Hiking the Hanging Rock Trail in Sequoia National Park
Distance: 0.2 miles / 0.3 km
The Hanging Rock Trail in Sequoia National Park is, in my opinion, one of the best and most underrated trails in all of Giant Forest!
I say this because the effort-to-reward ratio is second to none on this short 0.1-mile (0.2 km) out-and-back trail, and furthermore, the Hanging Rock Trail is, without a doubt, one of the best places to catch a sunset in all of Sequoia National Park, largely because far fewer visitors choose to hike Hanging Rock as opposed to the nearby Moro Rock Trail.
Hanging Rock Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Hanging Rock Trail is located in a small turnout off Moro Rock Loop Road, adjacent to the trailhead, about 0.2 miles (0.3 km) up the hill from the main Moro Rock Trailhead and shuttle stop.
That being said, the Hanging Rock Trailhead often sees spillover from the Moro Rock Trailhead during the busiest times of the summer travel season, but this is typically never an issue during the late evening hours when I recommend hiking the short trail.
Google Maps Directions: Hanging Rock Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Sequoia-Kings Canyon
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.
That being said, bear spray is purposefully excluded from this list because, while the Sierra Nevadas are home to a large black bear population, bear spray is not allowed in either Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park.
Hiking the Hanging Rock Trail
The Hanging Rock Trail is one of the easiest and most straightforward day hikes in all of Sequoia National Park, gaining roughly 80 ft. (24 m) from the trailhead to the viewpoint.
Hanging Rock
At the end of the short 0.1-mile (0.2 km) trail, Hanging Rock can be seen perched on the cliffs above the windy Generals Highway below.
Furthermore, Moro Rock is the most notable landmark in the background of these two photos, and it is Moro Rock that truly comes to life when it’s clear at sunset!
As the golden light shines on the west face of Moro Rock, I think it’s pretty clear why sunset is my favorite time of day to enjoy the views at Hanging Rock—especially since few, if any, visitors stick around for sunset at Hanging Rock compared to its more famous counterpart down the road.
Sequoia National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
