Morro Bay to Cayucos Bike Path: A Safer, Scenic Route for Cyclists and Pedestrians
The Morro Bay to Cayucos Connector Trail: A Game Changer for Cyclists and Pedestrians
If you’ve ever biked along Highway 1 between Morro Bay and Cayucos, you know the deal—it’s not exactly the most relaxing ride. With cars whizzing past just feet away, riders and pedestrians are forced to navigate the highway shoulder, making what should be a stunning coastal ride feel more like an extreme sport. But that’s about to change.
After two decades in the making, the Morro Bay to Cayucos Connector Trail is closer than ever to becoming a reality. This long-awaited project promises a safe, scenic, and fully separated bike and pedestrian path linking the two coastal communities. And while there’s still a $2 million funding gap, planners are confident the final piece of the puzzle will come together soon. If all goes according to plan, the trail will break ground in 2027 and open in 2028.
This is huge news for cyclists, pedestrians, and anyone who loves the Central Coast’s incredible landscapes. Let’s break down what this means for our community, why it’s so important, and what you can expect when this long-overdue project finally comes to life.
Why This Trail Matters
For too long, the only way to travel between Morro Bay and Cayucos without a car has been to brave the shoulder of Highway 1—a route that is neither safe nor enjoyable. The new trail will change that.
Supervisor Bruce Gibson put it best: “In the age of e-bikes, it’s a real transportation connection, it’s a recreational amenity, it’s a tourist attraction.” And he’s right. This isn’t just about giving cyclists a more pleasant ride. It’s about providing a legitimate transportation option for residents and visitors alike.
A dedicated bike and pedestrian path means:
Safer travel: No more white-knuckle rides along the highway shoulder.
More accessibility: Families, kids, seniors, and those with disabilities will be able to use the path without fear of traffic.
A tourism boost: More visitors will be drawn to the area, benefitting local businesses.
A healthier, greener option: Fewer cars on the road means reduced emissions and a healthier community.
Plus, the views along this stretch of coastline are breathtaking. The opportunity to experience them up close, without the roar of highway traffic, will be an absolute game-changer.
What to Expect: The Trail’s Route and Features
The 1.25-mile Morro Bay to Cayucos Connector Trail will blend existing bike routes with newly built sections that hug the coastline, offering spectacular views of Estero Bay, Morro Rock, and the open ocean. Here’s how it will come together:
Starting point in Cayucos: The trail begins near the future Norma Rose Park on the east side of Highway 1. From there, it follows Ocean Boulevard and crosses Highway 1 at Old Creek Road to reach the ocean side.
Through Cayucos: The path continues south on Studio Drive, linking to an existing beach parking area.
Open shoreline section: Leaving the streets behind, the trail moves onto the coastline near Dog Beach (land once owned by the Chevron Marine Terminal), offering uninterrupted ocean views.
Toro Creek Bridge: A new 180-foot bridge will cross Toro Creek, providing a safe and scenic transition into Morro Bay.
Final stretch into Morro Bay: The path will weave through residential areas, ultimately ending at Cloisters Community Park.
Throughout its course, the trail will feature multiple access points to the beach, bridges, and a carefully designed retaining wall to blend into the natural surroundings. Planners have emphasized that riders will be able to see, hear, and smell the ocean the entire time—just as it should be.
Overcoming Challenges: Funding and Legal Hurdles
Like any major infrastructure project, getting to this point hasn’t been easy. Funding has been a major obstacle, but thanks to a combination of state and local contributions, nearly $10 million has already been secured. The final $2 million is expected to come from a California Coastal Conservancy grant, with a decision due in April.
There’s also been some legal pushback. A handful of Toro Lane residents sued the county over the use of their street for the trail, but because the county holds a public easement, officials are moving forward. It’s a classic case of growing pains—some people resist change, but ultimately, this project will benefit the greater good. As a Central Coast bicycle accident lawyer, I know firsthand how important dedicated bike infrastructure is for rider safety.
A Step Toward a More Bike-Friendly Central Coast
This trail is more than just a local improvement—it’s part of a much bigger vision. When completed, it will become a key segment of the California Coastal Trail, a planned 1,230-mile route running from Oregon to Mexico. Imagine being able to ride safely along the entire California coastline, uninterrupted by highways and traffic. It’s a bold vision, but every new segment, including this one, gets us closer to making it a reality.
The momentum for bike-friendly infrastructure is growing across the Central Coast. Other projects, like the Bob Jones Trail extension and improved bike lanes in San Luis Obispo, signal a shift toward prioritizing alternative transportation. This is good news for everyone—not just cyclists, but drivers, pedestrians, and business owners who all benefit from safer, more sustainable transit options.
The Bigger Picture: Why We Need More Projects Like This
The Morro Bay to Cayucos Connector Trail is a step in the right direction, but we need to keep pushing for more. Investing in bike infrastructure isn’t just about recreation—it’s about safety, equity, sustainability, and smart urban planning.
Equity: Not everyone can afford a car, and public transportation options on the Central Coast are limited. Safe bike routes give people more freedom and accessibility.
Environmental impact: Encouraging biking over driving helps reduce carbon emissions and protect our beautiful coastline.
Health benefits: More biking means more exercise, which means a healthier, happier community.
For too long, car-centric infrastructure has dominated transportation planning. Projects like this prove that it doesn’t have to be that way. We can design communities that prioritize people, not just vehicles.
The Finish Line is in Sight
We’re so close to making this long-awaited trail a reality. If all goes well with the final funding, construction will start in 2027, and by 2028, we’ll have a safe, scenic connection between Morro Bay and Cayucos.
For local cyclists, this is a win worth celebrating. No more dodging cars on Highway 1. No more stressful rides with vehicles flying past at 60 mph. Just a smooth, safe, and beautiful route that allows us to fully enjoy the incredible place we call home.
The future of cycling on the Central Coast is looking bright. Let’s keep the momentum going. Of course, if you’ve been injured riding your bike on the Central Coast, get a fast, free, case evaluation today.