Sunday | November 9 2008 | 7:00 a.m.
Cascades of melting waters, natural alpine gardens and groves of giant sequoias make Yosemite a wonder to enjoy any season of the year. Yosemite is a work of nature formed by massive glaciers thousands of years ago. The Tunnel View turnout at the eastern end of the Wawona Tunnel of Highway 41 is one of the most photographed vistas on Earth. It provides a classic view of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rock and Bridalveil Fall. Although Bridalveil Fall appears to be small when seen in comparison to the surrounding canyon walls, it is the height of a 62-story building. Yosemite Falls drop 2425 feet, making it the highest waterfall in North America. El Capitan is the largest single granite rock in the world, standing nearly 4000 feet from base to summit. Tuolumne Meadows is the largest sub-alpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada. Since 1927, the world-renowned Ahwahnee Hotel has played host to American presidents, foreign dignitaries and thousands of park visitors. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located on Highway 41, 92 miles north of Fresno, Yosemite is open year round and offers a wide range of activities: snow skiing, ice skating, swimming, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, rock climbing, golf, picnicking and sightseeing. Admission is $20 per car.
(559) 252-4848
yosemitepark.com
nps.gov/yose.
This 328,000-acre preserve protects 38 groves of the world’s largest trees – the giant sequoias. The monument is located in Sequoia National Forest. It consists of two parcels, one north and the other south of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. Giant sequoias can survive more than 3000 years. Their native habitat is found between 4000 and 7000 feet above sea level on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada.
Sequoia National Forest (559) 784-1500
fs.fed.us
The entrance to Kings Canyon National Park is 55 miles east of downtown Fresno on Highway 180. Kings Canyon National Park is a region of giant canyons with towering rock walls, countless lakes, waterfalls and mountain meadows. There are many scenic highlights: Roaring River Falls, Zumwalt Meadow, Panoramic Point, Grant Grove Trail with historic Gamlin Cabin, Fallen Monarch Tree, and the sheer granite cliffs of the North Dome and Grand Sentinel. Kings Canyon National Park is home to the General Grant tree, also called “The Nation’s Christmas Tree.” The 36-mile drive along Highway 180 from the entrance to Kings Canyon National Park to Cedar Grove Village is known as the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. This is a beautiful drive that zigzags down into the canyon, passing many wonderful sights on the way. Deep in the heart of Kings Canyon Cedar Grove is a lush place of tumbling waterfalls, meadows and miles of quiet hiking trails. At Grant Grove Village, you can take a 2.3-mile road to Panoramic Point. A short trail will take you to the 7520-foot-high ridge with a magnificent view of the high Sierra, including Hume Lake and the Kings Canyon. Park entrance fee is $20 per car.
Discover spectacular groves of giant sequoia trees, majestic granite monoliths, glacier-torn valleys, roaring white water and lush meadows at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Facilities include over 50 family or group camping sites, picnicking, hiking, auto touring, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting, white-water rafting, backpacking and rock climbing in a wide variety of natural settings.
Sequoia National Forest Supervisor (559) 784-1500
fs.fed.us
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