Sequoia National Park - Moro Rock Trail

on July 01, 2024

Introduction:

What? :

Moro Rock is a visible impressive granite rock when you are driving up the winding road leading into the park from it south side, when you take the side-road leading to the rock base and parking lot the rock is still impressive.

This granite domed is one of the most popular destinations in the park. A short but steep hike climbing more than 400 steps lead to the highest point.

This viewing point towering 1,000 vertical feet of exposed granite wall provide a fantastic view of the entire canyon of the Middle Fork Kaweah River below you. The cascade mountain range peaks lines above you to the east, the edge of the Giant Forest and the tall sequoia treetops are visible to the north and at sunset, an impressive view of the sun setting down at San Joaquin Valley in the west.

Where? :

Sequoia National Park is in the heart of California central Sierra mountains, adjusted South of Kings Canyon National Park.

It is about six hours to drive from Los Angeles and six hours to drive from San Francisco.

Moro Rock parking lot is located at the Crescent Meadow/Moro Rock Road, 2 miles from the Giant Forest Museum. From the museum drive up the road and at some point, you will see signs directing to Moro Rock to the right. You will drive into a one-way road that will lead to the edge of the ridge and after a turn you will see Moro Rock in front of you. There are few parking spots along this road on the right side, if you find open spot park there because the small parking lot may be full.

Crescent Meadow Road may be closed to private vehicles on summer weekend days (from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm). So, that means that you’ll have to arrive early, or take the shuttle. The shuttle departs from the Giant Forest Museum parking area every 15 minutes and is free.

The road leading to Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow is close during the winter months.

Google Map Link

When? :

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National parks are open year-round although not all roads are clear of snow during winter (see below). The best time to visit here is during the summer months, from May to September.

Summer month can introduce hot days even in high elevation. At mid-late summer you can have forest fires and smoke that cover the view during that season.

During the summer month you may start your day with clear blue skies, but weather conditions can change quickly and by midday, you may find yourself in a strong summer storm with wind, rain and thunderstorm.

Lightning activity in the Sierra during summer months is common (can cause forest fire). Thunder clouds buildup seen far off in the distance can be an indicator of incoming lightning activity, you should evaluate your location and if you are in high and expose area you need to seek shelter or lower ground.

Winter months are very cold and stormy, and the area and trails are covered by snow. Tire chains may be required on park roads any time it snows, usually late fall, winter, and through spring.

The recommended and safe enter to the park during winter, when the roads are covered with snow and ice is via highway 180 coming up from Fresno.

Winter roads closer:

· General Highway coming from the south (coming from Visalia, CA) in it steep and narrow switchbacks section can be close.

· Highway 180 road in heading down into Kings Canyon is closed during winter month when deep snow covers the road, usually between Jan to March.

· Crescent Meadow Rd leading to Moro Rock is close during the winter months.

It is very dangerous to be on the top and exposed Moro Rock during lightning !

Due note 1:

This is in a national park, so it requires an America the Beautiful yearly pass or paying the $35 entrance fee, which is valid for up to seven days.

Due note 2:

I highly recommend coming here late at the afternoon for sunset viewing.

The parking lot at the base of Moro Rock is not big and may be full. You can park on the right shoulder of the one-way road leading to the rock and there are also few other parking spots after the rock.

This area of the park is quite popular. You may have to wait a bit of time for a parking spot to clear. I did few circles before managing to find a parking spot.

There is a Fare-Free Shuttle Service that is connecting from Giant Forest Museum.

During Summer 2024, daily shuttle service begins May 23 and runs through September 2, 2024. Shuttles run from 8:30 am until 6 pm.

Due note 3:

In winter, Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Road is closed to cars and cover with snow. Though ski trails lead to the parking area, the stairway leading up to the top of the rock may be closed due to the danger of the icy or snowy steps.

Due note 4:

During the summer month, especially at the afternoon thunderstorms are commons.

It is highly dangerous to be at the top of the exposed Moro Rock viewing platforms where there are thunders.

Due note 5:

Pets are prohibited on all trails in the park. This includes paved trails, such as the General Sherman Tree Trail, Big Trees Trail, Grant Tree Trail, and others. Service dogs are permitted anywhere their companion goes.

Due note 6:

There are no gas stations within the national parks. Be sure to fill your tanks before you enter the park or ensure that you have enough gas to reach one of the two gas stations in the neighboring national forest:

· You can find gas stations on highway 180 before entering the park

· Hume Lake (open year-round)

· On the road leading to Sequoia National Park at Stony Creek Resort & Gas Station (open summer only).

· In Three Rivers not so far from Visalia.

There are no charging stations for electric vehicles.

Due note 7:

You may encounter high temperatures during the summer and early fall months. Please carry and drink plenty of water. Bring hats and use sunscreen. Restrooms are available in the parking lot.

Due note 8:

Even during the summer months be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. Pack an extra layer of clothing that reflects the most extreme conditions you could encounter.

Salty and easy to digest snacks work well for outdoor activities.

Due note 9:

Black bears, though not always black, are found throughout Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Never touch or feed ANY wild animals. View animals at safe distances (the length of two city buses from more dangerous animals like bears). looking for wildlife as bears are often seen in the early morning and late afternoon.

Rattlesnakes are common in the Sequoia foothills and in the Kings Canyon at low elevation.

I saw many complains about mosquitoes in this area, I came early summer, and it was clean.

Due note 10:

There are few restaurant options nearby, near Lodgepole Visitor Center you can find Lodgepole Market & Grill, the Wuksachi Lodge offers pizza and sandwiches with outdoor seating

Due note 11:

Lodgepole Campground is located not so far but as in many other campgrounds in the National Parks reservations can be hard to come by.

There are other camping options in the park: Dorst Creek and Sunset Campground. Another option is Azalea Campground in the nearby Grant Grove in Kings Canyon NP.

Links to my Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Blogs:

My thoughts:

Moro Rock is probably the most popular granite dome hike in Sequoia National Park. It is as busy as General Sherman Area, many people climbing the narrow stairs and the small viewing platform at the top of the rock can be pack with people.

When I visit here there were many people waiting for sunset, but it did not felt overcrowded and we all manage to enjoy the orange/red sunset on one side and the rising of the full moon on the other side.

The visit:

The impressive narrow and steep 797-foot-long stairway leading to the top of Moro Rock designed by the National Park Service and built in 1931.

Moro Rock is one of the Sequoia Park main attractions, and you will see here many people walking up and down the stairs.

Handrails along the way and at the top viewing platform make the climb safe, but if you are coming with children make sure they are not getting close to the steep cliffs along the entire route.

From the small parking area, you will see the large granite rock right in front of you. Take the trail and start climbing up on the left side of the rock.

The trail is relatively short so if you find it challenging take your time and take brakes to recover your breath. When I visit here, I saw people of all levels of physical ability climbing it all the way to the top.

The path is cut the granite rock on it side, and as you climb the surrounding view start to open-up. After short hike the trail cut to the right over to the other side of the exposed rock on it south side. From here the turn left and keep climbing the rocky section up.

After few small steep staircase switchbacks, you will reach the last section and from there to the upper open dome level.

The 360-degree view is impressive.

Way below you, you can see the large and deep canyon of the Middle Fork Kaweah River, far away to the east you can see the cascade snowcapped mountain range peaks, the edge of the Giant Forest and the tall sequoia treetops to the north of the dome and at sunset, an impressive view of the sun setting down in the San Joaquin Valley to the west.

The small viewing platform is bordered by safety rails, but they are not fully close to pass so make sure to watch your children so they will not pass the rail.

I came here late in the afternoon and waited for the sunset. Moro Rock at sunset is the best place in the park for sunset viewing.

Because of the wiled forest fires that were taking place west of Moro Rock, the visibility to the west was not good, it was unclear and hazy from the smoke.

This smoke make the sunset colors even more beautiful and instance from usual. As the sun set down the colors changed from yellow to orange to deep red.

This was a full moon night so as the sun was setting to the west the full moon was rising in the east. Because the high mountain range that was on the east it took the moon some longer time to appear above the mountains. I was waiting to the right moment where the moon just crossing the mountains and manage to get some good pictures of the rising full moon and the ridgeline silhouette.

It was start getting late and dark and after some time when the moon was doing it way up above the horizon I decided to walk back.

After enjoying the view, I make my way back down the stairs. A short walk down and I was back at my car.

What an amazing afternoon / sunset / moonrise hike this was!

One of my most recommended to visit places in the Sequoia Park.

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