Kings River Canyon; Kings Canyon National Park and Forest The Sierra Nevada is a large block of granite that was pushed up by tectonic forces. The land has then been shaped by rivers and glaciers to create towering cliffs like you see here. John Muir felt that the scenery of Kings River Canyon rivaled that of Yosemite Valley.

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jtroth > Family Group; Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park

jtroth > Fallen Monarch; General Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park

No on knows when this tree fell, but photos show that there has been little decay in the last 100 years.

You can get some perspective from the view of the people inside the log. Before the national park was established, this log was used as a shelter and campsite - and even for a time as a hotel and saloon. The U.S. Cavalry once used it as a stable for 32 horses.

The roots of the giant sequoia are very long and shallow - they may stretch for 50 feet or so, all within a few feet of the surface. This helps them collect moisture during the long dry summers. However, it also means that they can fall down easily if the roots are damaged or the soil is eroded away.

jtroth > Mas and Janet visiting the Sherman Grove; Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park

jtroth > A Memory; Kings Canyon National Park

Who knows when or how this tree died?

jtroth > Crescent Meadow, Sequoia National Park

The sequoia like growing right next to the wet meadow.

jtroth > Fallen tree in Crescent Meadow; Sequoia National Park

The fallen tree made a bridge, allowing us to walk all the way across without damaging the meadow.

jtroth > At the end of the fallen tree; Crescent Meadow, Sequoia National Park

jtroth > Kings River Canyon; Kings Canyon National Park and Forest

The Sierra Nevada is a large block of granite that was pushed up by tectonic forces. The land has then been shaped by rivers and glaciers to create towering cliffs like you see here. John Muir felt that the scenery of Kings River Canyon rivaled that of Yosemite Valley.

jtroth > Rock Patterns in a road cut, Kings River Canyon;

Kings River Canyon; Kings Canyon National Park and Forest

The Sierra Nevada is a large block of granite that was pushed up by tectonic forces. The land has then been shaped by rivers and glaciers to create towering cliffs like you see here. John Muir felt that the scenery of Kings River Canyon rivaled that of Yosemite Valley.