Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, situated in California's rugged Sierra Nevada, boast some of the most spectacular landscapes on the continent: towering groves of giant sequoia trees, crystalline trout rivers, jagged peaks and alpine meadows, and Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48. Discover over 80 of the best hikes in the parks, from easy day hikes to challenging backpacking trips, accompanied by colorful photos and trail maps. This book is a personal guide to the wonders of the California Sierra.

Beginning in 1872 with the establishment of Yellowstone, national parks were set aside to preserve for future generations the most spectacular and inspirational features of the country. The best representative examples were sought out of major ecosystems, such as Yosemite, geologic forms, such as the Grand Canyon, archaeological sites, such as Mesa Verde, and scenes of human events, such as Gettysburg. But one type of habitat--the desert--was overlooked until travel writers and the Automobile Age began to change Americans' perceptions about desert landscapes. As the National Park Service began to explore the better-known Mojave and Colorado Deserts of southern California during the 1920s for a possible desert park, many agency leaders still held the same negative image of arid lands shared by many Americans--that they are hostile environments and largely useless. But one wealthy woman--Minerva Hamilton Hoyt, from Pasadena--came forward, believing in the value of the desert, and convinced President Franklin D. Roosevelt to establish a national monument that would protect the unique and iconic Joshua trees and other desert flora and fauna. Thus was Joshua Tree National Monument officially established in 1936, and when the area later was expanded in 1994, it became Joshua Tree National Park. Since 1936 the National Park Service and a growing cadre of environmentalists and recreationalists have fought to block ongoing proposals from miners, ranchers, private landowners, and real estate developers who historically have refused to accept the idea that desert might be suitable for anything other than their consumptive activities. Joshua Tree National Park, even with its often-conflicting land uses, is more popular today than ever, serving more than one million visitors per year who find the desert to be a place worthy of respect and preservation. Distributed for George Thompson Publishing

On January 1 of 2016, Stefanie Payne, a creative professional working at NASA Headquarters, and Jonathan Irish, a photographer with National Geographic, left their lives in Washington, D.C. and hit the open road on an expedition to explore and document all 59 of America's national parks during the centennial celebration of the U.S. National Park Service - 59 parks in 52 weeks - the Greatest American Road Trip. Captured in more than 300,000 digital photographs, written stories, and videos shared by the national and international media, their project resulted in an incredible view of America's National Park System seen in its 100th year. 'A Year in the National Parks, The Greatest American Road Trip' is a gorgeous visual journey through our cherished public lands, detailing a rich tapestry of what makes each park special, as seen along an epic journey to visit them all within one special celebratory year.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, situated in California's rugged Sierra Nevada, boast some of the most spectacular landscapes on the continent: towering groves of giant sequoia trees, crystalline trout rivers, jagged peaks and alpine meadows, and Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48.

Explore the southern High Sierra with this comprehensive guide to 122 of the area’s best hikes. Home to the world’s largest trees, one of North America’s deepest canyons, and the tallest mountain in the continental United States, the greater Sequoia-Kings Canyon region offers unparalleled mountain majesty. Hundreds of miles of trails provide access to boundless wildflower-covered meadows, cascading streams, alpine lakes, deep forests, and craggy peaks. Discover the sparkling granite landscape of the Range of Light with expert author Mike White. His popular guidebook presents 122 of the best hikes in Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, as well as the surrounding Golden Trout, John Muir, Jennie Lakes, and Monarch wildernesses and Giant Sequoia National Monument. From a half-mile loop by pictographs and bedrock mortars to an 82-mile trek along the wild and remote Middle Fork Kings River, there are hikes for all skill levels and interests. Inside you’ll find: 122 recommended hiking (and backpacking) routes Detailed trip descriptions and maps At-a-glance icons that spotlight campgrounds, spectacular views, swimming holes, wildflowers, giant sequoia groves, and more Park, campground, and driving information, including road logs for the Generals and Kings Canyon highways Grab a copy of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, and enjoy the spectacular wonders of the southern High Sierra!