So when doing some light research on my trip to Yosemite I was pleasantly surprised to find out that our lodge was only minutes from Mariposa Grove! Mariposa Grove is home to the giant sequoias (also known as Sequoia Redwoods). It isn't quite like the Giant Redwoods on the coast of California, however it is still just as impressive.
Mariposa Grove
Snow at Mariposa Grove
The Giant Redwoods grow along the Northern California coastline and thrive on humid conditions. If you are familiar with San Francisco you know that fog often engulfs the area. The fog in turn feeds the soil and is a perfect condition for it to grow. They are taller than the Sequoias and they live for about 2000 years.
The Giant Sequoias live at a much higher altitude, and naturally grow along the Sierra Nevada mountain range. They may not be the tallest, but they are some of the largest trees in the world. The base of the tree can extend to almost 40 feet in diameter, AND can weigh as much as 2.7 million pounds! They can also outlive the giant redwood by living about 3200 years!
In front of the Grizzly Giant
We found this tree off the trail. It was so wide that I couldn't even get the entire base of the tree in the shot.
Date Accomplished: April 30th, 2011
