Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Introduction

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is a dynamic landscape of granite, marble and other forms of rock, carved by rivers and glaciers into canyons, towering rugged peaks and miles of underground caverns. Throughout the park, thousands of lakes and ponds and miles of rivers and streams provide a valuable source of water not only to park resources but also to the inhabitants of California’s Central Valley.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks’ also hosts a rich diversity of plants and animals, including the giant Sequoia trees. Sequoia trees, and in particular the General Sherman sequoia tree in Giant Forest, are considered the largest living specimen on earth. Some claim that an aspen grove covering more than 100 acres in Utah holds that title because the trees all appear to share the same root system. But it might be argued that these are colonies of clones rather a single organism.

Interesting Fact
Sequoia & Kings Canyon Parks form the heart of the second-largest contiguous roadless area left in the lower 48 states. The southern Sierra is so rugged that few roads cross it; you must go north to Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park or south to Walker Pass or Tehachapi Pass.

Climate
Because these parks vary from low to very high elevations, you can find a variety of climates here — all on the same day! Be prepared with layers of clothing.

Other Details
The parks are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, weather permitting. It can be difficult to find a campsite at popular campgrounds on summer Saturdays.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, California 93271-9700
1-559-565-3341

	Lodging near Sequoia National Park
	Find Hiking & Biking Trails in Sequoia National Park
	Sequoia National Park Guide Books
	More Sequoia National Park Outdoor Activities
	Sequoia Website on NPS.gov

Location