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Moro Rock Trail

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.7 (46)
  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 where you can enjoy amazing views. ”

David Hitchcock
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Map Key

2.0

Miles

3.2

KM

Point to Point

6,627' 2,020 m

High

6,403' 1,952 m

Low

286' 87 m

Up

102' 31 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

26%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly This is a level trail that meanders through the Giant Sequoia trees. It eventually ends at Moro Rock where there are great views!

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.

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 hike across the road. You can visit the museum and gift shop before you start your hike.

Hike 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 tree, both new and old ones that have fallen over the years. 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 a short trail that goes out to a viewpoint where you can see Moro Rock, and it is good for sunsets as well. Continuing straight, the trail crosses the road and climbs shortly above the road.

The Soldiers Trail breaks off the the left at 1.6 miles. The trail descends to the Moro Rock parking area. From here, the trail climbs steeply up Moro Rock via stone steps. There are great view points on the way to the top of the rock. You get great views of the foothills to the West and the Western Divide (which is 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 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 sequoias 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. Getting to hike among these giants is amazing.

Deer can be seen eating in the forest throughout the day, and you have to keep an eye out for bears, who can be seen throughout the day.

Shared By:

David Hitchcock
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 46 votes

#1

in The Giant Forest

#47

Overall
  4.7 from 46 votes
5 Star
70%
4 Star
26%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in The Giant Forest

#4

in California

#47

Overall
20 Views Last Month
3,462 Since Aug 19, 2020
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
2%
5%
53%
16%
21%
2%
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Photos

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
The view westward overlooking General's Highway.
Oct 30, 2018 near Three R…, CA
Descent at Moro Rock Trail.
Jun 17, 2016 near Three R…, CA
Moro Rock can be seen through the trees from the trail.
Aug 15, 2020 near Three R…, CA

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

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
Oct 22, 2022
Mei-Jun Yeh
Hike 1

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