Trees are the “Stars” in Sequoia National Park

Imagine a place where the trees are superstars. The “skyscrapers” are living organisms for which people walk miles to admire. Imagine a place where forest fires are essential in cultivating the species. Picture a tree with needs so specific that it can only grow in one location. See its branches soaring to the sky, but with roots that are shallow – the trees’ only weakness. Can such a site exist on this planet? It does, and its name is Sequoia National Park.

A recent vacation to this unique place revealed a world unlike any other. These large trees, not the tallest on earth, but the largest and densest, grow only on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at elevations between 5,000 and 7,000 feet. They can soar to be 300 feet tall with trunks up to 40 feet in diameter. While the trees grow quickly during their lifetimes, the root systems are shallow. Consequently, toppling is the main cause of death for sequoias. Heavy winter snows and subsequent spring melts provide the trees’ main water source. 

A visit to Sequoia National Park commands a few “must see” experiences. For a birds-eye perspective of the park, visitors can climb the steep quarter-mile path to the top of Moro Rock. This granite dome provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding area and the Great Western Divide, a chain of mountains that runs through the park.

The largest living tree on earth by volume is the 2,700-year-old General Sherman tree. At 275 feet tall, it is estimated to weigh over 1,300 tons. A short downhill walk from the parking lot puts visitors in the shadow of this enormous tree. Be ready for the shortness-of-breath hike back up the trail, though. The strategically placed benches along the trail are ideal for flatlanders not used to the high altitudes of the park.

For an adventure beyond the General Sherman tree, a two-mile walk on the paved Congress trail gives visitors a view of the Washington tree, the world’s second largest tree. To get a break from the crowds, walk the five-mile Trail of the Sequoias which reveals a splendid collection of sequoias and other unique flora and fauna.

Drive through the Tunnel Log and then walk through for a photo op.

The Tunnel Log, a tree which toppled to the ground in 1937, is the only tree in the park through which visitors can drive. A tunnel cut in the fallen tree in 1938 turned this spot into a popular tourist attraction. The tree was estimated to be over 2,000 years old when it fell. Stop nearby for photo ops and to walk through the tunnel, as well.

The Giant Forest Museum provides interpretive displays and lessons on the ecology, fire cycle, and history of the trees. The Big Trees Trail, an interpretive wheelchair-accessible trail, leads directly out of the museum parking lot. Kids can learn about wildlife, camping, and forest ecology with hands-on activities in at the excellent Beetle Rock Education Center. Let them explore and get out the wiggles while learning about the ecology of the park.

Adventurous folks will find a plethora of hiking trails, caving tours, and campgrounds.  Whether it’s day hikes or longer treks, the park has miles of trails to suit every hiker, including ones reaching elevations over 12,000 feet. Camping is permitted in the park on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hike to the top of Moro Rock for a spectacular view of the
park and the Great Western Divide.

Driving in Sequoia is not for the faint of heart. Hair-pin turns and the rise and fall of various elevations calls for steady hands behind the wheel. In the summer, visitors can ride the free Sequoia Shuttle and let the bus drivers do the work. Riding the shuttle also helps cut the air pollution that plagues the park. Either way, a vehicle is necessary for touring.

Whether you’re intending to spend a day or a week at Sequoia National Park, there’s plenty for visitors of all ages. Come to Sequoia to see the famous trees, the superstars of this California hotspot.

 

Visit the Park website at http://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm for more information.