California - Summer 2007

Sequoia National Forest and
Giant Sequoia National Monument

On the Road Again

After we left Yosemite National Park, we drove to Sequoia National Forest, where we spent our last night on the road.

The Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument are named for the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree. The landscape is as spectacular as its 38 groves of giant sequoia. Majestic granite monoliths, glacier-torn canyons, roaring whitewater, and lush meadows await your discovery at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

Elevations range from 1,000 feet in the foothill region to peaks over 12,000 feet in the rugged high country, providing visitors with some of the most spectacular views of mountainous landscape in the entire west.

Walking the Trail to the General Sherman tree.

The General Sherman Tree

Photo Source: National Park Services

General Sherman is the name of a Giant Sequoia. It is the largest tree in the world, and generally considered the largest organism, as measured by the volume of its trunk (1487 cubic meters as of 2002). It is approximately 2,200 years old.

General Sherman

General Sherman

General Sherman

The Tunnel Log

The fallen Tunnel Log of Sequoia National Park came into being after an unnamed giant sequoia fell across the Crescent Meadow Road in late 1937 as a result of "natural causes." The following summer, a tunnel was cut through the fallen log as a visitor attraction. When it fell, the tree stood 275 feet high (83.8 meters) and was 21 feet in diameter at the base (6.4 meters). The tree's age when it fell has not been determined, but probably exceeded 2000 years. The tunnel, which remains in use today, is 17 feet wide and 8 feet high (5.2 meters by 2.4 meters). There is a bypass for taller vehicles.

The Fallen Tunnel Log of Sequoia National Park
Joni Waving

The Fallen Tunnel Log of Sequoia National Park
Matt Hanging out Window in Back Seat

Heading Home

Grandma and Grandson

Matt bought two tee shirts from this fellow.

Alan had a nice conversation with a California sheriff here.