After two weeks on the Pacific coast, we left Monterey and headed inland to the Sierra Nevada mountains to see the giant sequoia trees.  We didn't know much about this area, but when I was a kid I'd seen a picture of a huge tree with a tunnel cut through it for traffic to pass through - it stuck with me and I always wanted to see it. Well, turns out it fell down a few years back, and they're protected now so they can't make another one!  Anyway, the ones that are still there are impressive - the old ones are over 200' tall. This isn't as high as Redwoods, but their girth and height make them the largest trees on earth.  (Note: The vertical "panoramas" are several pictures stitched together and don't give the same impression as standing below these huge trees). 
 

Sequoia National Park

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The General Sherman sequoia tree	Big trees ... big bear	Sandy and a sequoia

Sequoia NP is really all about trees - giant sequoia trees, but there are two other attractions I really enjoyed - Moro Rock and Hwy 198.  Moro Rock gives a great 360 degree view after a 15 minute climb up the steps carved into the side of it.  Hwy 198 offers an incredible 10 mile ride from the Visitor Centre at 6700' to Buckeye Flats at 2800' via endless switchback turns - great road and views.
 

Moro Rock, Sequoia National Park

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Moro Rock (viewed from Hwy 198), the climb up, and the view from the top ...

Accessed from the same entrance, Kings Canyon is a complete contrast - although there are sequoia trees there - the primary attraction is the canyon itself.  Great drop down to it on a twisty, switch-back road, and then a steep sided canyon with a rushing river and multi-coloured rocks everywhere. 
 

Kings Canyon NP

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Approaching Kings Canyon	In the canyon	Grizzly Falls

One more National Park to do - Yosemite - before we get to Napa Valley and the wineries ...