Upper Moro Gear Checklist
Upper Moro is a hike-in primitive camp on the ridge above Crystal Cove, a climb of at least 3 miles from the trailhead with no water at the site and no open fires. What people write about is carrying all their water up the hill, a backpacking stove, sun protection for exposed trail and a care around rattlesnakes. Campers say Upper Moro is quieter and more sheltered from wind than its lower neighbor, but it has fewer ocean views.
What shapes your gear on Upper Moro
- The hike
- A hiker who camped at Lower Moro says all three primitive sites need a hike of at least 3 miles each way. Lower Moro took between ninety minutes and two hours, and a trail listing for that route shows 6.37 miles out and back with 997 feet of climbing. Upper Moro lies a bit further on.
From The Outbound and Reddit r/orangecounty
- Water
- None of the three primitive sites has a water source. Day hikers report a water fill and bathrooms at the Lower Moro trailhead lot, so top up there.
From The Outbound and HikingGuy
- Fire
- No open fires are allowed at the primitive sites, so food is cooked on a backpacking stove.
From The Outbound
- Toilets
- Reports differ. A camping guide says the primitive sites have picnic tables and pit toilets, and a 2015 commenter remembered porta-potties.
From Beyond The Tent and Reddit r/orangecounty
- Climate
- The park describes foggy summer mornings that burn off by mid-morning, warm sunny days and cool evenings.
- Wind and company
- A camper who prefers Upper Moro says it is less crowded and more sheltered from the wind than Lower Moro, which has better ocean views. Another recalls the best sunset views and the most space at one Upper Moro site.
From Reddit r/socalhiking: Favorite backcountry campground at Crystal Cove?
- Parking
- A camper writing in 2015 says to stop at the parking kiosk and ask for an overnight backcountry pass for the car. Staff at the kiosk gave one group the wrong pass and they were ticketed, so check current practice with the park.
What the agency requires on Upper Moro
A plan that leaves the dog at home
Dogs are not allowed in the Deer Canyon, Lower Moro or Upper Moro campgrounds, and they are not allowed in the backcountry except service animals.
What hikers carry on Upper Moro
All the water for the night and the climb
There is no source at the site. A day-hike guide asks for at least 1 liter even on a short loop here, and the Lower Moro hiker says to bring plenty of water and snacks for the steep route.
From The Outbound and HikingGuy
A backpacking stove
Open fires are banned at the primitive sites, so dinner and coffee come from a stove.
From The Outbound
Sun protection and cool clothing
The ridge is exposed. A camping guide says to pack cool clothes and plenty of sunscreen, and a first-time camper arrived at Upper Moro out of breath and overheated at points on the climb.
From Beyond The Tent and Reddit r/socalhiking: Successful trip to Upper Moro at Crystal Cove, and now asking for thoughts on these next steps!
Snacks for the climb
The steeper way up, the right-hand fork a short way past the trailhead, is hard on the body, so the Lower Moro hiker recommends food for energy.
From The Outbound
Light hiking shoes for the BFI climb
A past camper always takes the BFI route, which is steep but gets the worst over quickly. A day-hike guide says light hiking gear is fine for the same hills.
From Reddit r/orangecounty and HikingGuy
A warm layer for the evening
The park describes cool evenings, and Upper Moro campers like it for shelter from wind compared with Lower Moro.
From California State Parks and Reddit r/socalhiking: Favorite backcountry campground at Crystal Cove?
4 people can go on one permit. Split this list between them so nobody carries two stoves.
Plan a trip hereWhat hikers regret or leave behind on Upper Moro
Firewood or a fire kit
No open fires are allowed, so wood is dead weight on a 3-mile climb.
From The Outbound
Swim and beach gear
A camping guide notes that the backcountry sites are a lengthy hike from the beach, while the beach by the lower parking lot is a short walk. Leave towels in the car and swim after you come down.
From Beyond The Tent and The Outbound
Dogs
The park bans dogs at Upper Moro and in the backcountry, apart from service animals.
Gear questions for Upper Moro
Is there water at Upper Moro?
No. None of the three primitive sites has a water source, so carry all of it. Day hikers report a water fill and bathrooms at the Lower Moro trailhead lot.
From The Outbound and HikingGuy
How far is the hike to Upper Moro?
At least 3 miles each way, with a steep climb. One hiker needed between ninety minutes and two hours to reach Lower Moro, and Upper Moro is a bit further.
From The Outbound and Reddit r/orangecounty
Can I have a campfire at Upper Moro?
No. Open fires are not allowed at the primitive sites, so bring a backpacking stove.
From The Outbound
Can I bring my dog to Upper Moro?
No. The park does not allow dogs at the Upper Moro campground or in the backcountry, except service animals.
Are there rattlesnakes near Upper Moro?
Yes. A camping guide warns of rattlesnakes in the backcountry, and a past camper says they usually saw quite a few. Give them room and watch your footing.
From Beyond The Tent and Reddit r/orangecounty
Sources
- Crystal Cove State Park · California State Parks · Agency
- El Moro Canyon Trail to Lower Moro Campground · The Outbound, Joshua Hernandez · Trip report
- The Complete Guide to Crystal Cove State Park Camping · Beyond The Tent, Ben Morgan · Blog
- El Moro Canyon Trail Guide · HikingGuy · Blog
- Camping at Crystal Cove State Park · Reddit r/orangecounty, u/dalek_999 · Reddit thread
- Favorite backcountry campground at Crystal Cove? · Reddit r/socalhiking, u/DavidWiese · Reddit thread
- Successful trip to Upper Moro at Crystal Cove, and now asking for thoughts on these next steps! · Reddit r/socalhiking, u/tiredpiano · Reddit thread