The southern High Sierra, including Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the surrounding John Muir, Jennie Lakes, and Monarch Wildernesses, is one of the most magnificent natural areas in the world. Blessed with the largest trees on earth (giant sequoias), one of the deepest canyons in North America (Kings Canyon), and the highest mountain in the continental U.S. (Mt. Whitney), the greater Sequoia-Kings Canyon region offers unparalleled mountain majesty. Along with such superlatives, hundreds of miles of trail provides access to a boundless number of high mountain lakes, wildflower-covered meadows, cascading streams, deep forests, and craggy peaks. Mike White's guide is the only comprehensive guide to this portion of John Muir's Range of Light.

A naturist and historian for the National Parks Service offers a lively history of the giant sequoias of California and the love of nature they inspired. Former park ranger William C. Tweed takes readers on a tour of some of the world’s largest and oldest trees in a narrative that travels deep into the Sierra Nevada mountains, across the American West, and all the way to New Zealand. Along the way, he explores the American public's evolving relationship with sequoias, also known simply and affectionately as Big Trees. It’s no surprise that the sequoia groves of Yosemite and Calaveras were early tourist destinations. The species was the embodiment of California's superlative appeal. These giant redwoods were so beloved that special protections efforts sprang up to protect them from logging interests—and so began the notion of National Parks. Later, as science evolved to consider landscapes more holistically, sequoias once again played a major role in shaping this new perspective. Featuring a fascinating cast of adventurers, researchers, politicians, and environmentalists, King Sequoia reveals how one tree species transformed Americans' connection to the natural world.

A complete hiker's guide to Sequoia National Park, home to many of California's most spectacular natural wonders. From the 300-foot Sequoia gigantea (one of the largest and oldest trees in the world) to the 14,494-foot Mt. Whitney (the highest peak in the lower 48), the park has long been extolled by presidents, residents, and foreign visitors. It is a prime hiking, backpacking, and camping destination, and draws millions of visitors every year.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, situated in California's rugged Sierra Nevada, boast some of the most spectacular landscapes on the continent: towering groves of giant sequoia trees, crystalline trout rivers, jagged peaks and alpine meadows, and Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48.

Identifies hidden treasures and lesser-known points of interest in each of America's national parks.

Frommer's Puts the Parks in Your Pocket. All the up-to-date practical information and candid insider advice you need to have the perfect park vacation...in an easy-to-carry size?and at an unbeatable price! Your Complete Guide to Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks, with: Spectacular natural wonders, from majestic Yosemite Falls to Kings Canyon's towering sequoias Great places to stay, from luxury park lodges to family-friendly motels?plus a complete campground guide for each park A fully illustrated nature guide to help you spot and identify local wildlife, birds, trees, wildflowers, and more Descriptions of the best hikes, from easy wilderness strolls and ranger-led walks to overnight backcountry adventures Where to eat and stock up on supplies?both in the parks and in the gateway towns Detailed, accurate park and trail maps