Moro Rock Hike Trail – Sequoia National Park, California

The Moro Rock hike inside of Sequoia National Park is a short hike with a big payoff! Moro Rock is a giant slab of granite jutting out, off into the distance, and viewable when you enter the park from the Southern entrance. But climbing the rock allows you to get a spectacular view of the park, including Mt. Whitney (the highest point in the lower 48 states) and the winding “General’s Highway” on which you just drove. Don’t worry – this is a paved trail with stairs – you will not be doing any ‘rock climbing’ on this hike. Let’s explore the Moro Rock hike.

Moro Rock Trail Details

Moro Rock Trailhead location: The trailhead is located down Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Road, 1 mile from the Giant Forest Museum entrance.

Parking/Shuttle Service: Parking can be a challenge at this location. I hiked Moro Rock on a May weekday, but had my sister drop me off at the trailhead, as the lot was full and she did not want to do this hike.

This is a very popular hike with a tiny parking lot – even if you visit during a slower time, you might not be able to find parking. Shuttle services run in the summer from the Giant Forest Museum from 8am – 6pm. Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow road is only open for passenger vehicles during summer weekdays. On summer weekends, you must use the free shuttle service at the Giant Forest Museum to reach the trailhead. The Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow road closes during the winter and the trail is closed due to icy, unsafe conditions.

Length: 1/2 mile – out and back. Trail is mainly made up of granite steps – roughly 350 steps one way to the top.

Elevation gain: 177 feet

Cost: You need to pay an entrance fee to enter Sequoia National Park ($35/car) or use your annual America the Beautiful park pass. This trail does not require any permits.

Hiking Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park

This is a fun, short and very enjoyable hike that is completely paved the entire way and mostly made up of granite stairs. If you have a fear of heights, you might want to pass on this hike, although you are protected by guardrails on the stairs the entire hike up. It’s a short hike of about a mile round trip, but you will feel the elevation as you climb the stairs. The stairs wind around the rock and get narrow as you gain elevation. Eventually, you’ll reach the top, where you get a beautiful view of the valley below.

It’s important to note to watch out for the weather when doing this hike. You want to avoid this during thunderstorms, as lightening and being on top of a giant granite rock wouldn’t be a good combination.

Moro Rock Hike – Final Thoughts

Pros:
Short hike with a little bit of a workout, leading to beautiful views

Cons:
Parking can be an issue.
May need to use the shuttle service

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