Moro Rock Trail
Moro Rock Trail
5
Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
A challenging walk up 400 steps to a spectacular view.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,568 reviews
Excellent
1,289
Very good
244
Average
34
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Bill K
Mantorville, MN6,368 contributions
Jun 2022
This is one of the must-do things for this park. I highly recommend getting up early and doing this at sunrise. The trail is a nice hike, but I recommend driving to the parking area at the base of the rock.
There are 400 steps to climb and the climb is not for people scared of high places or people with ambulatory issues. The views from the top, especially at sunrise or sundown, are well worth the effort to get there.
The parking lot fills up during the heart of the day and the stairs only accommodate so many people at one time, so it is considerably better to visit during non-busy times.
There are 400 steps to climb and the climb is not for people scared of high places or people with ambulatory issues. The views from the top, especially at sunrise or sundown, are well worth the effort to get there.
The parking lot fills up during the heart of the day and the stairs only accommodate so many people at one time, so it is considerably better to visit during non-busy times.
Written June 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate H
Colorado109 contributions
Oct 2022
If you are into lots of stairs and amazing views, trek up Moro Rock. There are immediately awesome views all around, and the formation itself is really neat. The steps are solid but the railings feel quite low in places. I stayed to the inside and tried not to look down in many places; if you have little kids you might feel a bit nervous. It is a short and satisfying hike though; you can see 360 degrees and miles and miles from the top!
Written November 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bet543210
209 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
I had this hike so hyped up in my mind after reading reviews and was honestly thinking I couldn’t do it. But, we got to the park early (around 5am) and were to the rock before 6 with the place to ourselves. The climb is actually very easy when no one else is around. We had very young kids with us and they scurried right up in probably 10 minutes. If you are fearful of heights like I am then just keep your head down until you get to the top. Up there it is plenty wide and with railings on both sides feels safe enough.
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeniorTravelerTF
Fort Atkinson1,096 contributions
Aug 2021
The Trail, not just the rock, leads from the Forest Museum to the rock and is a uphill slog. You can turn that around by starting at the rock and walking the Moro Rock Trail down to the museum. The trail is poorly marked at the top and not particularly noteworthy given the many options in the park. HOWEVER, Moro Rock is unique and worth the time. A small parking lot at the top of the trail eliminates all but a short walk up the 350+ stairway on the rock. However, I have a fear of heights and only made it, and I counted, 320 steps up the stairway. The combination of a short railing and windy day accentuated my anxiety. And I can tell you, from being in the park seven days and getting up 320 steps, there is no view to admire when the pollution covers the nearby mountains and fills the valleys - as it did for our entire visit.
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sally S
Fort Littleton, PA63 contributions
Jul 2022
We did this at sunset and it was not busy. I counted 8 cars in the parking lot. We started to hike the longer trail up and saw a bear. My family was thrilled I wanted to go back to the car because we knew we'd be coming down just after sunset in the dark. So we went back to the car and drove to the closer parking lot. It was beautiful and not overly difficult. Yes, it has steps but not a lot. People were outside the rails at the top and others tried to persuade them that this was dangerous. Please people stay on the trail especially at elevation.
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AdventureGal
Sacramento, CA11 contributions
Aug 2021
The views were just out of this world!! I had read reviews about it before I went. I imagined it as a small rock hike with a view. Didn't realize it will be this awesome. Not to be missed in this park. Moro rock hike was the best part of this park. We were a group of 9 people ranging from 77 yrs to 12 yrs old. All of us could climb Moro rock all the way to the top to enjoy the beautiful views.
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Genny Allies
Fullerton, CA13 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
My husband and I knew we wanted to try climbing Moro Rock with our boys while in Sequoia. (Our boys are 3 and 6 years old.) We read other reviews and decided that we wanted to get to Moro Rock early in the morning to avoid crowds on the narrow stairs.
We parked at 6:30/6:40 and there was no issue getting a parking spot. We started on the stairs at 6:45 and were at the top by 7:00. It was lovely watching the sun peak over the mountains. A bonus was that we were basically alone of Moro Rock. We passed 2 or 3 parties coming down the rock & we were all alone at the top.
Our boys are accustomed to going on hikes (we regularly hike 2-2.5 miles with them) so the distance was not an issue. There are plenty of rails on the path, but we did give safety reminders to them as we climbed the stairs.
Side Note: The parking lot is rather small (20 spaces) but you can also take a shuttle if you want to travel between 8am-6pm. (Last shuttle at 6, but I would recommend confirming shuttle times before making plans.) There are bathrooms available at the base of the stairs.
We parked at 6:30/6:40 and there was no issue getting a parking spot. We started on the stairs at 6:45 and were at the top by 7:00. It was lovely watching the sun peak over the mountains. A bonus was that we were basically alone of Moro Rock. We passed 2 or 3 parties coming down the rock & we were all alone at the top.
Our boys are accustomed to going on hikes (we regularly hike 2-2.5 miles with them) so the distance was not an issue. There are plenty of rails on the path, but we did give safety reminders to them as we climbed the stairs.
Side Note: The parking lot is rather small (20 spaces) but you can also take a shuttle if you want to travel between 8am-6pm. (Last shuttle at 6, but I would recommend confirming shuttle times before making plans.) There are bathrooms available at the base of the stairs.
Written August 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelinh
Los Angeles, CA908 contributions
Jun 2020
I highly recommend this hike for everyone of all skill levels. I went on 6/22 and it was full but not overly crowded. People were wearing their masks, and so was I, so please bring yours. The steps are steady and not steep and definitely worth the breeze and view. According to my apple watch, it was about .70 miles round trip from the parking lot (where there is a restroom). This took me about a half-hour and left plenty of time for photos which is a must when you reach the top. I would consider this a must-do when in Sequoia and can be done in tennis shoes or sturdy sandals.
Written June 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S D B
Brooklyn, NY143 contributions
Aug 2020
A real must do experience if visiting sequoia. My young kids could not stop talking about it afterwards. doable 300+ steps to unforgettable amazing 360 degree panoramas of the sierras from all angles. An experience e not to miss. check out nearby tunnel log as well when done.
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dov Ben Amram
California108 contributions
Sep 2019
Moro Rock is located at the center of Sequoia National Park. It has an exhilarating view from all directions. It is a challenging experience to climb to its top. 350 narrow steps lead to the top of the rock with a handrails cable to hold to. Not for the fainthearted person. A sign on the bottom warns you not to climb on a cloudy day or when lightning storm is expected. I did not climb it, just watched it from the first few steps. The view was awesome.
Written June 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brenda W
5 contributions
Does the shuttle/bus run from the Giant Forest Museum north to the summer parking for the Sherman Tree trail? We are seeing the comments about parking at Moro Rock, so I was contemplating parking at the Sherman Tree lot; hiking south on the trail to Tharps Log; then on to Tunnel Log; then on to Moro Rock; then back to the Giant Forest Museum, hoping to catch a ride back to the car parked north at the Sherman Tree lot.
Is that biting off too much?
Brian D
Asheville, NC1,860 contributions
I do not think the shuttle runs to Sherman Tree but I would call to make sure. Enjoy!
dhananjayat26683
Santa Clara, CA91 contributions
Can I hike carrying my 18 months old toddler? Is it safe and advisable?
Yvette
San Francisco, CA363 contributions
Doable yes, easy no. Like others have mentioned it is rather tight in some spots. Many parts of the trail are only wide enough for one person so you have to wait for others going in the opposite direction to pass you by before you can proceed. I would also say it depends on your toddler. My daughter would have been fine to stay in the pack the entire time and if I did let her out she would have held my hand and followed directions. My son on the other hand would have been a nightmare and the stress of it would have ruined the experience. At that age he was full of energy (still is lol) and would not have been content to hold my hand. He would have wanted to be climbing everything. The walls are not very high so it would have been easy for him to go over the edge without one of us having a firm grasp on his hand and watching him constantly rather than the view. Different toddler personalities = different travel experiences. If you decide against it please don’t be disappointed because there is so much to do in SNP that is equally if not more beautiful.
jpicazo5455
Los Angeles, CA
I want to visit sequÃa natl park on a cheap budget from LA, recomendations? 3 days
Fay W
44 contributions
Drive early in the morning to Sequioa park and then tour one and half day there. The third day you can visit Kings Canyon national park. If you don't do too many long hikes, you should be able to head out back to LA in late afternoon. I drove from Lodge in Sequioa to Kings Canyon in the morning and then left the park at 4pm. I got home in San Diego around 12 midnight but saved a night of hotel.
caratacheajuan
Orange County, CA1 contribution
Visiting next month and traveling with 3 young kids (7 year, 6 years and 3 years) Would it be to hard for them getting to the top?
LhenVR
Newark, CA12 contributions
Hi! The climb is steep and narrow... I wouldn’t take my kids, not safe as there are parts on the way up that has only stone barriers.
andyjwilcox
Tallahassee, FL2 contributions
Heard that it is snowy up there. Taking family. Was the hike open recently? Coming in 2 weeks. How long did the hike take and where did you have to start it? My understanding is that there are roads closed. Thank you.
Bill D
81 contributions
Sorry I went last October. I good weather about a 1 hour hike up like climbing steep stairs but very scenic !
Timothy Y
Redwood City, CA2,166 contributions
Is the road and also this hike accessible in late December because of possible snow and ice? I was trying to decide whether is was worth going to Sequoia NP that week. Any tips or info on traveling there the last week of December would be appreciated!
dtoliphant7
Las Vegas, NV174 contributions
I'd definitely expect snow during that time, and wouldn't chance climbing up Moro Rock if there's any snow or ice present on the stairway. That said, winter scenes in both Sequoia and King's Canyon are amazing, it's worth visiting regardless if you're able to ascend Moro Rock or not. However, depending on the amount of snow fall, the park may be advising chains on tires, or have roads closed for plowing; here's the best source for road conditions in Sequoia and King's Canyon: (559) 565-3341 (press 1, 1).
I am planning a trip Mid-March (18th-22nd), will this attraction be open for hiking,etc?
Robin C
Genk, Belgium46 contributions
I'm wondering, on average, how much time is spent on moro rock? (climb up, take a look, climb down)
Anyone that give some clue? I'm figuring out how it could fit in our travel schedule.
Thanks,
8_is_enough_in_MICH
Berkley, MI158 contributions
We spent about 45-60 minutes at Moro Rock. That includes time walking up and down and waiting for people to "clear" to get a nice family photo. It is a beautiful view! Be advised that more time is spent driving up to the spot and finding parking. Parking is limited and can be challenging during tourist peak times.
Moro Rock Trail (Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Moro Rock Trail
- Moro Rock Trail is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking Moro Rock Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Moro Rock Trail tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Moro Rock Trail:
- (6.06 mi) Buckeye Tree Lodge & Cabins
- (4.64 mi) Lodgepole Campground
- (6.06 mi) The Cabins at Buckeye Tree Lodge
- (8.72 mi) The River Jewel Suites
- (8.50 mi) Silver City Mountain Resort
- Restaurants near Moro Rock Trail:
- (9.92 mi) Reimer's Candies and Gifts
- (4.51 mi) The Peaks Restaurant
- (4.50 mi) Lodgepole Visitor Center
- (6.11 mi) The Gateway Restaurant & Lodge
- (9.99 mi) River View Grill & Bar
Moro Rock Trail Information
Excellent Reviews | 1,289 |
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Very Good Reviews | 244 |
Moro Rock Trail Photos | 1,218 |