View from the top of Moro Rock

Sequoia National Park, home to some of the largest trees in the world- the Sequoias, is located just south of Yosemite. Driving past the parks entrance on Generals Highway you were able to see these towering giants along the narrow, winding roads. I wasn’t sure what to expect other than trees but, there were plenty of trails to hike and sights to see.

Unexpectedly, the park was not terribly busy and I was able to walk into a campground and reserve three nights without a problem. I stayed in the Lodgepole village, which was fairly close to all of the main attractions and I had easy access to the free shuttle.

Giant Tree Forest

On my first full day, I took the shuttle to the Giant Forest Museum where the Giant Tree trail began. It was a loop that led around a meadow surrounded by huge Sequoias. On occasion, you would see two or three trees that had fused together to become one or hollowed out tree trunks you could fit in. The forest connected to a trail leading to General Sherman, the largest tree in the world by volume. The hike was pretty short, albeit extremely hot and dry. I wasn’t able to get a great picture of General Sherman for the fact the he was just too big!

General Sherman Tree

After, I decided to go to Moro Rock. The brochure said it was a strenuous climb but entirely worth it. They were right. It wasn’t hard, but it was a steep climb up narrow stairs with a 300 ft gain. The stairs were cut into the natural flow of the rock and often only one person could pass at a time. I was mostly chugging water the entire way up but the view almost made you forget about catching your breath. At the top, you could see miles of untouched mountain ranges and I even got the slightest bit of cell service up there.