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Jean and I joined the milling crowds when we drove to Moro Rock.
Parking was scarce, so we parked near Hanging Rock, away
from the main parking area. Still, we could see the imposing granite
dome through the trees.
After a short 1/4 mile walk through the woods, we were at the
main parking area, where people of all types - young and old -
were gathered, either about to start the hike up, or coming down.
Some of the 400 steps up Moro Rock
The hike from the parking area consists completely of steps --
about 400 of them. The trail caresses the rock, forcing people
to stop and wait for people to pass in the opposite direction.
Some groups were quite large; sometimes we would stop and 15 or
20 people would walk down in the opposite direction. Some rock
climbers decided to avoid the traffic by taking the hard way up.
They were resting on top of the rock as we walked by.
The views are fantastic. It's the highest point for many miles
to the east and west. The stairs snake their way up, so you get
views on both sides. But the top gives you a 360 degree view of
the area. There's a bit more room here to stand and walk around,
but not much.
Great Western Divide
To the west lies the Sierra foothills and the San Joaquin valley
shrouded in haze. To the west lies the Great Western Divide --
a crest of 13,000 foot peaks capped by snow. To the south lies
the Mineral King area of Sequoia National Park, including such
lofty peaks as Sawtooth Peak (12343 feet).
View from the top looking west
There were about 20-30 people on top while we were there. The
peak was relatively clear of winds. Birds (sparrows?) zipped by
the sightseers. Some idiots trying to impress their friends decided
to climb over the railing and tempt fate. After enjoying the views
and having enough of this, we retreated away from this mass of
humanity back down the steps.
As we walked back through the parking area, I saw a boy in a wheelchair
and thought how sad it was that he couldn't make it to the top.
Perhaps some people were nice enough to help him up far enough
so he could see some of the views. I hope so -- despite the crowds,
the views are worth it.
Return to Sequoia/Kings Canyon trip report.
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