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Moro Rock Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.6 (48)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …High Sierra
  4. …Sequoia National Park
  5. The Giant Forest
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“A trail that meanders among Giant Sequoias trees from the museum to Moro Rock with amazing views. ”

David Hitchcock
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3.9

Miles

6.2

KM

Out and Back

6,618' 2,017 m

High

6,404' 1,952 m

Low

369' 112 m

Up

369' 112 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

26%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Geological Significance · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Very fun for kids, but there are some drop offs to be mindful of.

The General's Highway from the entrance to the Giant Forest can be impacted by winter weather. If your vehicle is longer than 22 feet, consider using the entrance to Kings Canyon National Park along Highway 180. This main highway is closed occasionally during and after snowstorms for plowing. In winter, tire chains are often required. If the road to Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow is closed, consider taking this trail in order to get access to the Moro Rock area.

Overview

Moro Rock is a short but scenic hike in Sequoia National Park, offering panoramic views of the Great Western Divide. This out-and-back features a steep staircase with over 350 stone steps carved into the granite dome. While the climb is strenuous, the effort is well rewarded with breathtaking views.

Need to Know

Driving the Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road makes a shorter version of this hike because you can park right at the trailhead for the Moro Rock steps. However, access to this road is by park shuttle only on summer weekends, and it closes in winter. This longer hike is accessible year round except for occasional winter storm closures.

Description

The Moro Rock trail starts at the Giant Forest Museum. You can park across the street in the Big Trees Trail parking lot and walk across the road. You can visit the museum and gift shop before you start your hike.

Start along the road toward Moro Rock and on the right side of the road, you'll see the Moro Rock Trail sign. It is a singletrack dirt trail that meanders through the forest. As you make your way along the trail, you can see Giant Sequoias all around you. These giants tower above the trail and provide shade throughout the day, which makes it a great hike no matter what time of day. Because of the elevation, it is cooler in the forest than it is in the foothills.

While the trees provide shade and your gaze is drawn to the giants that tower above you, don't forget to look at the ground. You can see sequoia cones that have fallen from the trees, and the many soft plants that grow in the shady understory. Around 1.25 miles, the Bear Hill Trail joins the Moro Rock trail from the left hand side. At 1.4 miles, the trail forks. You can go to the right and follow the Viewpoint Spur that goes out to a side view of Moro Rock. This makes a great spot for sunsets as well. Continuing straight, the trail crosses the road and climbs a short hill above.

The Soldiers Trail breaks off the the left at 1.6 miles, and the main trail then descends to the Moro Rock Loop Road parking area. From here, the trail climbs steeply up Moro Rock via stone steps. On the stairs and on top of Moro Rock, sections of the trail have handrails, but you should still be mindful of the drop offs and keep a close eye on children.

There are great view points on the way to the top of the rock. You 'll see the foothills to the west and the Western Divide to the east. Once you have enjoyed the views, you can continue following any of the trails in the area to extend your day hiking among the Giant Sequoias, or follow the trail the same way back to your car.

Flora & Fauna

The main feature of this hike is the Giant Sequoia trees that can be seen throughout the hike. You can see all stages of a sequoia's life. There are mature trees towering over you, fire damaged remains of trees, fallen trees, and if you watch your step, you can even see Sequoia cones ready to sprout. As for animals, deer can be seen eating in the forest throughout the day, and you have a chance of seeing a black bear at any time of day as well.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park

Shared By:

David Hitchcock with improvements by Lani Advokat
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 48 votes

#1

in The Giant Forest

#235

Overall
  4.6 from 48 votes
5 Star
69%
4 Star
27%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in The Giant Forest

#30

in California

#235

Overall
20 Views Last Month
3,462 Since Aug 19, 2020
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
2%
4%
56%
16%
20%
2%
Add a Photo

Photos

Beetle Rock in November.
Nov 21, 2016 near Three R…, CA
Views of the Sierra Nevada Range abound from the top of Moro Rock.
Oct 31, 2018 near Three R…, CA
Big trees trail sign to the left of the museum.
Jul 18, 2016 near Three R…, CA
Looking toward Castle Rocks, Paradise Peak, and Sawtooth Peak from the end of the trail.
Mar 13, 2016 near Three R…, CA
Giant Sequoia trees can be seen along the trail. It is amazing to see these trees up close.
Aug 15, 2020 near Three R…, CA
The view westward overlooking General's Highway.
Oct 30, 2018 near Three R…, CA

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 20, 2025
Anonymous
It was hard but fun
Aug 15, 2024
Buddy Dunlap
Jun 3, 2024
Madison Baker
May 25, 2024
Keith Wong
Nov 19, 2023
Sophia Luo
Oct 19, 2023
Eric Philipp
A little scary. But the views were incredible 0.6mi — 0h 33m
Jul 1, 2023
Meli See
Steep 0.2mi — 1h 00m
Dec 22, 2022
Mc Li

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