Hike Moro Rock
Sequoia National Park, California
Description
Added by John Loyola
Panoramic view of the Great Western Divide. Stair. Master workout to the summit. Scenic hike during snowy winter months. 0.5 miles roundtrip. 300 foot elevation gain.
Moro Rock is a granite dome with a staircase leading to the 6,725 foot summit, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Great Western Divide. From Generals Hwy, you can drive up Crescent Meadow Road to the parking lot at the base of Moro Rock (summer weekends the road is closed for shuttles only). From there your trek starts with a steep climb up 400+ steps to the top. With the higher altitude, the climb can be difficult for visitors that are not in shape. Another reminder is to bring water, especially during the warmer months. Although the climb is a 1/4 mile, visitors do not realize how difficult the 300 foot elevation stair climb can be.
In the winter months Crescent Meadow Road is closed. You will need to park at the Giant Forest Museum parking lot and hike the two miles from Generals Highway to Moro Rock. I prefer this option because of the scenic hike along the snow covered giant trees and crowds are non-existent. You may encounter a few deer during the hike. Depending on the snow fall, you may need snow shoes but usually waterproof hiking boots are fine. Because you are using the road as a trail, it is not difficult to follow. Do not attempt to climb up the stairs when covered with snow, ice or low cloud coverage, making visibility very limited. It can be very dangerous. If the weather conditions do not permit the climb, hike back to Crescent Meadow Road and continue on to the Tunnel Log for some photo opportunities. Once you are ready to head home, take the road back to the museum parking lot. The round trip hike will take 2-3 hours.
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Reviews
A short hike to the top of Moro Rock. A good stop during a short stay in Sequoia NP. Would recommend!
5.0
The small narrow cliff edge/trail makes for some nail biting steps on your way to the best view in the park. No climbing gear needed or real scrambling, but it’s still a moderate to difficult trail.
5.0
We climbed the steps to the top of Moro Rock a few days ago and the experience was amazing. We were looking out at the view while standing inside the clouds. This is a MUST if you are visiting Sequoia
5.0
Super safe all the way up. Awesome view at the top. Very worth it to go all the way to the top
5.0
The views that you get from the top of Moro Rock are unmatched in Sequoia National Park. With pretty much a 360 degree view of the valley and other peaks, it was easily the most rewarding hike for the least amount of effort. I will say that that once you get closer to the top, the trail can get a little tight for crowded days with little room to pass other parties going in the opposite direction. Overall, I highly recommend this hike, and I will be back to photograph the sunset.
5.0
I loved this short hike! Maybe I was just motivated to get to the top, but the walk up the steps didn't seem bad at all. The top of the rock can get crowded, so be prepared to be patient if you want the classic panorama shot. Overall, a must-see if you're in the park!
5.0
It was raining badly when we went to Sequoia NP. We almost didn't go up Morro Rock, but were glad we did. We had a great time & the view at the top was incredible - my first peek at the Sierras.. And they were so different than any mountains I'd seen. Breathtaking.
5.0
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Nearby
Drive through Tunnel Log
Hike Crescent Meadow
Backpack the High Sierra Trail
Camp at Buckeye Flat in Sequoia National Park
Hike through the Giant Forest in Sequoia NP
Hike the Congress Trail
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