SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST

forest in central California, U.S., extending across the Sierra Nevada between Yosemite and Kings Canyon national parks (north and south) and bordered (east) by the Inyo National Forest. Established in 1893, it has an area of 2,207 square miles (5,717 square km). Notable features include the giant sequoias (redwood trees) of the Nelder and McKinley groves and the High Sierra, Minarets, and John Muir wilderness areas (the last two shared with Inyo National Forest). The Mt. DanaMinarets Escarpment is one of the forest's scenic highlights, with many of its peaks exceeding 12,000 feet (3,700 m). Hundreds of miles of trails are maintained in the MammothHigh Sierra area. The highest peak, Mt. Humphrey (13,986 feet ), is on the Sierra crest. The region offers fishing in numerous cold, clear streams and lakes, as well as bear, deer, and quail hunting and winter sports. Headquarters are at Fresno.