto Campground offers restrooms, picnic areas, and trailheads if you'd like to extend your visit into a longer outing in the area.