The Pounders: A Day in King's Canyon

Last week we went for a day trip to the awesome King's Canyon to see the giant sequoias. Although they're in our own backyard, neither of us have been since we were kids. I was craving mountain air and hiking. And we kind of pegged it as our Valentine's Day trip. The temperature was perfect and there was only a tiny bit of snow left on the ground. Unfortunately the area known as Cedar Grove is closed this time of year, so we stayed in Grant Grove. The main attraction there of course, the General Grant Tree. The second largest tree in the world, designated the "Nation's Christmas Tree". It stands 267 feet tall and almost 30 feet in diameter. King's Canyon itself was only the third to be given national park status, after Yosemite and Yellow Stone. With Brooklynn in tow on Dad's back, we spent a lovely day basking in the natural beauty of California.

We stopped at Dunlap Vista headed East on Highway 180.

We started with the Grant Grove Tree Trail. It's more like a walk than a hike, the path is paved and there's some short fencing protecting the trees. It is the most touristy area.

This is the Tennessee Tree.

Centennial Stump. The "California Hoax" =D

The General Grant Tree

Afterward we did the North Grove Loop trail. It was almost 2 miles with a lot of ups and downs. I broke a sweat and it felt so good!

Next was a quarter mile easy trail to get to this beautiful spot where we stopped for lunch.

Panoramic Point

Our final stop of the day was the Big Stump Loop.

This tree is truly massive. It was once struck by lightning, taking off at least 20 feet of the upper portion. It is now growing a new top, hence the name, the Resurrection Tree.