Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are adjacent and are usually are thought of as one. They are within the Sierra Nevada mountain range that runs along the length of the eastern border of California. Mt. Whitney, on the south east edge of the parks, at 14,494 feet, is the highest peak in the continental United States.
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| These parks are famous for the giant long lived Sequoia trees. These huge red-brown monarchs of the forest can live for thousands of years. It is unknown if they would ever die of old age, as they are always first toppled by storms. They grow as tall as 300 feet, attracting lightning which gives their crowns their characteristic blasted, and scarred look. With trunks as large and 40 feet across, and weighing up to 3 million pounds these are the largest living things on the earth. |
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View from Moro Rock looking east
Moro Rock is a promotory that provides an excellent viewpoint. To reach the viewpoint follow a short trail with cut steps, and handrails that climbs 300 feet up from the parking area at Giant Forest. The gray mountains in the distance are the Great Western Divide (Kaweah Range). Hidden behind them are the Sierra Nevadas, and Mt. Whitney. The mountain slope in the foreground drops down to the middle fork of the Kaweah River far below.
Looking west from the High Sierra trail back at Moro Rock
Moro rock is on the right. Below stretching off into the distance is the valley carved by the middle fork of the Kaweah River.
Wild Fire across valley near Castle Rocks
Panther Peak
All images © John Donohue, 1995,1996