Moro Rock Trail in Sequoia National Park

Moro Rock is a large granite dome located in Sequoia National Park. After you enter the park and drive up the winding road, the dome looms ahead — it’s a prominent, short-hike destination inside the park and a well-known viewpoint over the surrounding landscape.

The hike to the top is very short — about a half mile round trip from the trailhead to the summit and back. Even though the distance is short, the route gains elevation via a stairway built into the rock, so plan accordingly.

The trail is not long and is often described as an easy hike in terms of distance, but it can be physically demanding because the trailhead starts at roughly 6,500 feet elevation. Visitors coming from sea level may find it harder to catch their breath. Also, if you are afraid of heights, many people turn around partway up because of the exposure and steep drops — the route can be intense for those uncomfortable with heights.

There are about 350 stairs carved and built into the side of Moro Rock. Those steps date back to the 1930s; before then there was a wooden staircase that deteriorated and had to be replaced. The built-in stairway is the structure you’ll use today to reach the summit.

Access varies by season. In winter the road to the trailhead is not accessible to cars. During busy summer days the road often operates a shuttle instead of allowing private vehicle access. During the rest of the year you can drive right to the trailhead. The video notes there are roughly a dozen or so parking spots at the trailhead, so parking capacity is limited.

There are several important safety points from the video: never go outside the railing — the drops are significant and the route gets more exposed in sections. Do not attempt the climb in winter when snow or ice is present, as conditions become dangerous. Also be mindful of the elevation and your breathing; take your time and turn back if you feel unwell or uncomfortable with the exposure.

As you ascend the stairs the views and drops become increasingly dramatic, with multiple vantage points along the way. From higher on the rock and at the summit you can see sweeping views over Sequoia National Park and out toward the Great Western Divide — a commanding sub-range with multiple peaks over 13,000 feet. The summit area is a bit narrow, but the panoramic outlooks are described as incredible and memorable.

Yes — the video creator recounts a night visit about five years earlier when he and friends hiked up at 9:00 PM with headlamps to shoot night-sky photos. He describes it as a super cool way to experience Moro Rock and shares night-sky images from that trip. If you plan a night visit, be prepared with proper lighting, warm clothing, and strong safety awareness of the exposed sections.

Key tips from the video: expect a short but vertical hike of about 0.5 miles round trip with roughly 350 stairs; be aware the trailhead sits around 6,500 feet so plan for altitude effects if you come from sea level; check seasonal access ahead of time (road closed to cars in winter, shuttle during busy summer days); parking is limited to roughly a dozen spots at the trailhead; obey the railings and avoid climbing during snowy/icy conditions; and consider a night visit with headlamps if you’re into night-sky photography — it’s a unique way to experience the rock. For more details and the creator’s Sequoia content, the video points to california3mylens.com.