Hiking Moro Rock Trail: A View Worth the Grueling Climb Moro Rock is an impressive geologic feature that can be viewed from above or below. This is definitely not a place to let children run free! Doable yes, easy no. So we went back to the car and drove to the closer parking lot. Incredible panoramic mountain views not available elsewhere in the park! I would also say it depends on your toddler. The main feature of this hike is the Giant Sequoia trees that can be seen throughout the hike. 952' Down Description "A concrete and stone stairway leads over 350 steps to the top of Moro Rock," according to the NPS. In summer, the road is closed during the busiest times of day and you can access features along the road on a free shuttle. Hiking to the top of Moro Rock is not allowed when the stairs are covered with snow and ice. It is very narrow and people . At the top, views extend from the foothills to deep into park wilderness. Moro Rock Trail: Scary but Worth the Climb - See 1,568 traveler reviews, 1,217 candid photos, and great deals for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, CA, at Tripadvisor. The trail is nearly flat and passes a small meadow called Eli's Paradise. There is 350-400 steps up plus additional elevation gain on this short hike. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, I'm Park Ranger John and I am so happy you are here! Road closed to drive there. An Adventure Projects staff member will review this and take an appropriate action, but we generally don't reply. Gaining elevation, the path winds through the area with many fallen and dead trees. The trail is paved and has handrails in some areas, but it can be steep and rocky in places. Parking is limited and can be challenging during tourist peak times. Geology Overview of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks The trail is very nice but not for the faint of heart. difficult climb, but well worth it.. - Reviews, Photos - Moro Rock Such convenient location allows the visitors, hiking between the forest and the meadow, to deviate from their route and check out the Moro Rock Trail along the way. Welcome to Roads and Destinations! When you get to the top, you have an amazing sweeping view of the natural beauty below. Although the entire Moro Rock Trail takes approximately 2-3 hours, you might still want to pack the following essentials: Your email address will not be published. Although the climb is a 1/4 mile, visitors do not realize how difficult the 300 foot elevation stair climb can be. It is very narrow and people are passing you by going down. Moro Rock Trail is very intriguing to say the least. Fees are per vehicle or per motorcycle. The trail is closed if there is snow/ice on the trail. A good workout! 851.1 m Up 350 narrow steps lead to the top of the rock with a handrails cable to hold to. 41.3 km This trial is so fun! The rock itself was mined on and off until 1963. Morro Rock, sometimes called the "Gibraltar of the Pacific," is the last peak of the Nine Sisters, which extend from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay. It has 400 steps that lead to the summit of Moro Rock. Moro Rock Trail (Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park - Tripadvisor This is rated moderate due to the 350 steps you need to climb to get to the top. I had this hike so hyped up in my mind after reading reviews and was honestly thinking I couldnt do it. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Took the trail from the museum up to the Rock and back. You can see all stages of a sequoias life. Dogs and mountain bikes are prohibited on trails in Kings Canyon National Park. Moro Rock itself could take 45 minutes even for the best in shape, because the stair path is narrow and one has to accommodate others on the pathway. There is a rail only in the beginning of it. From the North, enter Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks through the Big Stump Entrance at Kings Canyon National Park. Although the hike is short, going up the stairs at this elevation can be difficult. There are over 350 steps up to the top of Moro Rock. Distance: 4.6-mile loop trail. This easy 1-mile loop on a boardwalk explores a pygmy forest on the edge of Morro Bay. There are vault toilets but lots of bees in them. A one-mile (1.6 km) trail that begins at either the Giant Forest Museum parking area or Big Trees trailhead leads to Sunset, In reality, you can enjoy the views of the signature monolith on your way up to Giant Forest. The pictures are breath taking. From here, you need to climb 350 steep steps to reach the summit with the panoramic views of the park. Crowded Sunscreen: There is no shade or cover! How difficult is Moro Rock Trail? The 1996 general plan for the park calls for the road to Moro to be closed, and replaced by a shuttle. Climb can however get scary at times. You will then run into the jaw-dropping triple tree. Outward expansion of the granite results in exfoliations. The climb is not hard but the elevation and wind were the issue for me. HOWEVER, Moro Rock is unique and worth the time. Like others have mentioned it is rather tight in some spots. This main highway is closed occasionally during and after snowstorms for plowing. Sequoia National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, CA 93262. beware, there are many, many steps and was not too difficult because there are some spots to seat and rest. Enjoy! Join Roads and Destinations' mailing list and get new blog updates, upcoming events, and exclusive travel resourses. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. This means adding additional mileage to your hike, which will begin at the Giant Forest Museum. The hike up Moro Rock is a classic, composed of over 350 steps in a picturesque quarter mile climb. You may have to take the free shuttle from the Forest Museum that runs every 15 minutes. Be safe, and if the forecast says it will rain, then stay away. 5 Things You Should Know before Visiting Sequoia National Park, 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Sequoia National Park, 10 Incredible Outdoor Adventures in California, How to Hike Bear Gulch Cave and Rim Trails in Pinnacles NP (+Bear Gulch Reservoir), 11 Best California State Parks and Reserves: Coast , The Underwater World of Maui, Hawaii: Atlantis . The view from the rock encompasses much of the Park, including the Great Western Divide. We started to hike the longer trail up and saw a bear. In my opinion, park at the museum lotwalk the 2.0 miles to Moro Rock. The Trail, not just the rock, leads from the Forest Museum to the rock and is a uphill slog. " David Hitchcock OpenMapTiles OSM 1.6 Miles Point to Point 6,679' High 6,413' Low 349' Up 223' Down On weekdays, the road remains open, but the small parking area may fill. In winter, Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Road closes with snow. Try this 0.5-mile out-and-back trail near Hartland, California. The hike can be strenuous; taking your time as you climb can help you adjust to the thinner air at higher elevations. Consider your overall health. On average, plan for about 45 minutes to go up and down Moro Rock. Required fields are marked *. At night Moro Rock is also a great destination in the park. Moro Rock is a dome-shaped granite monolith. Even just a short distance from the parking area and above the forests's canopy, the Great Western Divide's peaks become visible. Not for the fainthearted person. Moro Rock. It is simply breath taking! https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/fees.htm, https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/parktransit.htm. Please explain. Please people stay on the trail especially at elevation. On Roads and Destinations, I share my love for travel, culture, life, and well-being. 7.5 mi Its a long hike, basically alot of steps to the scenic top off the rock, so if you aren't in tip top shape, this is probably not for you. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Alternatively, you may use. Be prepared as you accent 350+ steps, look over steep drop-offs and have unperilled views of Sequoia. 4mi Moro Rock. This is about an injury or accident The Moro Rock Trail in Sequoia National Park is perhaps one of my favorite hikes in the National Parks System! The combination of a short railing and windy day accentuated my anxiety. We did this at sunset and it was not busy. there are many, many steps and was not too difficult because there are some spots to seat and rest. However, climbing is prohibited during peregrine falcon nesting season on the South and East faces (up to Full Metal Jacket). The Moro Rock Stairway is one of the most popular hiking trails in Sequoia National Park. Required fields are marked *. Latest travel itineraries for Moro Rock Trail in May (updated in 2023 91% of travelers recommend this experience. Unlike other trails that climb to the top of granite domes, the Big Baldy Trail climbs gently along a ridge, gaining about 600 feet (200 m) in elevation along 2.2 miles (3.5 km). You dont need to worry about the parking situation in summer, though. The staircase is narrow. Hike Moro Rock, Sequoia National Park, California - The Outbound I want to visit sequa natl park on a cheap budget from LA, recomendations? We went in late September when the crowds were minimal, yet it was crowded at Moro Rock and parking took a while to find. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 4 min to complete. Here are a few things to think about before making the trip to the top of Moro Rock. My son on the other hand would have been a nightmare and the stress of it would have ruined the experience. 1603.98 m Down. This is for good reason as there are steep drop-offs all along this trail and some places there is no guard rail to grab ahold of. 296.24 m Up Book your tickets online for Moro Rock Trail, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park: See 1,568 reviews, articles, and 1,217 photos of Moro Rock Trail, ranked No.5 on Tripadvisor among 68 attractions in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. Though short, the Moro Rock Trail is steep, demanding the ascent of over 350 stepsso expect to sweat! The trail is poorly marked at the top and not particularly noteworthy given the many options in the park. It is a beautiful view! Moro Rock via Alta, Soldiers Hill, and Bear Hill Loop - AllTrails This does not mean that you should go and forget about your personal safety. Its worth it. All of us could climb Moro rock all the way to the top to enjoy the beautiful views. This stairway deteriorated significantly by the late 1920s, and was replaced in 1931 by the present Moro Rock Stairway, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. I did this trail 3 times on a very foggy April day as I was waiting for the fog to lift so I could actually see anything. The name "Moro Rock" derives from a blue roan mustang of color the Mexicans call moro, owned by one Mr. Swanson of Three Rivers in the 1860s. Elevation change: 300 feet. 3 days. The flat trail leads directly to the top of the dome and to views that extend into the foothills. Morro Rock provided material for the break water of Morro Bay and Port San Luis Harbor. Moro Rock Trail, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park: Hours, Address, Moro Rock Trail Reviews: 5/5.
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