Scientists in National Parks: Sequoia and Kings Canyon
CHAPTER ONE TWO GREAT NATIONAL PARKS Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are right next to each other in California's Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains The two parks feature giant sequoia trees high mountains deep canyons and foothills The elevations at the two parks range from below 2,000 feet 610 meters to high peaks over 14,000 feet 4,267 meters This includes Mount Whitney the highest peak in the United States outside of Alaska Mount Whitney
High elevation Alpine Mountains Mid elevation Montane Forests Low elevation foothills There are several distinct climate zones throughout the two parks The low elevation foothills have a dry climate with oaks shrubs and grasses Higher up among the giant sequoias there are warm summers and cool wet winters with snow
The highest peaks have low lying plants and a climate that is similar to the Arctic It is cold in the high mountains most of the year The view from Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park
