Go Together Life

📍 Circular Route | 14.5 km | 444m Elevation | 5 Hours
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Five majestic and awe inspiring stars)

We only had one day in Sequoia National Park and, in true “go big or go home” fashion, we decided to cram as much wonder as possible into a single super-hike. Ambitious? Absolutely. Worth it? 100%.

For those with less time, or less desire to tackle nine miles in a day, there’s an easier option. A seasonal shuttle connects Moro Rock, the Giant Forest Museum, and the General Sherman Tree. In warmer months (weekdays only), you can even drive most of the way to Moro Rock, leaving just a short but steep half mile climb to the top. In winter, the staircase closes due to ice, making it a little too slippery for safe sightseeing.

The Plan

Our route began at the General Sherman Tree parking lot, weaving through the Giant Forest on the Congress Trail, before connecting to the Alta, Soldiers, and Moro Rock Trails. We’d loop back via Crescent Meadow, making for a nine-mile round trip, plus whatever “bonus mileage” came from our meandering in the groves. Backpacks stuffed with snacks, lunch, water, first aid kits, and enough cold-weather gear to outfit an Arctic expedition, we set off from our base in Three Rivers.

Even before we hit the trailhead, the drive up into the park had us pulling over for jaw-dropping mountain views and a few “mandatory” and sometimes delightfully weird photo ops (here’s looking at you Patrick). Some stops were more about fresh air for the carsick-prone than scenery, but either way, we were already falling in love with this park.

Among Giants

The General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world, is a magnet for visitors, and it’s easy to see why. Standing among the colossal sequoias makes you feel tiny in the best possible way. Even with nine of us arms outstretched, we couldn’t wrap around the base of a single of the giant trees.

After exploring the paved loops near General Sherman, we hit the Congress Trail, aiming for Moro Rock. That’s when Quinn discovered she’s allergic… to pretty much everything. Pollen, cold, you name it! Out came the first aid kits, and one antihistamine later, we were back on track. 

Trail Bribes & Pine Cone Props

We followed the Alta Trail to Soldiers Trail, to keep spirits high (and tween whining low), Mandy and Ally broke out the ultimate motivational tool: jelly tots, tiny, sugary, gummy treasures from South Africa that we now consider essential hiking fuel. They helped motivate the tweens who were still a little lukewarm about our “new family hiking hobby.”Jon, meanwhile, staged a hilariously awkward pinecone photo shoot that will live forever in family lore.

The Final Climb

Soon, Moro Rock loomed above us, an enormous granite dome overlooking the park’s southern expanse. The trail to the top is just half a mile, but it packs in over 350 steps carved right into the rock. With railings for safety (and plenty of drop-offs to keep you alert), the climb rewards you with sweeping views of the Great Western Divide, including Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the lower 48.

We devoured our packed lunch at the summit, soaking in the views, then began the journey back. Our return route took us through the famous Tunnel Log, past Crescent Meadow, and back through the Giant Forest. More jelly tots were consumed on the way back than on the way out (cold spring air will do that to you), and the tweens finally admitted the puffer vests they’d scoffed at were actually a good idea.

Why We Loved It

From towering trees to epic granite views, this hike delivers non-stop scenery. If you’ve got a full day, strong legs, and a sense of adventure, the Congress Trail to Moro Rock loop is one of the best ways to experience Sequoia National Park.

This hike has everything: iconic landmarks, jaw-dropping vistas, and the kind of family memories that will have you laughing for years. Whether you tackle the full loop or just pick a section, Sequoia’s mix of raw beauty and pure scale will leave you feeling small in the very best way. If you can, do the hike. If you can’t, at least make the climb to Moro Rock, you won’t regret it.

🧳 Packing List

• 🎒 Daypack
• 💧 Water bottle or hydration pack
• ⛑ First aid kit
• 🧢 Hat & 🕶 Sunglasses
• 🌧 Rain jacket
• 🧥 Warm top/layers
• 🧦 Hiking socks
• 👟 Proper boots/shoes
• 🍫 Snacks and a packed lunch