As you get to the Sequoia National Park, Moro Rock Trailhead looms over you, but do not let that fool you because it can be the best experience in your life. This large granite dome is thousands of feet above the ground. It stands tall above anything in the national park.
It is quite an exercise, but it is worth it. Furthermore, it contains some mesmerizing geological features that can amaze anyone from above or from below. Not to forget, the view from above is quite rewarding.
The Moro Rock Trailhead offers a panoramic view of Sequoia National Park, which is why it is one of the best things to do in the park.
Where Is Moro Rock Trail Located?
The History Of Moro Rock?
Morro Rock is a State Historic Landmark assigned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formed about 23 million years ago from volcanic plugs, it was revealed when the surrounding land was eroded.
Morro Rock is a helpful and important navigational aid for mariners because it is visible from a distance, allowing them to know their location and where they are heading.
In 1542, a Portuguese explorer named Jauan Rodriguez Cabrillo named the granite dome “El Morro.” Morro, in Spanish, means crown-shaped hill, which gives it the name “Gibraltar of the Pacific.” The last peak of the Nine Sisters extends from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay.
How Long Of A Hike Is Moro Rock Trailhead?
The Moro Rock Trailhead is about 2.0 miles, and it takes 45 to 60 minutes to reach the summit. However, it contains handrails, which make the climb relatively safe.
How Tall Is Moro Rock? And Moro Rock Elevation:
Moro Rock is 576 feet tall, which makes it stand out from the other landmarks in Sequoia National Park. It rises to 6,725 ft (2,050 m) above sea level.
However, you only need to climb 300 feet high to reach the top of Moro Rock Trail. The climbs allow you to take a stone stairway with 350 steps.
The View At The Top Of Moro Rock:
The view from Moro Rock is quite rewarding. It allows you to see a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding lush canopy forest.
From above, you can see the Great Western Divide, which can take your breath away. You can also see the lush greenery of Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park.
How To Get To Morro Rock Trailhead?
As you get to Sequoia National Park and walk up the windy road, you can see a large granite dome in front of you. This dome is Morro Rock.
Note: the rock to the trailhead is inaccessible to cars in winter, and sometimes, it has a shuttle during busy summer days.
During the rest of the year, you can drive right to the trailhead, and there are plenty of parking lots. However, when the parking lots are not accessible, you can park at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History, which is located in Morro Bay State Park.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Moro Rock Trailhead?
The best time to visit the Moro Rock Trailhead is during summer because the weather is warm. On the other hand, the staircase is closed in winter due to hazardous conditions. It is covered with ice and can be slippery.
Many tourists like to witness the sunrise and sunset of Moro Rock. Therefore, you should visit about an hour before sunrise or sunset to witness the magnificent view of the giant granite dome rock formation.
Conclusion:
This dome-shaped granite monolith is located in the middle of Sequoia National Park, so you can visit other attractions right after, such as the General Sherman, the largest tree in the world, hike Big Trees Loop Trail, and visit Crystal Cave. I hope you enjoy your visit to the Moro Rock Trailhead.
There are many places to visit in California besides Morro Rock, so you should check out our blogs about:
The best places to visit in California in June are as follows:
Leave a Reply