Moro Rock is a granite dome in Sequoia National Park which offers spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada mountains (with 13,000+ ft. high peaks) to the East and the foothills and San Joaquin Valley to the South and West. Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States is just out of view.

The trail to the top of the dome is short and has hand rails and cement steps. However if you are coming into the park from closer to sea level, it can be a deceptively difficult mini-trek at 6,000+ ft. of elevation. My advise is to take it slow and take breaks to enjoy the view and semi-fresh air (some of the air and unfortunately pollution too comes from across the state and even from Asia). I did get a few bouts of “I am not afraid of heights, just afraid of falling from them” as I went up, but coming down was much easier in that regard.

If you make it to the top (and it is a clear day) you are rewarded with superb views in all directions.

As I was about halfway done with the descent my ears were piqued by an echoing screech. I then (cautiously) glanced over the railing to the West side and saw what I anticipated – two Peregrine Falcons streaking across the rock face. They continued on to another rock face across the way, perhaps to their nest. “Wow!”. I feel so lucky for that chance encounter, and what a cool way to end the walk.