SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK

forested area of 629 square miles (1,629 square km) in the Sierra Nevada of California, U.S. The area was set aside in 1890 to protect groves of big trees (Sequoiadendron giganteum; see ), which are among the world's largest and oldest living things. The largest big tree in the park is known as the General Sherman Tree, which is thought to be from 3,000 to 4,000 years old. Animal life in the park includes black bears, deer, foxes, and squirrels and other small mammals. Plants present, besides the big trees, include shrubs, smaller trees, and wildflowers in the meadows. The headquarters of Sequoia National Park is situated at Three Rivers. Kings Canyon National Park adjoins to the north, and on the eastern boundary is Mount Whitney (14,494 feet ), the highest mountain in the contiguous 48 states.