CitiSpot: Abode of Giants - Sequoia National Park

Friday, August 5, 2011

Abode of Giants - Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park long has been known for its tall trees and riveting High Sierra backcountry.

Sequoia National Park is located southeast of Fresno, in the southern Sierra Nevada range of California. When the park was formed in 1890 it was the second National Park to be formed in the USA. Sequoia National Park is most famous for its Giant Sequoia trees, including the largest tree on Earth - General Sherman tree. This forest contains 5 out of the 10 largest trees in the world, in terms of wood volume. The park is adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park and both of these are administered by the National Park Service. General Sherman tree is believed to be approximately 2200 years old. The park also has Mount Whitney which is the highest point in the mainland United States, at about 14,500 feet. More than 1,200 campsites and a variety of lodging accommodations are found in the parks.

Some of the popular sights at Sequoia National Park are the General Sherman Tree, Tunnel Log (a fallen sequoia tree and cars can drive through it), Crescent Meadow, Crystal Cave, Moro Rock and Giant Forest Sequoia grove. There are several activities for the visitors including fishing, skiing, horseback riding, hiking, biking and much more. Park also has hundreds of caves including the Lilburn Cave which is over 20 miles and California's longest cave. Crystal Cave is the only one open for the tourists which is over 3.4 miles.

Sequoia National Park Foothills hikes goes through lush vegetation of California's native flora, oaks, chaparral, and river gorges. The foothills are hot and dry, however, the mid-elevation sequoia groves present warm days and lovely nights. All of the roads and amenities are open all year. Hiking the Paradise Creek Trail and Middle Fork Trail can be easily reached from the Buckeye Campground.

Sequoia National Park is home to many of California's most spectacular natural wonders. From the 300-foot Sequoia gigantea (one of the largest and oldest trees in the world) to the 14,494-foot Mt. Whitney (the highest peak in the lower 48), the park has long been extolled by presidents, residents, and foreign visitors. It is a prime hiking, backpacking, and camping destination, and draws millions of visitors every year.