Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada - California - page 1029

GIANT SEQUOIAS: KINGS OF THE FOREST
In California you can stand under the world's oldest trees and its tallest, but the record for
biggest in terms of volume belongs to the giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum).
They grow only on the Sierra's western slope and are most abundant in Sequoia & Kings
Canyon and Yosemite National Parks. John Muir called them 'nature's forest masterpiece'
and anyone who's ever craned their neck to take in their soaring vastness has done so
with the awe usually reserved for Gothic cathedrals. Trees can grow to 300ft tall and over
100ft in circumference, with bark over 2ft thick. The Giant Forest Museum in Sequoia Na-
tional Park has excellent exhibits about their fascinating history and ecology.
Foothills
From the Ash Mountain entrance in Three Rivers, the Generals Hwy ascends steeply
through this southern section of Sequoia National Park. With an average elevation of about
2000ft, the Foothills are much drier and warmer than the rest of the park. Hiking here is
best in spring when the air is still cool and wildflowers put on a colorful show. Summers
are buggy and muggy, but fall again brings moderate temperatures and lush foliage.
The Potwisha people lived in this area until the early 1900s, relying primarily on acorn
meal. Pictographs and grinding holes still grace the Hospital Rock ( MAP GOOGLE MAP )
picnic area, once a Potwisha village site. Swimming holes abound along the Marble Fork
of the Kaweah River, especially near Potwisha Campground. Be careful, though - the cur-
rents can be deadly, especially when the river is swollen from the spring runoff.
Mineral King
A scenic, subalpine valley at 7500ft, Mineral King is Sequoia's backpacking mecca and a
good place to find solitude. Gorgeous and gigantic, its glacially sculpted valley is ringed
by massive mountains, including the jagged 12,343ft Sawtooth Peak . The area is reached
via Mineral King Rd - a slinky, steep and narrow 25-mile road, not suitable for RVs or
speed demons; the road is usually open from late May through October. Plan on spending
the night unless you don't mind driving three hours round-trip.
Hiking anywhere from here involves a steep climb out of the valley along strenuous
trails, so be aware of the altitude, even on short hikes. Enjoyable day hikes go to Crystal ,