We stayed two nights at Sunset Campground in Kings Canyon National Park. On our one full day in the park we did the following:
1. General Sherman. General Sherman is the world's largest tree by volume. You begin the trail at roughly the top of the tree (about 300 feet) and make your way down about a half mile to the base of the tree (diameter 36.5 feet, estimated age between 2300 and 2700 years old) before heading back up to the car at the top of the trail.
Earlier in the day we saw General Grant (1000 years old), the widest tree in the world with a diameter of 40 feet at the base). These are seriously impressive trees.
2. Moro Rock. This rock is a huge granite rock with a stairway (400 steps) up to the peak (elevation 6,725 feet). The stairs were built by the the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It's about a quarter mile "trail" to the top, with about 300 feet elevation gain. If you look closely at the upper, right side of the rock, there's a diagonal line in the rock…that's part of the path..with tiny tiny people on it.
This is the view from the top:
3. Crystal Cave. From the turnofff of General's Highway it's about a 30 minute drive to the trail head for Crystal Cave. This cave is marble (not limestone) and is complete with stalactites, stalagmites, gorgeous sparkling formations and an underground stream. This first shot is on the way to the trailhead.
You take a 1.5 mile trail down about 350 feet of elevation to the entrance to the cave. This shot inside the cave is completely lit with the flashlights of about 30 people (Kevin took this one with the D300).
(Posted by Laura)
