The Moro Canyon Study
The Moro Canyon Study
TAKE A LOOK BACK AT THE RECREATION AND RESTORATION OF ONE OF CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK’S FLOURISHING COMMUNITIES.Though the recorded history for the El Moro area of Crystal Cove State Park dates back to the Mexican era of Rancho San Joaquin, its reputation as a popular recreation destination may have been established in 1927, when it became home to the roadside Tyron’s Camp and Café (until 1936) following the opening of Coast Highway the previous year. From 1956 to 2006, the bluff-top and beach housed the privately leased 298-unit El Morro Trailer Park.
In 1979, California State Parks purchased the land to become part of Crystal Cove State Park; in the years since, the state park system has made has made great efforts to restore and protect the significant natural and cultural resources of this canyon and creek.
A place that’s adopted numerous monikers over the years—including El Morro Beach and El Moro Bay and Cove—the creek and canyon have the official USGS designation of “Moro,” and today house an environmentally designed campground and day-use facilities that reflect the balance of resource protection with public access to create an enhanced visitor experience.