Sequoia National Park
In the depths of Sierra Nevada, Sequoia National Park is famous for its massive trees, including General Sherman, one of the largest on earth. Spanning over 400,000 acres, this beloved park contains five of the ten largest trees on the planet, located in the Giant Forest region. Sequoia National Park is one of the nation's most visited parks for the breathtaking, awe-inspiring works of nature that seemingly defy both gravity and time.
The land now recognized as Sequoia National Park was once home to the Monachee Native Americans. Pictographs are still visible on many of the park's landmarks, including Hospital Rock and Potwisha. European settlers established camps in the massive forests, hollowing out trunks for log cabins. Tharp's Log was one such cabin which still exists within the park and remains accessible to visitors.
The mountainous landscape of the Sierra Nevada gives way to the ancient old growth forests of sequoia trees, some of the tallest trees still in existence. Because of the region's mountainous terrain, there are many underground caverns and cave systems including Crystal Cave, the only cave open to visitors in the park. Though the caves and mountains are incredible, it's the sequoias which draw in the crowds. Some of the park's most popular attractions include Sherman Tree Trail as it winds 0.8 miles up to the base of General Sherman Tree, the cut path under the Tunnel Log, as well as the beautiful Tokopah Falls which plummet 1,200 feet to the canyon floor. Moro Rock granite dome, Crescent Meadow lined with giant sequoias, and the Giant Forest Museum are also very popular, informative, and highly interesting attractions at this magnificent national park.
