Data Loading...
Sequoia Park Guide Flipbook PDF
An 8 page park guide for the Sequoia National Forest geared toward the family vacationers. The guide includes fun facts
104 Views
87 Downloads
FLIP PDF 25.8MB
the
Walking through Land of Giants J
ohn Muir reflected that giant sequoia groves are “not like places, they are like haunts.” He captured well the challenge of defining a sequoia grove. They are places in the sense they can be put on a map and characterized by area, number of trees, and sizes of trees. Describing the feeling and experience of being in a grove is harder. Consider exploring a giant sequoia grove for yourself. Giant sequoia groves are portions of Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forest that contain giant sequoias. In most groves, giant sequoias are fewer in number than other tree species, but are the most visually striking
2
and dominant in size. Giant sequoias grow only on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada in California, between 4,000 and 8,000 feet (1219 and 2438 m) in elevation. Within park boundaries, park staff distinguish approximately 40 different giant sequoia groves, ranging from one to tens of thousands of sequoia trees per grove. Numerous groves can be reached by road, while others are remote and involve an arduous hike to visit. In all the groves – from heavily visited to remote – these immense, majestic trees and sunlight filtered through lofty branches bring a sense of peace and wonder.
A Haunting Jaunt
A couple shares a breathtaking stroll through one of the sequoia groves in the Giant Forest. This particular grove is home to some of the largest trees in the entire world. Take a few seconds to try and spot the two people walking.
3
4
Exploring in the Forest
H
iking in the Sequoia NF is what you want to make of it. We encourage all hikers to evaluate their skill level, choose a trail and conditions that are appropriate, plan what you take with you carefully, and let people know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. There are an incredible amount of day-hikes available that all offer different views, from forests, to deserts, to granite peaks. Hiking is the way to explore the forest, and is allowed anywhere within the forest.
As you enter Sequoia National Forest, Moro Rock looms overhead, thousands of feet above the highway. This large rock dome is a great geologic feature that can be enjoyed from above or below. A concrete and stone stairway leads over 350 steps to the top of Moro Rock. Just a short distance from the parking area and above the forests’s canopy, the Great Western Divide’s peaks become visible. As you climb, views open up from the foothills and San Joaquin Valley to the west, to deep into wilderness to the east. Handrails along the way make the climb relatively safe, though you should keep a close eye on children because of steep dropoffs along the entire route. The hike can be strenuous; taking your time climbing can help adjust to the thinner air at higher elevations.
5
A Chilling View
For those willing to brave the cold temperatures and slippery conditions, viewing the General Sherman in the winter time can be much more of an intimate and rewarding experience.
6
Visiting The Old General Sherman The General Sherman Tree is the world’s largest tree, measured by volume. It stands 275 feet (83 m) tall, and is over 36 feet (11 m) in diameter at the base. Sequoia trunks remain wide high up. Sixty feet above the base, the Sherman Tree is 17.5 feet (5.3 m) in diameter.
T
wo trails lead to the Sherman Tree. Parking for the Main Trail is off the Wolverton Road (between the Sherman Tree and Lodgepole) just follow the signs. The trail runs half a mile (0.8 km) down to the tree. It has few stairs and is paved. As you walk, you’ll enter the Giant Forest sequoia grove. Exhibits along the trail explain the natural history of giant sequoias. The walk back is uphill.
Once much snow falls, the main parking area off the Wolverton Road closes and the accessible parking area on the Generals Highway becomes available for all. The trail from there to the Sherman Tree is not steep but can be very snowy or icy. The timing of winter snow varies tremendously between seasons and is very difficult to predict. Check current conditions for more information.
7
e m Co
a n L d e o h t f Gi o t
ant s!
Find more park information at www.visitsequoia.com