Moro Rock & Hanging Rock - Sequoia National Park
It’s the last day of National Park Week, so today we’re heading to the very first National Park I ever visited in California. Sequoia National Park is our country’s second oldest National Park, established in 1890…and you can view this post for ten of my favorite spots inside the park. Today we’re hiking two trails that I absolutely love, and I encourage you to visit them together if you have the time (though they can absolutely be enjoyed individually too). Join me at Hanging Rock and Moro Rock.
Rock features near Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock Trail is located along the one-way loop section Crescent Meadow Rd in the heart of Sequoia National Park. This hike is certainly one of the easiest in all of Sequoia at under a 1/2 mile round trip with just over 100 feet in elevation gain…but it offers some of the most impressive views in the whole park. Right off the parking area you’ll see a giant burned out Sequoia tree at the trailhead, and the trail is easy to follow surrounded by pine trees. Once you reach the top of this short hike, the views open to an incredible overlook of Generals Highway below as well as the massive rock hanging precariously balanced at the edge of the cliff.
Hanging Rock
The view of Generals Highway from Hanging Rock
Enjoy exploring the area…just be extra careful and watch for slippery and loose gravel along the cliff, especially after recent rain or snow. This hike is always much less crowded than Moro Rock (I’ve had the whole stop all to myself before) and you can complete the full hike easily in under 30 minutes…though I encourage you to give yourself more time to scramble and explore the surrounding granite rocks. This overlook is a prefect stop for a Sequoia picnic too.
Hanging Rock
Roosevelt Tree
Once you’ve finished hiking Hanging Rock Trail, you can take the short 1/4 mile drive to Moro Rock, but I prefer to stay parked in the quieter Hanging Rock parking lot and walk to Moro Rock. It’s only a 5 minute hike and the surrounding nature is beautiful to behold. A special added bonus to this walk is the easy 0.2 mile detour to Roosevelt Tree. This giant Sequoia was named after Theodore Roosevelt following his visit to the area in 1903. This short path is uncrowded and definitely worth a stop before continuing to the Moro Rock trailhead.
Roosevelt Tree near Hanging Rock and Moro Rock
The peak of Moro Rock
Moro Rock
Moro Rock is one of Sequoia National Park’s more popular landmarks and rightfully so. The top of the rock stands 6,725 ft above sea level, boasting magnificent views of the San Joaquin Valley to the west and deep into the wilderness to the east. This is another short hike at under 1/2 a mile, but there are over 350 rough steps you must climb here to reach the famous overlook point. Carved out of concrete, the ramps and stone carved steps were constructed in 1931 by the Civilian Conservation Corps thanks to FDR’s New Deal. It’s a wonderful adventure to weave and wind up the narrow staircase (which at certain areas is only wide enough for on hiker to pass at a time). This is a short but steep climb, and while the sudden drop offs are safe thanks to many hand rails and multiple resting spots along the trail, this hike might not be for anyone with a strong fear of heights or easy onset vertigo. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the scenery you encounter from the narrow overlook surrounded by safety railing at the top of this trail is hard to beat. You might break a bit of a sweat on the climb, but incredible views of Generals Highway weaving 3000 feet up the side of the canyon, snow topped mountain peaks, blue skies, and Hanging Rock visible way in the distance are a true reward for all your efforts.
A narrow staircase heading up the side of Moro Rock.
Know Before You Go
• Please remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. Pack out everything you pack in and stay on the designated paths. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• There are restrooms and trash cans available at the trailhead for Moro Rock.
• The small parking area at Morro Rock can fill up quickly in the busy Summer months, and at certain times shuttles are the only way to reach Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow Rd.
• In Winter the road and staircase here can close due to dangerous ice and snow conditions.
• Always plan ahead when exploring at higher elevations…bringing sun protection, layers, and plenty of water.
Top 10 Sequoia Highlights
Moro Rock & Hanging Rock
Crystal Cave
Paradise Creek Trail
The view of Moro Rock from Hanging Rock
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in Sequoia National Park. For a virtual visit of Hanging Rock and Moro Rock, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
The view of Moro Rock from Hanging Rock Trail
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Located inside Sequoia National Park directly off Generals Highway, Hazelwood Nature Loop is an easy, family friendly hike that comes in at under 1.5 miles with 50 feet in elevation change. The trail begins past a fallen sequoia tunnel log and it circles for just over half a mile with minimal elevation gain through one of the most lush yet intimate trails in the Giant Forest.