Sequoia National Park

Related Category: U.S. National Park System

402,510 acres (162,960 hectares), E central Calif.; est. 1890. In the park are 35 groves of giant sequoias, spectacular granite mountains, and deep canyons. The General Sherman Tree, 272 ft (83 m) high and 37 ft (11 m) in diameter at its widest point, is the largest and one of the oldest living things in the world, estimated to be more than 3,500 years old. Within the area are Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the United States outside Alaska; Kern River canyon; and the Great Western Divide, which separates westerly flowing waters from easterly flowing waters. Marble Falls drops 2,000 ft (610 m) in seven cascades. The park adjoins Kings Canyon National Park in the north; the two are administered as a single unit. See National Parks and Monuments, table.