All national parks have at least one must-hike trail. At Sequoia National Park in California, the iconic trail you should tackle during your visit is the hike up the more than 350 concrete steps to the top of the granite dome known as Moro Rock, looming 6,726 feet (2,050 meters) above sea level. It might not be a hike to take if you have a fear of heights, but if you can overcome that vertiginous feeling, the entire trek upward is a heady experience with views of forest and granite domes to the east and the San Joaquin Valley and Great Western Divide to the west, including the switchbacked curves of the Generals Highway below. And, it’s only 300 feet (91.4 meters) to reach the summit. While perhaps not the most popular hike in the park (that distinction belongs to the General Sherman Tree Trail), Moro Rock is one of the most popular hikes.
You can see Moro Rock from the overlook along the twisting Generals Highway about 18 miles (29 kilometers) northeast from Three Rivers, California. It’s an imposing dome composed of the igneous rock granodiorite; a salt-and-pepper-looking rock formed from the slow cooling of magma deep below the Earth’s surface.
To get to the trailhead, drive along the Generals Highway to the Giant Forest Museum. Turn into the parking lot and you’ll see a sign pointing to the road toward the Moro Rock parking area. The Moro Rock parking area is two miles (3.2 kilometers) away from the turnoff. During the summer, free park shuttles will take you to the parking area from the museum.
The narrow two-way Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow Road eventually becomes a one-way loop into and out of the Moro Rock parking area.
The stairs leading upward are narrow. If you have small children with you, keep a close eye on them because of steep drop-offs along the entire route.
Some very short portions of the climb are not so much stairs as simply a slanting concrete trail.
Downhill hikers should allow uphill climbers the right-of-way.
Take the hike slow and easy. It’s not really a “lung-buster” but it is steep and narrow. Hand rails line the trail most of the way, punctuated in between with cement or rock guards on one side and the tall rock of the granite dome on the other side.
There’s a small view area about three-fourths of the trek upward that is a good spot to catch your breath, take a swig of water, and marvel at the view.
You might even see rangers climbing up and down the side of Moro Rock, picking up trash. It’s a dangerous endeavor for them, so make sure you pack out what you pack in on this hike, including snack wrappers, fruit peels, and water bottles. Yes, fruit peels decompose but it takes a long time and they are not healthy for the resident wildlife’s digestive system since it’s not a local food for them.
While haze is a constant issue when viewing the landscape, the morning I hiked the stairs provided a relatively clear view of the terrain beyond. Speaking of mornings, anytime prior to 10 a.m. is a great time to hike up to the top with few crowds. Sunsets are lovely there too, I am told. Of course, this means you will be returning down to the parking lot as it gets dark.
Before you drive to Moro Rock, check the current road conditions within the park. During the time I hiked the trail, a road crew was there cutting down hazard trees at the parking lot, closing the road to the trailhead from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. every day during the week I spent in the park.
Also be cognizant of cold autumn mornings, when the trail can be icy. During winter, Moro Rock Trail is closed due to snow and ice.
Note: Pets are not allowed on any trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. In developed areas, pets must be kept on a leash at all times.
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
