The Sequoia National Forest, located in California is a thing of gigantic proportions. The name came from the giant sequoia tree, the world’s largest tree, which grows in more than 30 different groves on the forest’s lower slopes. As you hike, horseback ride of off-road through the 1,500 miles of maintained roads, 1000 miles of abandoned roads and 850 miles of trails, the forest has creatively crafted itself over the years.
With elevations rising anywhere from 1,000 feet to over 12,000 feet, the views are spectacular and the trails are rugged as you discover undisturbed lands through glacier-torn canyons, roaring whitewater, fancy foothills and soaring granite monoliths. The mountains are plentiful and the views are impeccable any which way you stand, or drive, through the miles of forest.
There are a plethora of famous points as you hike the trails of The Sequoia. With three National Recreation Trails, Summit, Cannell Meadow and Jackass Creek, many locals pick and choose which trail they’ll venture off on for the day before they head out. Popular sights within this massive forest are The Chicago Stump, Cannell Meadow Station, Kings River, Dome Rock, Needles, and Hume Lake.
Of course the fun doesn’t stop on the trails. There are the obvious go hiking, backpacking, horseback riding or mountain biking through The Sequoia. And, with an abundance of rivers, lakes and reservoirs the forest is home to adventure seekers who can’t wait to get their feet wet kayaking, swimming, water-skiing, fishing or whitewater rafting. Better yet, if you have a love for those cold winter days, make it over to this forest of gigantic proportions during the winter to go snowboarding, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling or cross-country skiing.
The world is your oyster, and The Sequoia National Forest is an oyster you’re going to want to explore.
Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com/Bumeister1