After spending the night in Bakersfield, I drove up to Sequoia National Park to spend the day getting in some mild hikes to acclimate to the higher altitude before I set off on my overnight trip to Peak Lake (assuming I got a last-minute permit). I pulled into the parking lot across from the Giant Forest Museum. I grabbed my small daypack and got the shuttle bus to Moro Rock. I had climbed this landmark many times, but never as someone who would be writing a trip report. While I could have driven to the trailhead, I was actually wanting to hike the Moro Rock Trail back to the Giant Forest Museum.
I kept my poles in my pack as I made my way up the stone steps, pausing from time to time to allow folks returning to pass. Off to the south, the smoke from the Coffee Pot Fire rose up until it reached an inversion layer and spread out. I was not directly worried about the fire but I was keeping an eye on the air quality.
At the summit, I took in the views I had been seeing since I was a small boy. This was the park where we would bring visitors to showcase some of California’s grandeur. I needed to be mindful of the time, as I had to be at the Lodgepole Ranger Station before 1 pm to try to get a walk-up permit.
I cruised back down from the summit and crossed the road to take the Moro Rock Trail back. After a short climb, the trail cruised along. At the Hanging Rock junction, I took it to see the rock and the views from it. It provided a nice view looking back at Moro Rock. After chatting with a family from Denmark, I scampered down and resumed my hike. A few folks passed from time to time, but a lot of peaceful solitude was had. After passing through a burn area, I found myself at the Museum. I tossed my gear in and headed down the road to the Lodgepole Ranger Station.
I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. In 2019, I became the third person to complete the San Diego 100 Peak Challenge. Not stopping with that accomplishment, I set my sights on the harder San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list, which I completed in 2021. In addition, I have conquered several Six-Pack of Peaks challenges (SoCal, San Diego, Central Coast, and Arizona-Winter). Beyond attempting the San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list a second time, I am looking forward to exploring new summits and new adventures across the southwest.