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Sequoia & Kings Canyon National ParkSpring scene
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Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
Natural Features & Ecosystems
 
Palisade Creek is an outstanding example of a glacially-carved valley
NPS
Glaciers helped shape the distinctive landforms of the high alpine country in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
 

In Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, the dynamic landscape evolves from geologic processes working over millennia to sculpt granite, marble and other forms of rock. Here in the parks are canyons carved by rivers and glaciers, towering rugged peaks and miles of underground caverns. Found throughout the park are thousands of lakes and ponds and miles of rivers and streams; together they form important watersheds in the park. These watersheds are a valuable source of water not only to park resources but also to the inhabitants of California’s Central Valley.

Smoke from a small prescribed burn at the base of sequoia trunks.
Fire in the Parks
Learn about this important program.
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Cave formation.
Cave Tours
Fees, times, and know-before-you-go information on Crystal Cave tours.
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 Before and after photo of Giant Forest restoration.
Giant Forest Restoration Project
Learn how the parks are restoring this sequoia grove.
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California toad  

Did You Know?
Amphibians and reptiles live at all elevations within Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. They range from common (such as western fence lizards and garter snakes) to rare (such as the mountain yellow-legged frog) to locally extinct (such as the foothill yellow-legged frog).

Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:22 EST