Giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron

giganteum), are the world's largest trees, occuring in a narrow band of mixed conifer forest, between 5,000-8,000 ft. elevation on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada.

Sequoias occur as far north as Placer County. All but eight small groves, one being McKinley Grove between Dinkey Creek and Wishon Reservoir, are in a 70 mile corridor between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and in the Giant Sequoia National Monument. There are only 36,000 acres of sequoias in the world.

Mature sequoias are immense in size. The one at the left required seven separate photos that were then stitched together to give you this view. The pine tree at the base of the Sequoia is 6' tall.

They can be over 28' in diameter, wth the tallest trees rising over 300'. The oldest one lived about 3,500 years. Only the bristlecone pine lives to greater age.

There is a picnic ground and camping area located close to the McKinley Grove. A nearby botanical area offers a paved nature trail that winds through the towering redwoods and is accessible for persons with disabilities.

Return to McKinley Grove