SEQUOIA-KINGS CANYON The Giants of Sequoia and Kings Canyon

FOUR GUARDSMEN: On the approach to Giant Forest from Ash Mountain these four giants form the gateway to Giant Forest.

SENTINEL TREE and COLONNADE TREES: These are good photographic subjects in the Giant Forest village area.

AUTO LOG: A fallen monarch so situated along the Moro Rock-Crescent Meadow road that you can drive your car along its trunk.

THE THREE GRACES are near the Auto Log.

MORO ROCK gives you a panoramic view across the tops of giant sequoias and the associated forest trees.

THE PARKER GROUP: A typical, closely spaced group on the Crescent Meadow road well situated for photographs.

TUNNEL LOG: A tree which fell across the road in 1937, and has been tunneled through for the Crescent Meadow road.

BLACK CHAMBER: A most remarkable example of survival and recuperation after severe fire damage. Located along the Moro Rock-Crescent Meadow road.

CRESCENT MEADOW; ROUND MEADOW, etc.—Examples of meadows probably formed by fallen sequoias. Now they are flower fields fringed by giant sequoias. Deer commonly feed here in the evenings.

THARP LOG: A 20 minute stroll from Crescent Meadow. A fire hollowed log used as a summer cabin by Hale Tharp, discoverer of Giant Forest.

YOUNG SEQUOIAS: Along the highway between Giant Forest and General Sherman Tree, on the grounds of the Giant Forest Lodge, and the museum; in the Grant Grove area, and many other places.

GENERAL SHERMAN TREE: Near the Generals Highway, 2 miles north of Giant Forest village. Start of the Trail of the Sequoias.

CONGRESS GROVE: A two mile stroll will take you to the Senate and House Groups, the President Tree, McKinley Tree, and the General Lee Tree. A short distance in addition will add the Cloister Group, Founders Grove, Lincoln and Washington trees, as well as many other giants with special characteristics. This is the heart of the Giant Forest, and here the sequoias of the Sierra Nevada reach their climax in beauty and in numbers. Some rival the General Grant and the General Sherman in size. Obtain a map of the Giant Forest free of charge at the museum to aid you in locating the important features along the many trails through the forest.

LOST GROVE: Along the Generals Highway, mid-way between Giant Forest and Grant Grove. Stately red columns create an atmosphere of restfulness and grandeur, and the effective natural lighting is unequalled.

MUIR GROVE: A three mile hike from Dorst Camp will take you into this small isolated grove. Many large trees stand amid surroundings more nearly primitive and unchanged than in any other easily accessible grove.

REDWOOD MOUNTAIN and REDWOOD CANYON GROVE: This is outstanding—a very large forest, and one which in places is nearly a pure sequoia forest. Minimum fire and other damage is seen, resulting in a beautiful stand of nearly perfect trees of all ages. A fine view over this entire forest is obtained from Redwood Mountain overlook, 5 miles south of Grant Grove on the Generals Highway. The Sugarbowl Grove and the Hart tree are here. Consult the rangers or ranger naturalists before entering this area.

GENERAL GRANT TREE: After you have visited this second largest Sequoia, go beyond the meadow to the south to get a full height photo of this tree. Also, in the General Grant Grove are:

THE CALIFORNIA TREE: One of the tallest Giant Sequoias, well situated for photographs.

THE CENTENNIAL STUMP: The tree was cut, sectioned, and reassembled at the World's Fair in Philadelpha in 1876 where it became known as a "California Hoax," by dubious easterners. This was a very old tree.

THE FALLEN MONARCH: A fire hollowed fallen sequoia, used for temporary housing by the Gamlin brothers, early settlers whose homestead cabin stands near Centennial Stump. Later the U. S. Cavalry used it as a stable while patrolling the parks during the period 1890-1914.

NORTH GROVE: Beyond Grant Grove, many large trees, many were named for the states of the union, but those names have fallen into disuse. Obtain a free map at the Ranger Station of the Grant Grove area for your guidance to the many other features of this area.

BIG STUMP BASIN: An example of the results of early day logging. Remarkably large stumps, including the famous Mark Twain stump. The growth of young sequoias is prolific in this area. Ask the ranger about other interesting trees to see nearby.

There are many other named trees and groves, and many other trees with unusual characterstics. Those mentioned above are the ones you will want to see first. If you have a little more time, let the rangers and ranger naturalists direct you to some of the others.

Photo by Howard R. Stagner, National Park Service