Big
Pines: The Tallest, Largest & Oldest in the world!
California Redwoods, Sequoia,
Bristlecones
Tall coastal Redwoods, massive Sequoia trees in the Sierra Nevada mountains and the oldest living things on earth, the Bristlecone Pines. Yep, they are all here, all in one glorious state ----- California, where
else?
The Sequoia is part of the Redwood family of trees. These huge trees have massive trunks which have shallow root systems, so you won't find too many campgrounds/tent spots on the base of these beauties.
NOTE: Several Sequoia and Redwood Parks are currently CLOSED, due to recent wildfire damage.
the tallest:
The Coastal Redwoods tower high above the blue Pacific, growing
in fern lined canyons & more often than not, under a foggy
layer. Most of these groves are located in Northern California,
but a few located on the Central Coast get recognition.
There's rumor that Los Angeles even had one small set of Coastal Redwoods,
that is - if the smog hasn't killed them yet. There are plenty
of parks with these tall "Coastal Redwoods" - some located inland, twenty-something miles
from the ocean.
the largest:
The Sierra Nevada mountain range has some serious dimension, granite spires, deep river gorges, along with the largest trees
on the planet. Hiking around thousand year old Sequoia Groves will put it all in perspective. The Central Sierra is where to find these. There are several parks and places to see Sequoias.
the oldest:
East of the Owens Valley & Bishop, atop one of the tallest peaks around, sit the Ancient Bristlecone
Pines. This little-known park gets over looked by many heading the Eastern Sierra. Mammoth Mountain is
a huge tourist destination nearby, but the quieter White Mountains have the darkest nights
skies, back roads, aspen groves & real wilderness seclusion (you may be looking for).
No longer can you drive right up to the Bristlecone Groves. The parking lot has been moved well away from the fragile trees, and you are gonna hafta hike it (at high elevation), so bring sturdy shoes.
|