Moro Rock is a granite dome rock formation located in the center of Sequoia National Park. Awesome trail, easy to find. To access Moro Rock, Hanging Rock, Crescent Meadow, and the Tunnel Log, turn off Generals Highway at the Giant Forest Museum. Common in the Sierra Nevada, these domes form by exfoliation - casting off in scales, plates, or sheets of rock layers on otherwise unjointed granite. This chain of mountains runs north/south through the center of Sequoia National Park, "dividing" the watersheds of the Kaweah River to the west and the Kern River to the east. In heavy snow years, the road may open later than usual. Expansion results from load relief: when the overburden that once capped the granite has eroded away, the source of compression is removed, and the granite slowly expands. Los Angeles Area, Distance: 225 mi/362 km, Time: 4 hours How long does it take to hike Enchanted Rock? Climb 351 steps as you zig-zag up the side of Moro Rock. https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/moro.htm, High Sierra Trail: Crescent Meadow to Whitney Portal, High Sierra Trail: Ninemile Creek to Bearpaw Meadow, Giant Forest Museum to Wuksachi Lodge via Rimrock Trail, Moro Rock, Eagle View, and Huckleberry Trail Loop, http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/driving-directions.htm. A wonderful spot to watch the sunset. Sunset was spectacular from the summit. Overall the hike was perfect and so much fun! Continue to the Ash Mountain entrance of Sequoia National Park. In summer when the free park shuttles are running (usually from late May to early September), the road closes to private vehicles on weekends and holidays from morning through late afternoon. Visitors can hike … Spin around to the south side of Morro Rock to stretch things out to a 3.5-mile round trip hike. 6,425 ft . Moro Rock is a dome-shaped granite monolith. Visalia, Distance: 36 mi, Time: 45 minutes Although the hike is short, going up the stairs at this elevation can be difficult. | Hobie Surf Shop l BLOG, Climbing Moro Rock, Sequoia National Park | The Wherever Writer, Red Rock Canyon to Zion, and back again | AlpineMonkeys, West Coast road trip: the USA's true beauty - Live Recklessly, A guide to visiting Sequoia National Park - Road Trippin' The States, Sequoia National Park, CA – Town Traveller, https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/moro-rock-sequoia/. Difficulty dangerous for young children and older people. Moro Rock Trail in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park scales a granite dome via a steep 1/4-mile staircase to the summit offering a spectacular view of the Great Western Divide and the western half of the park. We parked at the Giant Forest Museum and used the free shuttle to Moro Rock which is 1.7 miles from the museum. Trailhead Elevation. Moro Rock was first climbed by cattleman Hale Tharp and his family in the 1860s. The rock's vertical sides are nesting grounds of peregrine falcons, as well as rock climbers' heaven. Worth the walk of 2 miles down the road to the hike up the mountain! Follow this road to the end for Crescent Meadow, or take the turnoff onto the loop for Moro Rock and Hanging Rock. Low effort and high reward. Some decided to stay back others continued on to a viewing area at the top(that has railings). 0.5 miles roundtrip. Take I-15 S towards Los Angeles. She then pointed out Moro Rock & The General Sherman Tree as two sites to hit with our limited time. The trail is about 0.5 miles out and back, may take up to 1-hour hike with an elevation gain of about 300 feet. Since 2011 visitors haven’t been allowed to drive to Crescent Meadow on summer weekends, so the only ways to get to Crescent Meadow is to take a shuttle or walk. I did it in reverse to have lunch up on Moro rock, but don’t do that. It took me an hour or so to hike to the top. If you are entering on foot or bike the fee is $20 per person. Moro Rock Trail – Day Time. Time: 2 … Continue to the Ash Mountain entrance of Sequoia National Park. Not to be confused with Morro Rock in the California costal town of Morro Bay, Moro Rock is the most climbed summit in Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park, undoubtedly because the car-to-car distance on the standard route is a mere 1/4 mile, with a climb of 300 feet. At the northern end of Sequoia National Park near Dorst Campground, the Little Baldy Trail climbs 1.7 miles (2.7 km) along steep switchbacks, gaining 1,000 feet (300 m) in elevation. If you look east from the top of the hill, you’ll see several of the creeks that empty into the estuary. Moro Rock Climbing Details Although it sits at a high elevation, you only have to climb the remaining 300 feet to the summit of Moro Rock. Your email address will not be published. It offers a panoramic view of Morro Bay. This granite dome may not be as visible as Moro Rock from below, but views from its peak are also spectacular. This ultimately results in rounded, dome-like forms. Jumping from boulder to boulder, the wooden steps leapt across great gaps of open air, … Morro Rock is definitely worth the drive AND more importantly, worth @ least a two night's stay, if your drive was more than three hours. All stairs and railing to the top of Moro Rock. Continue to the Ash Mountain entrance of Sequoia National Park. Moro Rock parking is further up the road in a small circle with several parking spots on an island in the middle of the circle. The 0.5 mile roundtrip trail up to the peak is comprised of over 350 steps. This trail is stunning. I feel a little cheesy signing the Climber's Log for taking the trail to Moro Rock. Fractures that form during exfoliation tend to cut corners. The view is beautiful. The outbound half of this loop mostly passes through typical Sierra pine woodlands with some sweeping views, a few big trees, and a chance to climb Moro Rock. Hiking up beautiful Moro Rock, located in Sequoia National Park, in sunny California. The road is open in summer so the hike is shortened. Take exit 96 onto CA-198 E towards Visalia. An uphill climb will get hikers to the Upper and Lower Franklin Lakes, settled in … Climbing Moro Rock still required a vertical ascent of over 300 feet – equal to a thirty-story building – and many found the steps almost as exposed and alarming as the rock itself. Length. Moro Rock Trail is a 0.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Three Rivers, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. To call this a “hike” may be a bit generous if you look at the distance. Distance: 2.5 miles, self-guided loop. From the parking lot, the trailhead is in the northeast part of the lot. The Moro Rock Trail in Sequoia National Park allows you to climb to the top of a stunning granite dome for a 360-degree view of the park. You won’t regret it!!! Franklin Lakes Trail. The photo was used for years to warn about the dangers of pending lightning strikes. At 1.4 miles, the trail forks. Filmed, edited, and produced by Sheety33. Steep, but lots of steps. The route is out and back and paved the entire way. People afraid of heights might find it intimidating, but the view from the top makes up for any fear or breathlessness one may encounter on the way up. The trail starts relatively easy with some flat sections and a few sets of stairs. Trail Type. Take exit 179 onto CA-58 W towards Bakersfield. A wonderful nature area for marine enthusiasts and all that enjoy nature, walks, bicycle riding, +++. Distance: 310 mi/499 km, Time: 5 hours 25 min Out and back. This road generally opens by the Wednesday before Memorial Day in late May and closes when it becomes impassable due to snow. Master workout to the summit. A quick hike through the 350 step stone and concrete stairway to the top of Moro Rock at Sequoia National Park, California, USA. The side road to all of these attractions begins next to the museum. A spectacular view of the Great Western Divide and the western half of the park. This was a short hike up scenic trail. The 1996 general plan for the park calls for the road to Moro to be closed, and replaced by a shuttle. 0.6 mile roundtrip. You can go to the right and follow a short trail that goes out to a viewpoint where you can see Moro Rock, and it is good for sunsets as well. Directions to Sequoia National Park, Ash Mountain Entrance From the South So many Stairs! Continuing straight, the trail crosses the road and climbs shortly above the road. Reference: http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/driving-directions.htm, So beautiful, not for those with a fear of heights. The trail spends the first mile hiking through El Moro Canyon. But it was part of a long, ~12-mile loop hike from the General Sherman Tree to most of the highlights of the Giant Forest (e.g., Washington Tree, Huckleberry Meadow, Crescent Meadow). The largest one in the world, in fact. Death Valley National Park (West Entrance) Choose from a 3-mile round-trip hike*, or a shorter version^ of only.6 miles. The stairs are brutal as the last part. This, of course, is not including whatever stops ya make along the way to hike/explore. Three Rivers, CA 93271-9700 Hardly is a 0.4-mile round trip usually considered a hike. Calling it a scenic overlook doesn’t do it justice especially coming from the east coast! Sequoia National Park charges a fee to enter. Via the Trail/Stairs . Turn right at CA-58 W. Take the ramp onto CA-99 N. Take exit 96 onto CA-198 E towards Visalia. Normally i prefer more natural trails, but with the strong winds, the railings were very reassuring! 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. Moro Rock. A steep 1/4 mile staircase climbs over 300' to the summit of a granite dome, offering spectacular views of the western half of Sequoia National Park and the Great Western Divide. Fortunately, it turns out to be a great walk. Continue onto CA-14S. Morro Bay, esp. Can’t wait to come back again. Almost all of the park areas can be seen from the top of this 2,050 m (6,725 ft) tall granite monolith. Around 1.25 miles, the Bear Hill Trail joins the Moro Rock trail from the left hand side. Tough but doable if you take frequent breaks. No drinking water is available along this road, so be sure to take some with you. There is no ice on the stairs currently. It’s the kind of spot that would normally be reserved for highly skilled rock climbers. Rock walls and hand railings keep you from falling down the steep face. It’s something spectacular to view and across the valley is a natural rock formation that’s named cathedral something or other(see pics)? Rising high above the Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, Moro Rock Trail offers some of the best views in the area. Moro Rock To reach the top of this granite dome, follow a stairway that climbs 300 feet (0.09 km) to the summit. Really nice start to Sequoia national forest. Las Vegas, Distance: 400 mi/644 km, Time: 6 hours, 30 minutes Trail. Panaromic view at the top. Panoramic view up top. Other people report hiking Enchanted Rock in 45 minutes. Moro Rock is also home to the local Peregrine falcon population. But, thanks to a short trail and 350 steps, almost anyone can scale Moro Rock. Moro Rock Trail is a 0.6 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Three Rivers, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. After reaching Crescent and Log Meadows, the loop return… Whaaaaat. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from May until November. You can also do a full moon hike at Enchanted Rock. On average, plan for about 45 minutes to go up and down Moro Rock. The hike up Moro Rock is a classic, composed of over 350 steps in a picturesque quarter mile climb. Definitely going back. Moro Rock is a must see and gives you a dramatic 360 degree view of the Sequoia National Park and the High Sierra peaks. Moro Rock. Beautiful and breathless view. Stairs along with rail pretty much the entire way. Recreation The road to Moro Rock is closed in winter, so visitors need to hike 2 miles to reach the viewpoint. But so worth it. Take I-805 N or I-5 N to CA-99N toward Bakersfield/Fresno. This 576' tall landmark stands at the mouth of our harbor andis hometo nesting Peregrine Falcons. Top Elevation. From the parking area, take one of several paths westward into Clusters Park, walking under a tenth of a mile to Morro Strand Trail, the coastal route to Morro Rock. In Bakersfield, continue onto CA-99 N toward Fresno. The parking area is two miles (3.2 km) from the Generals Highway. Speak with park staff on weekdays only 8:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m. To get to the trailhead: Just south of the Giant Forest Museum, turn off the Generals Highway and head east on Crescent Meadow Road. Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. In several places, it allows only one person to go through. Moro Rock is a prominent granite protrusion on the edge of the Giant Forest visible to everyone driving up the Generals Highway into Sequoia National Park from the south. Don’t forget your hydration pack. When the road is closed, it becomes a ski trail. 6,725 ft. Elevation Change. Outward expansion of the granite causes the exfoliation. So I'm gonna count it. – While short, this 0.5-mile trail is no light stroll, as visitors will need to venture up more … The parking area for Moro Rock is 2 miles from the village. Stair. A Visit from a Rainbow at Cort Cottage « Almanac from the Edge, Hobie Heart :: Take A Wander, Take A Breath… Get Out of Your Chair. Make sure to pull off the road and take the short trail. Be safe, and if the forecast says it will rain, then stay away. … The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from February until November. 300 ft. Great trail all the way through! Road to parking area is closed in winter. San Diego Area, Distance: 344 mi/538 km, Time: 5 hours, 50 minutes This place is easy to get to and very much worth it...try to be there early the parking lot is kind of small ...the view is the best ... Quite a fun hike. Eventually cars started parking next to us with their occupants choosing to start hiking from there all the way to Moro Rock, even though it was 0.3 miles and uphill the whole way. You will marvel in the creativeness of the trail builders as you climb to 6,725 feet. It’s an easy hike if you are in decent shape. You can park at Giant Forest Museum or any other shuttle stop and ride the free park shuttle along the road. Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife events page here. Converse Basin - Boole Tree | Sequoia National Forest. Take exit 96 onto CA-198 E towards Visalia. 47050 Generals Highway This trail is basically a long stair climb to the top of Moro Rock, with spectacular views. The hike up Black Hill is a local favorite. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from February until November. However, the climb does involve a total elevation gain of 187 feet at over a mile above seal level, so calling it a hike is definitely appropriate. The Trail. The trail is about half a mile and steep. 559-565-3341 For 24-hour recorded information. Plenty of spots for some amazing photos. Take any highway to I-5 N. Continue onto CA-99 N toward Bakersfield/Fresno. Short easy hike with amazing views. From the parking area, you will see the large granite rock right in front of you, and no doubt there will be many people on the trail. Scenic hike during snowy winter months. Take CA-198 E to the Ash Mountain entrance of Sequoia National Park. The former is a small hike up a dome shaped granite monolith, and the latter is a giant freakin’ tree! Elevation change: 300 feet. HIKING TO MORO ROCK. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Morro Rock is an idyllic backdrop for Morro Bay, it is the last of the (Nine Sisters) extinct volcanic peaks along Highway 1 from San Luis Obispo. Length 0.4 miElevation gain 187 ftRoute type Out & back Morro Bay and Morro Rock is for everyone, including families which enjoy the outdoors. The staircase is narrow. Take CA-190 W to US-395 S and turn left. Continue to the Ash Mountain entrance of Sequoia National Park. Moro Rock Trail, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park: 41 answers to 18 questions about Moro Rock Trail: See 1,541 reviews, articles, and 1,171 photos of Moro Rock Trail, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 70 attractions in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. More Big Trees Trail is a 1.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Stony Creek Village, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. 4-5 cool spots to see in this trail. You can see it right between Giant Forest and Crescent Meadow. Full facilities at the Giant Forest Museum (opens in May), there is parking near Moro Rock in the summer. 300 foot elevation gain. 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