Tag: heights

Sequoia National Park, located just 45 miles east of Visalia, California provides a multitude of attractions. Today’s article is about the trip to Moro Rock.

We traveled to Sequoia National Park on a perfect day in the central valley of California. In early November, temperatures dip into the low to mid 40’s during the night time and usually the 60’s during the day. Today it was close to 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the valley. In the mountains, it was around 50 degrees, which was quite pleasant.

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK – ENTRANCE

Just a forty-five minute drive east from Visalia, California, we ascended the grade incline of CA Route 198 to the park entrance. We had picked an incredibly beautiful, sunlit day to visit the park. There was almost no traffic and all of whom we did meet, especially the park rangers were all friendly, outspoken, and cordial.

There are so many different attractions at the Sequoia National Park this author recommends picking only one or two at a time to enhance the enjoyment of the experience in nature.

Depending on one’s travel schedule and how much time may be available, it is recommended to visit the link mentioned above and plan the trip carefully. From May through September of each year expect high visitor turnout to the park.

From Visalia on east there are various places to stay. There are also many restaurants to visit along the way. In fact, there are hotels located in the park, as well.

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK VISTA POINTS

Needless to say, there are so many vista points and lay-by’s along the way only a couple will be reviewed in this article for brevity. Do pick a clear day to visit if picture-taking is one of your intentions during the visit. Depending on weather there can be many days where there is haze. Especially, as afternoon and early evening approaches one may find photo sessions to not be very effective. Consequently, earlier in the morning after the sun is over the mountains is the best time to take videos and photo snapshots.

Once in the park, we stopped by a vista point to enjoy the view.

As we drove deeper into the park the elevation rose and the roads become more curvy.

This is a view of part of the Sierra Mountains. Such is part of a mountain chain that heads north from the Mojaves to Donner Pass east of Sacramento, California.

If one has the time, pick one day to just drive completely through the park northward. Some of the roads do get very winding so make sure the driver is able to handle the task. From the CA Route 198 entrance in Tulare County, the road will finally head north until one reaches the park end in Fresno County at Kings Canyon National Park.

For those who can plan for a longer stay at the park, there are vacation rentals where one may stay, as well. Make reservations well in advance to preclude unfortunate outcomes.

MORO ROCK APPROACH

As we passed the welcome center to the park, we made the right turn and headed for Moro Rock. The road and the incline became more of an issue. At some points the road had to wind past ancient sequoias, as well as, accommodate some rocky outcroppings. The trees and views were constantly alluring by nature. In a couple of places where curves were rather extreme, one had to take it very slow because the width of the road could barely allow two automobiles to pass, much less any larger vehicles.

The road heading up to Moro Rock became more narrow with a steeper degree of incline.

Before driving up to Moro Rock, there was a small parking area lay-by. People stopped to view giant fallen sequoias.

As we approached Moro Rock the road branched off to the left to another attraction.

Finally, we made it to the parking area. Of course, the rest of the trip was to be made on foot. Certainly, it must be noted that anyone with any respiratory, heart or mobility issues would not be able to continue farther.

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK – MORO ROCK

Once we parked the vehicle, we looked to the right. Then, we looked up. And up. And up. We were going to climb that thing? Well, it is why we came. It was time to conquer. At the base of the escarpment there were ample signs in sealed displays to educate one on the discovery and history of Moro Rock. Some of it is provided here and in some image captions. It was discovered in 1858. Explorer Hale Tharp, with the help of two native Americans made the official discovery.

This may be a chance to make something go viral. My first thought when seeing this sign was: ‘As opposed to what?’ A hyphen would do, yes?

Finally, at road’s end was the parking area where those brave of heart would take the challenge to climb Moro Rock.

The views below and above were spectacular. The native sequoias and pines were growing all around.

From the beginning, planted here is the United States Department of the Interior survey medallion for the National Park Service.

The history of the discovery of the huge granite came to pass in 1858. Two native Americans ushered explorer, Hale Tharp to the escarpment.

This is where the Moro Rock trail begins. With a ‘No Dogs’ sign alerting climbers to leave the pets behind, believe me, there were many places they could jump to their dooms.

THE CLIMB

Before we started the climb, we did some reading from the displays provided. The history is amazing. In addition, how one who lives nearby can not be moved or at least interested in Sequoia National Park and its attractions.

Warning! The first fatality occurred in 1976. Also, if the steps on the climb are icy or snow-capped, do not attempt it.

As the ascent begins, handrails in the 1900’s are most welcome. Caution, it gets really narrow!

Well, this is not a good time to look down. Consequently, if vertigo is an issue, one may want to return. Ultimately, it may be a bit dicey for many to continue.

Yes, this is an open spot on the climb. No rails. Notably, it is your ability to ‘stay on the path’ that counts.

Yes, it is a look below. Do not lean over too far, please.

At some points, there are rocks, trees and other things laying around. One push and…

Notably, above and below are some of the amazing photos of the incredible climb. Yes, the weather can be quite a factor, as mentioned earlier. Notably, one must always be prepared. Always, dress for it and be sure to carry enough water for the adventure.

THE CLIMB CONTINUES

No, the climb is not a short nor easy one for many to endure. Do pay attention to any health issues. At a few points, there are places to catch one’s breath. But, there are not many. This author did notice a few who may had been pushing it.

Correct, that little tree was the only way to stop from a fall of hundreds of feet. Note, there are deaths that occur, here. Be careful, is an understatement.

This display, part of the way up, details various mountain heights in the sierra mountain range.

Now, doesn’t this view the ‘gravity’ of the importance to be careful on the ascent?

See here, how the rails are all one has to stop a fall?

And, you thought the roads to drive here were narrow and winding?

Yes, sometimes looking up can be depressing. Don’t give up, we thought?

Finally, we were getting close to the summit, but not yet.

MORO ROCK SUMMIT – WE THOUGHT?

The arduous trek upward continued, but, without the determination on our parts, we struck forward with a vengeance. We would not be denied our resolve at summit success.

Almost there, or so we thought?

What? Another 90 degree turn without much to hold?

No way! We thought we were there, but no! Like the commercial, ‘Wait, there is more!’ Yikes.

But, they say, don’t look down. Okay, had to do it. We actually drove up the mountain on those tiny paths?

But, wait, this is just great. We must also worry about shifting stones?

Another turn? But, wait, there is even more! Ain’t seen nothing, yet.

No way. Every time we thought we had made it, we were thwarted. Period. There was not way to see how far we had climbed the escarpment. But, we would soon have our answer.

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK EXTREME CLIMB

Truly, there was not way to know our degree of advancement up this granite rock until we got there. No way.

On the way to the summit. Rounding a sharp corner. Walkway is only 2 feet across. At the end of this turn it is a drop just past the railing.

This is one of the straightest stairways before reaching the summit. As one can see, past the rock outcroppings the drop is a continuous slope to the bottom hundreds of feet below.

This is the view just over the rock outcroppings. Yes, it is a straight drop to the tree-lined ground below.

Here is a narrow walkway just before another stairway. Note, the rocks lining the left side are only about 2 feet high.

Almost there. The summit is around the corner.

This is the last stairway before the summit. Just to the right of the railings it the sheer drop one can see approaching Moro Rock from the winding roads below.

MORO ROCK SUMMIT AT SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK

So, we finally made it. And, with only a couple of stops along the way to catch our breaths, the view was incredible!

The display details the seasons that are viewed from this point. Most notable is winter where the water and snow smooths the rocks.

From the summit, one can see not only the mountain range below; the roads approaching Moro Rock and the park dot the landscape.

Here is a view of the northern side of the granite rock face of Moro Rock.

Almost forgot to share this picture. Yes, the path is that narrow with almost nothing to stop a fall back to the park floor.

Here is the last pathway to the summit. At a couple of points the railings are the only barrier from a catastrophic end.

This is a stunning view from one edge of Moro Rock. One may reminisce of how the engineers completed this task of making the attraction available to the public.

We took a long look around. It was majestic beauty in the finest! At this altitude one may not notice the air was thinner, but when moving around more than usual, especially climbing, one can tell the difference.

SUMMIT MEETINGS AND VISITS

While at the summit, we had the opportunity to meet other visitors from other lands. Notably, we met two outstanding couples. One couple hailed from Israel and the other from Italy. We helped each other take pictures instead of resorting to selfies.

At the summit of Moro Rock, we all took in the ambiance of the scenery. But, do be forewarned. Those rails are all that protect you from falling hundreds of feet. The open face of the rock seemed to be a drop of well over 1,000 feet.

This warning display alerts visitors of the danger of remaining in case of an approaching storm. Outside of occasional falls, there have also been fatalities from lightning strikes. The first recorded fatality was in 1976.

Our new Israeli acquaintances took a picture of us with the sierra mountains in the background.

The Israeli couple are shown here getting some scenic snapshots. They were very nice, but there English was better, yet.

The Italian couple took a number of cool snapshots. We shared some photo ops, but we didn’t post them here, because of this author would never finish the article!

Okay, here is one of our funnier photo ops. They also spoke very good English.

The hobnobbing and taking pictures of such scenic views of breathtaking terrain was really worth the trip. But, then there was the trip back down to the parking area. Rest assured, it was much easier than the ascent.

THE DESCENT FROM MORO ROCK SUMMIT

The trip back to the Sequoia National Park parking area was actually a welcome relief. It seemed like it took no time at all to return. But, it was still important to remember to be careful. One careless trip or misstep could be catastrophic.

In this view downward, it is apparent how little protection from the pathway there is in case of a trip or misstep.

Here and there, rocks litter the areas adjacent to the walkway. These structures, over time are moving, but it takes a long time until they fall below. They are inspected for stability.

At some points during the descent, it was apparent why one periodically stopped to catch their breath.

Yes, one can see here the narrow walkway with only railings to provide safety. In case of a fall, one would be lucky to catch a branch of a bush. Unfortunately, tragic falls do occur on occasion.

Finally, we reached the parking area at the base of Moro Rock. Sequoia National Park provided excellent displays for educational purposes.

This is an image of Sequoia National Park with some of its attractions.

Once back at the parking area we bad a farewell to our new international friends. They were on whirlwind trips to see as much of the United States as possible. Both couples were cramming as much in as possible. Example: One couple was heading from Sequoia National Park to Death Valley in the same day!

THE RETURN TRIP FROM SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK

As mentioned previously, there was more haze about in the afternoon. Therefore, taking good pictures became problematic. However, this was an unusually clear day so please enjoy the following photos.

Some roads in the park are quite narrow. There are areas where recreational vehicles are restricted.

Here is another view of how narrow the road is. This one is tucked between two giant sequoia trees.

During our descent from the park, we had a chance to view a deer. As we passed, she didn’t move. Another vehicle behind us stopped for photos.

This is an excellent image of Moro Rock. Look at the upper left. There one can see a walkway hewn out of the rock near the summit.

This is a view of a sierra mountain top during the descent. This late in the afternoon it is rare to get such a clear shot.

After about a 20 minute drive downward, we are about to leave the front gate to Sequoia National Park.

For those who are new traveling to the park, there are many vista points where one may stop.

KAWEAH DAM ENROUTE HOME

For those who have some time after visiting Sequoia National Park, do take a few moments to stop at Kaweah Dam. It is one of the largest earthen dams in the United States.

This is a view of Kaweah Dam and its marina. There are house boats for sale for those interested.

This is a closeup view of the floodgate area of the dam. Stop in at the Army Corps of Engineers building to learn more.

This is a closeup of the dam where water is released after collection of water from the sierra mountain chain.

This author hopes everyone has enjoyed reading this pictorial-based article. One will not regret visiting Sequoia National Park.

Written By: Ed Smith

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