Turri Rd / Prefumo Canyon, Morro Bay, CA

Turri Rd, near San Luis Obispo, CA is the perfect backroad for anyone navigating the gap between the Pacific Coast and SLO. Running parallel to Highway 1 to the north and Los Osos Valley Rd to the south, it offers a tranquil alternative to the main arteries.

To find it, peel off Highway 1 onto S. Bay Blvd outside of Morro Bay and head south toward Los Osos to reach Turri Rd.

Riding eastward, the road transforms into a rhythmic roller coaster of gentle dips and relaxed rises. The pavement stretches towards the silhouette of Hollister Peak. Standing at 1,404 feet, Hollister is one of the most prominent of the Nine Sisters (or Nine Morros). This chain of ancient volcanic peaks stretches roughly 21 miles between Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. These peaks actually formed much farther south—much farther—closer to modern-day Tijuana, Mexico—and have been carried north by the movement of tectonic plates along the San Andreas Fault system over millions of years.

Turri Rd isn’t long, but you can easily extend the ride by heading southward toward Prefumo Canyon. When Turri terminates, turn left (east) for a quick, five-mile jaunt on Los Osos Valley Rd, then look for the right-hand turn onto Prefumo Canyon Rd.

The road narrows to a single-lane climb that switchbacks up the Irish Hills, trading the valley floor for ridge-top views of the Pacific Ocean and San Luis Obispo. Prefumo Canyon eventually connects to San Luis Bay Dr, though it changes names to See Canyon Rd in the middle. Be aware there is a short stretch of gravel on this leg, but it’s brief and manageable with any motorcycle.

The combination of Turri, Prefumo, and See Canyon covers about 23 miles and pops out near Avila Beach, just north of Pismo Beach. From there, you can head out to one of the three different ocean piers or circle back to San Luis Obispo. There's also a lighthouse here too but it's organized tours only.

In the springtime, these hills are a vibrant, glowing green, providing a sharp contrast to the dark, craggy rock of the Morros in the distance. With no shoulder and very little traffic, it’s just you, the sound of you motor, and the occasional hawk circling the wetlands of Los Osos Creek.

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