Majestic Giants


Advertisement
Published: July 7th 2014
Edit Blog Post

Sequoia National ForestSequoia National ForestSequoia National Forest

High atop the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Home to the world's largest trees.
The Sierra Nevada Mountains is home to the WORLD’s largest trees – the Sequoia

These majestic 3,000 year old giants only grow in specific micro climates between 5,000 and 7,000 feet elevation. Unlike other trees which taper at the top, the width of the Sequoia is almost the same at its top as it is at its massive base. Its branches look like twisted arms reaching out towards the world. They reminded us of the Ents in Lord of the Rings.

Pioneering conservationist John Muir explored and named the Giant Forest. “When I entered this sublime wilderness the day was nearly done,” he observed, “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.”


Additional photos below
Photos: 13, Displayed: 13


Advertisement

Winding RoadWinding Road
Winding Road

Cliff hugging turns...even 10 mph was too fast
Wildlife is everywhereWildlife is everywhere
Wildlife is everywhere

10-point Mule Deer
Tunnel RockTunnel Rock
Tunnel Rock

Wouldn't want this to fall on our heads
Moro RockMoro Rock
Moro Rock

Deep canyons & high peaks
Moro RockMoro Rock
Moro Rock

View from one of the many pull-outs along the twisty narrow road
Lone SentinelLone Sentinel
Lone Sentinel

Most Sequoias grow in groves
Sequoia GroveSequoia Grove
Sequoia Grove

Two families :)
Reaching to the CloudsReaching to the Clouds
Reaching to the Clouds

The Sequoia bark is over two foot thick which protects it from forest fires.
Mom & Mary sandwichMom & Mary sandwich
Mom & Mary sandwich

Inside a fire damaged Sequoia
Tunnel Tree - can you see Mary at the other end?Tunnel Tree - can you see Mary at the other end?
Tunnel Tree - can you see Mary at the other end?

The Sequoia is resistant to disease and fire, but has a shallow root system. Most, like this one, die from falling over in strong winds
General GrantGeneral Grant
General Grant

One of the largest living trees....anywhere!
General GrantGeneral Grant
General Grant

Arm like branches reaching out to embrace the world.


Tot: 0.114s; Tpl: 0.009s; cc: 10; qc: 46; dbt: 0.0605s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1; ; mem: 1.1mb