Hanging Rock is a terrific little side attraction and stop within the boundaries of Sequoia National Park.
I had written down to visit Hanging Rock when I planned my itinerary.
Then....when I arrived in the Giant Forest area, my first thoughts were to go and check out famous Moro Rock.
Well, here's the good part about this. Upon driving over to Moro Rock, I saw signs for Hanging Rock. Perfect!
Here was my chance to not only see Hanging Rock, but to then venture over to close by Moro Rock and witness the views from high above there.
Hanging Rock was great. I easily found established signs for the short trail to arrive here. It was not difficult. And...it was only 1/3 of a mile walk to get to Hanging Rock. Nice.
What I truly liked about Hanging Rock is that it lived up to it's name. It's a large rock hanging off the edge of a cliff. Wow...I thought how has it stayed hanging for all this time?
Not only is the rock embedded on a severe slant off the face of the cliff, but as I wondered in amazement, the whole setting overlooked the picturesque and rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.
Also, I found the ambiance here at Hanging Rock to be better than my experience at famed Moro Rock! You're probably wondering why I'm saying this?......
Well, when I hiked to the top of Moro Rock...the views and scenery were obstructed by a handguard railing (and rightly so because it's situated among a straight drop panoramic overlook). This safety measure unfortunately interrupted the majestic sights of Moro Rock (at least for me it did).
Meanwhile, back at Hanging Rock, here I was able to walk somewhat close to the edge within safe parameters to allow myself to uncover the beautiful scenery of the Sequoia landscape and beyond....all the while this slanted and jagged rock sat solemnly in it's glory (and without any handrails disrupting my photography taking, lol).
Getting to see Hanging Rock was certainly a worthwhile stop. It didn't take more than 30-40 minutes of time. It was easily accessible too.
I'd like to mention...just before arriving at Hanging Rock, there was a tiny sidetrack and detour off to a panoramic vista opportunity.
Here I was afforded a moment to sit down and glance out into the distance for more fantastic views of the mountains on a sunny summer day.
Keep a look out for this side path to the overlook. It made for another momentous occasion to bask in awesome sights.
Btw, just in case the small parking area for Moro Rock is filled up and there's nowhere to leave your car.....you can park back at the Giant Forest Museum area and then take leisurely Moro Rock Trail 1.5 miles (one way) through the tranquil forest to arrive at Hanging Rock, and then ultimately Moro Rock. It's a non strenuous and casual path to take even if you just don't feel like driving.
In the end, I really appreciated my brief time at Hanging Rock. I definitely recommend it as a quick under the radar pitstop among the many fantastic attractions within Sequoia National Park. It won't take long to visit and this slanted rock draped at the cliff's edge set among some inspiring scenery left me with fond memories. read more