Hollaaaa friends! ✌️ As promised, today’s post will be centered around the Tunnel Log and Moro Rock. (One of my favorite mini stops to date). Check more deets out below if you’re planning a trip for the Sequoia National Park, and let me know if you have any tidbits I may have missed along the way! Excited to share these with you!

Sequoia National Park Highlights: Driving Through Tunnel Log

So last we talked, we were still in Sequoia National Park, about to head to the Tunnel Log and Moro Rock. As cool as the tunnel seemed like it was going to be, I didn’t consider the fact that nearly everyone was going to feel the same…🙂 Which meant, the tiny winding road to get there (which you can hop onto when you’re beside the visitor center), was rather packed. We also didn’t consider it being a Sunday morning when most tourists are still out and about exploring, so because of all the people getting out randomly and stopping to take pics, we decided to quickly drive through the Tunnel Log instead of also getting out, to take said pics…📸

Because of that quick drive-thru style visit, we didn’t really get to see its full beauty. I’ll post a pic or two below of the best shots I was able to get, having to work around multiple people in and out of their cars making a day of this one location. 😅 Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about grabbing some stellar photos, but we try to be hasty and allow time for others to do the same. (Please also don’t block the road when you’re taking aforementioned pictures, it kind of sucks for fellow passersby)… 🤓

So, moral of the story here is that if you want that selfie by the Tunnel Log, don’t get too attached to it. Just know that it may or may not happen because of the traffic and other tourists, and to just be okay with how cool it was to be able to drive underneath an ancient giant of the trees. 🪾

👇 The first pic is going through, and the second two are after we were on the other side. Less than ideal pics, as mentioned, but still epic and ginormous nonetheless! Just make sure you know ahead of time that your vehicle will fit, as this clearance is only 7’3″ in height!

More Sequoia National Park Highlights:  A Day Among Giants: Hiking and Learning in Sequoia National Park

The Moro Rock Climb and More Epic Views

The last stop on our bucket list in the Sequoias was to visit Moro Rock. (Sure, this is not a tree, but it’s still pretty freaking cool).

Moro Rock is a giant boulder sticking out into the heavens not far from the visitor center. It’s laden with more people just as before, but if you’re an early bird and try to beat the worm, then you may just have the top views all to yourself. This is not a walk, and it’s not paved. It’s an actual hike; a short, grueling one at that. Be prepared to get sweaty very quickly and pace yourself if going uphill fast isn’t something you’re used to. (Luckily with Half Dome and Mt. Whitney in our sights, we were well prepared for this)!💪

Despite the quick elevation, I really enjoyed this part of the park. It was so beautiful at the top and so humbling at the same time. The views are all around for as many miles as you can see. There are mountains everywhere in the distance, and I’ve read it is a great place to try to make it up to for sunrise. Although this wasn’t the case for us this time around, I’d definitely like to try it for sunrise someday in the future. ☀️

The hike is a little sketch in some areas, (especially if heights aren’t your thing), but there are poles and chains most of the way to make it a little easier even if you’re just getting started in your hiking journey. There’s a couple ways to get there, so let me share those with you below:

Moro Rock Trail via Giant Forest Museum Visitor Center – 3.8 miles
Moro Rock Trail via The Parking Lot – 0.5 miles

We decided on the trailhead that starts at the parking lot of Moro Rock, since we had a lot of big hikes coming up that week and didn’t want to add to the miles until we knew how our bodies were going to feel. There is a bathroom there at the trailhead and some signs explaining to you more about the hike if you’re interested in checking them out!

The Beauty of Small Hikes and Simple Moments

Small hikes like this remind me that significant training for weeks and months ahead of time isn’t always necessary. And although I love adding those things to my workout regimen, it is nice to have a break from the sore legs and shoulders sometimes. Yes, the training made even this short, harder hike an easy one, but my point is that you can still enjoy it no matter your fitness level. That’s the beauty of Moro Rock! 🪨 🥰

Have you got any of these kinds of hikes near you? Drop some faves in the comment section below so we can follow along on your journey as well! Not every hike needs to be giant, even the simplest, shorter ones make a good spot in the memory bank along the way, too. I’ll see you in the next post when we discuss Kings Canyon and the route we took to get there…(and the one we took to leave it). 👀 Catcha then friends! ✌️

PS! Peep the super cute berry bush we spotted on the way back down the rock. I love finding beauty in nature like this along trails so I can stop to appreciate how awesome Mother Nature is. (Oh! And if you’re up for less text and more pics/videos, be sure to follow along on the social pages to get the synopsis instead!)
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Thank You For Reading Sequoia National Park Highlights

Thanks so much for reading and following along on our Sequoia adventures! 🌲I hope this inspires you to check out Tunnel Log and Moro Rock for yourself someday.  They’re even more breathtaking in person. Until next time, happy exploring! ✌️