Moro Rock Sequoia National Park

August 3, 2010

This is the first of five or six walks on today's itinerary.  An invigorating 260-foot ascent should get the old juices flowing in short order.

Starting out

There is no trail per se.  The entire path consists of a reputed 408 concrete stairsteps and pathways, which follow natural ledges and crevices so as to blend in as much as possible.  It was constructed in 1931 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, replacing a wooden stairway that was dangerously deteriorated.  Such a thing never would be constructed today under the Park Service's modern non-interven­tionist policy.

The destination looms above
There is no way to become lost here

I love this sort of place; but not everyone shares my enthusiasm.  Although the entire route is lined either by granite boulders or metal railings, I already have passed two people clutching at the rock wall in order to stay as far as possible from the scary dropoffs.  It is as much as 2,000 feet down in places.

Moro Rock, 6725'

Almost there

Once atop the dome, there is ample opportunity to peruse the surroundings.  As anticipated, however, the abominable smog has killed any chance of enjoying the scenery.  Also, the sun is wrongly positioned for a good eastward view; it would be more scenic here in late afternoon.

Westward view of the San Joaquin Valley smog

Looking east toward the Great Western Divide

Oh well, I wasn't really here for the views anyway.  It is time to clamber down and head for Hike #2, which is just a five-minute drive from here.

Nowhere to go but down

§: When I first climbed this dome in the 1960s, the views were glorious.  I fear that they will remain ruined at least until after the next holocaust, as a sacrifice to human "progress."

In any case, this short excursion is well worth the effort just to experience the stairstep trail; I know of no other quite like it.  Plan your visit for late afternoon — the closer to sundown, the better.  The mountain views should be nicer at that time.

• Trailhead: 2 miles south of the Giant Forest Museum
• Distance: 797 feet of walking each way
• Elevation: 6465' to 6725'
• Hikers: 30
• Rating: 5

Scenery
Difficulty
Personality
Solitude

UNEXPECTED ACCOLADE

My photo of the warning sign atop Moro Rock was used in this Accuweather video published on July 28, 2021:

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