Summary 
| Difficulty | 2 Beginner-intermediate |
| Length | 3.4 miles round trip |
| Starting Elevation |
6450 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+450, -450 round trip |
| Navigation | Road |
| Time | Few hours |
| Season | December through early April |
| Snowmobiles Use | Not permitted |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Giant Forest |
| Start |
Giant Forest Village on Generals Highway (Highway 198) at the west end of the Giant Forest Museum Plaza. |
Description
Once on the summit of Moro Rock, you will understand why so many people make Moro Rock their destination; there are spectacular views in every direction. To the south is the San Joaquin Valley and to the north is Silliman Crest.
Unfortunately, these views draw more than just cross-country skiers, and you should expect the trail to be pocked with the tracks of hikers. Nevertheless, this tour is an excellent one if you are just getting acquainted with ski touring.
Many skiers will choose to extend this tour by continuing to Crescent Meadow.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 0.05
Elevation change: Nil
From the trailhead (1) ski south on Crescent Meadow Road for 100 yards until you reach a road on your left (2).
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 0.05 - 1.0
Elevation change: +50 feet
Continue south (straight) for 1.0 mile on Crescent Meadow Road until you reach a road junction (3). The south (right) fork leads to Moro Rock and the north (left) fork leads to Crescent Meadow.
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 1.0 - 1.1
Elevation change: Nil
Stay right at the junction and continue for 0.1 mile until you reach a second junction (4). This fork is the start of the loop which leads to the base of Moro Rock. You can ski it in either direction but here we describe it in a counter-clockwise direction.
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 1.1 - 1.5
Elevation change: -50 feet
Continue on the south (right) fork and follow the road first to the west and then southeast for a total of 0.4 mile until you reach the base of Moro Rock (5) and a sign indicating so. To this point the tour has been almost perfectly level.
Waypoint 5 to 6
Miles: 1.5 - 1.7
Elevation change: +300, -50 feet
The top of Moro Rock (6) is 0.2 mile to the south and 300 feet above. If you are going to the top, you should leave your skis at the base and hike up the steep and narrow path to the summit. The path is often very dangerous due to ice and snow, so be careful. If you do start up and conditions look poor, don't hesitate to turn around. There are fine views from various points along the way up.
Waypoint 6 to 5
Miles: 1.7 - 1.9
Elevation change: +50, -300 feet
Descend north for 0.2 mile to the base of Moro Rock (5).
Waypoint 5 to 4
Miles: 1.9 - 2.3
Elevation change: +50 feet
Ski on the snow-covered road to the east, north and finally west for a total of 0.4 mile until you reach the road junction (4) you were at previously.
Waypoint 4 to 1
Miles: 2.3 - 3.4
Elevation change: -50 feet
Retrace the route for 1.1 miles back to the trailhead (1).
