While the Sequoia trees often steal the spotlight, Sequoia National Park is brimming with other natural wonders. Moro Rock is one such gem. This relatively short climb up a staircase leads you to the top of a majestic granite dome, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding foothills and valley. This is certainly a trail where you will get a lot of bang for your buck!
Trail Info
Know before you go
The Moro Rock Trailhead parking area is limited, but you can reach it via shuttle or a hike if you can't snag a spot. During summer weekends, the road to the Moro Rock parking area closes completely. This NPS webpage highlights the details, but know that if you're planning this hike, it requires logistics and very likely will be crowded.
The parking area closes during the winter. While it is still possible to access, you will need the appropriate gear (cross country skis, snowshoes), depending on the conditions.
There are steep drop-offs along the trail, but there barriers. It may trigger some fear of heights, but the barriers should make most people feel comfortable. I will say some of the barriers could be ducked under or hopped over, so it is something to keep in mind if hiking with kids.
Altitude comes into play during this hike. At around 6,000 feet with a steep ascent (~11% grade), the altitude can be challenging, especially if you're coming from sea level. It's a short hike, so most should manage, but if you're huffing and puffing more than usual, that's likely the reason!
Other trails nearby
There are several other short granite dome hikes in the area including:
Sunset Rock (1.6 mile / 2.6 km from Museum)
Beetle Rock Vista (0.3 mile / 0,5 km flat trail from Museum)
Hanging Rock (0.5 mile / 0.8 km side trail along Moro Rock Trail)
The Trail
When I hiked this trail in mid-April, the road to the main parking lot was closed, so I had to start from the Giant Forest Museum, adding over three miles to the hike. This turned out to be a bonus, as the trail through the trees is quite pleasant. Navigation is straightforward—just keep following the signs for Moro Rock.
The trees and foliage along this trail were simply stunning.
Once you reach the main Moro Rock parking area, the real ascent begins. Simply follow the stairs the roughly 300 feet / 100 meters to the top.
I can imagine this hike being more stressful if it were crowded (which it often is during the summer), but I had it completely to myself during this crisp April-day. I was able to appreciate this unique infrastructure that makes this trail accessible.
The trail does narrow a bit in sections, but there is always a barrier, so it should make most people feel comfortable. At moments, I felt like I was walking up the battlements of a castle.
Nearing the top. This final approach felt like I was hiking along the spine of some prehistoric animal.
Made it! Now it's time to soak in some of these amazing views. There's numerous landmarks you can see from up (which are described in the panels attached to the railing) including Kawaeh River, Triple Divide Peak and Lion Rock to name a few.
I'd say this shot sums up how I felt on top of this rock!
SS Reflections
Moro Rock ended up being one of my favorite hikes during my time in Sequoia National Park. Being able to soak in all those Sierra peaks by myself while I stood atop that granite dome was so serene and peaceful. I admit, I'm not sure I would have enjoyed this hike as much if I had to deal with those large summer crowds, so my enjoyment may have been a product of the circumstances. It just goes to show that timing is everything.
Other helpful resources
NPS webpage with a description of the hike
For the love of wanderlust's detailed post about their hike with kids