Sequoia National Park was the second park in a system that now numbers over 400 parks. As we climbed to the top of Moro Rock we could see just what makes this park so very special. Yes, the giant sequoias are a part of the magic of this place. But they are just a part of the magic. In this part the visitor is treated to a diverse ecosystem that includes oak trees, chaparral bushes, the largest living tree on the earth along with rugged canyons, high Sierra mountain peaks, bear and elusive mountain lions, marmots, foxes and mule deer. John Muir explored this area and actually named the Giant Forest. He wrote, "When I entered this sublime wilderness the day was nearly done, the trees with rosy, glowing countenances seemed to be hushed and thoughtful, as if waiting in conscious religious dependence on the sun, and one naturally walked softly and awestricken among them."
You may be wondering how the sequoias are different from the redwoods that are found along California's northern coast. Well, here is a description from the Park's brochure, "The giant sequioia has a massive trunk, huge stout branches and cinnamon-colored bark. Also called "Sierra Redwood' and 'Big Tree', its scientific name is Sequoiadendron giganteum. The taller and more slender coast redwood, Sequoia sempervirens is more conifer-like in profile."
Thanks for being a part of our adventures. A special thanks to Don, whose love of this park made me bump it up the list of places I wanted to visit.