Sequoia and Kings Canyon

Sequoia and Kings Canyon are lovely parks. Kings Canyon is kind of separated into two separate parts, actually. I kept referring to Kings Canyon as the sleeper hit of the California National Parks. It's true beauty is in the backcountry, but what we saw driving through satisfied us. L and I made mental notes to make a return visit to Kings Canyon.

Sequoia is the second oldest National Park, formed in September of 1890. Kings Canyon was first two separate parks: General Grant and Kern Canyon and formed officially in 1940. Since 1943, the two parks have been managed jointly.

Elevation in the parks range from 1,500 to 14,494 feet so there are various different flora and fauna zones which are wonderful to enjoy. Most amazingly, they are home to General Sherman (a 275 ft tall giant sequoia tree which is 103 feet in circumference at the ground and the nation's largest living tree) and General Grant (the nation's "Christmas tree") which is gargantuan in its own right plus plenty of other natural beauties.

Here's just a smattering of pictures from our day visit to these beautiful parks!

For more captures of these amazing parks, try here.