How to experience the best view in Sequoia National Park

On a Saturday morning, we visited the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park. There, we looked upon General Sherman, the largest Sequoia tree in the world. Unbelievably tall. However, as this only required 'viewing' where we love to be active, we consulted our are travel guide and noticed that there was a great hike just minutes away. The Lonely Planet told us that the hike to Moro Rock was short and provides one of the best views in the park. It also stated that the road to Moro Rock is closed on Saturday, and that a shuttle service will be running. Because we didn't had all day, we did not really like the idea to take a shuttle bus. We therefore basically skipped the idea of going to Moro Rock.

However, when we drove past the road that leads to Moro Rock, we noticed it wasn't closed whatsoever. We turned the car and headed for Moro Rock. In just a few minutes, we arrived at the parking lot. We understand why they close this road on Saturday as only about five cars or so can park at Moro Rock.

Moro Rock is a granite rock about 75 meters high (in total 2.050 meter of altitude). Four-hundred stairs brought us to the top of the rock. The path is probably not very suitable for those that are scared of heights: as you pass a deep drop. In less than 10 minutes, we walked from the car park to the top.

Luckily, there was nobody else at the top, but if it is busy, it can get pretty crowded because of the limited space. However, we had plenty of time to enjoy the view before other tourists arrived at the top. The Lonely Planet was correct: the view is breathtaking. You can see large parts of southern and western Sequoia, including the Western Divide. Beautiful!

To get back down, we had to take the same path as we came up with. Again, when busy, this can get pretty busy. In our case, we were able to walk down without seeing anybody else. When we stepped in our car and drove away, it appeared that the road was now actually closed. So they do close the road at around nine o'clock Saturday morning. Therefore, when you plan to visit Moro Rock: go early!