As we drive between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay we pass many hills known as The Peaks of the Nine Sisters (sometimes called the seven sisters depending on how many peaks are counted)
There are actually over 21 major and minor peaks in the Morros, but there are nine major peaks, hence the name The Nine Sisters. Morro Rock was named in 1542 by Portuguese navigator Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who explored the Pacific Coast for Spain. Cabrillo called the rock El Moro because it resembled the head of a Moor, known for the turbans they wore. The nine major peaks are: Morro Rock, Black Hill, Cabrillo Peak, Hollister Peak, Cerro Romauldo , Chumash Peak, Bishop Peak, San Luis Mountain, and Islay Hill. Two other hills - Stunted Terrace Hill and the submerged Davidson's Seamount are omitted. The Nine Sisters are often referred to as the Morros.
The Nine Sisters are a series of ancient volcanic peaks over 20 million years old. They form a backdrop for the Cities of San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay on the Central Coast of California - forming a divider between the Los Osos Valley and Chorro Valley covering approximately 40 square miles.
The Nine Sisters are arranged in almost a straigt line and are formed from the plugs of long-extinct volcanoes. They are a great example of the volcanic process though they have not been active for over 20 million years. As recently as 18 to 20 thousand years ago the sea was 300 feet lower than it is today and Morro rock stood on dry land. After the last glacial retreat, the sea rose again and Morro Rock was surrounded by salt water. A causeway to Morro Rock was made in 1933 through the Works Progress Administration. A causeway was created with materials blasted from the rock.
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