Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park protects 404,064 acres of forested mountainous terrain in California's southern Sierra Nevada, including the world's largest tree by volume, the General Sherman Giant Sequoia. Established in 1890 as America's second national park, it preserves groves of ancient giant sequoias, spectacular granite peaks, and deep canyons. Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States at 14,505 feet, rises on the park's eastern boundary. The park's dramatic elevation gradient from 1,370 to 14,505 feet creates diverse life zones supporting over 1,200 plant species and abundant wildlife including black bears, mountain lions, and over 200 bird species. Giant sequoia groves occur naturally only on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, with some individual trees exceeding 3,000 years in age. These ancient forests create unique ecosystems supporting species found nowhere else. Sequoia implements fire management strategies essential for giant sequoia reproduction and forest health. The park manages 1.2 million annual visitors through wilderness permits and shuttle services while protecting fragile meadows and groves. Research programs study giant sequoia ecology, climate change impacts, and wildlife populations while restoration efforts focus on meadow hydrology and prescribed fire programs.

Water Features

Kaweah River, Kern River, Alpine lakes

Ecosystem

This destination features a temperate forest ecosystem.