Redwood Mountain Grove facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Redwood Mountain Grove |
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View of Redwood Mountain Grove area, from Redwood Mountain Overlook in Kings Canyon National Park
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| Map | |
Map of Redwood Mountain Grove, in relation to nearby giant sequoia groves
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| Geography | |
| Location | Tulare County, California, United States |
| Coordinates | 36°41′38″N 118°55′08″W / 36.6938351°N 118.9189942°W |
| Elevation | 6,430 feet (1,960 m) |
| Area | 3,100 acres (13 km2) |
| Ecology | |
| Dominant tree species | Sequoiadendron giganteum |
| Lesser flora | white fir, sugar pine, incense cedar, ponderosa pine, red fir, and Jeffrey pine |
The Redwood Mountain Grove is an amazing forest. It is home to the largest group of giant sequoia trees on Earth. These huge trees grow in Kings Canyon National Park and Giant Sequoia National Monument. You can find this special place on the western side of California's Sierra Nevada.
This grove has the world's tallest giant sequoia tree. It stands about 95 metres (312 ft) tall! Two other famous trees here are the Hart Tree and the Roosevelt Tree. They are among the 25 biggest trees by volume anywhere. While these trees are massive, the very largest tree is the General Sherman Tree. That tree is in the Giant Forest grove, which is a bit further away.
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Exploring Redwood Mountain Grove
The Redwood Mountain Grove holds the most giant sequoia trees in one area. It is a very old forest with many unique natural features. Visitors can explore and enjoy these ancient trees. Most of the Redwood Mountain Grove is protected inside Kings Canyon National Park. Some parts are also in the Giant Sequoia National Monument.
Hiking Trails in the Grove
There are three main hiking trails in the grove. They are the Redwood Canyon Trail, the Sugar Bowl Trail, and the Hart Tree Trail. These trails connect to form three different loop routes. In total, they cover about 10 miles (16 km).
All trails start at the Redwood Canyon Trailhead. You reach it by driving on a dirt road called Forest Service Route 14S75. This road branches off the Generals Highway. These trails let you walk among the giant sequoia trees in their natural home. You also get great views of the nearby canyons and mountains.
Along Redwood Creek in Redwood Canyon, the forest floor is very thick. It is covered with many different native plants. The Sugar Bowl is a special area. It is a pure grove of giant sequoia trees located on top of Redwood Mountain.
Plants and Forest Fires
The Redwood Mountain Grove is full of many types of plants. The most important ones are the giant sequoias. But you will also find many other tree species here.
Other Trees in the Grove
Besides giant sequoias, other common trees in the grove include:
Each of these tree types grows more in certain parts of the grove.
How Fires Affect the Forest
Fires are a natural part of forest life. They can have a big impact on the grove. In 1969, parts of the grove were intentionally burned. This was done to help prevent bigger, uncontrolled fires. These controlled burns also helped the ecosystem heal and grow new life.
Scientists have used these fires for research. They study how fires affect forests and other wild areas. Fires can be a natural way for the environment to renew itself. They help restore plants and ecosystems in the grove and other parks.
The Redwood Mountain Grove has been part of several studies. These studies looked at different tree species and the environment. Some research focused on how fires changed the trees and the grove's surroundings. Scientists burned small areas to see the effects of different fires. This helped them understand the benefits fires can bring to the grove. They learned how fires affect the many trees, other plants, and the wilderness of Redwood Mountain Grove.
Famous Trees in the Grove
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Some of the most important and impressive trees in the grove are:
- Roosevelt Tree — This is the largest tree in the grove. It has a volume of over 1,000 cubic metres (35,000 cu ft).
- Hart Tree — This tree is very tall. Its volume is about 980 cubic metres (35,000 cu ft). It also has a large burn mark at its base. It grows close to the Roosevelt Tree.
- Unnamed tallest tree — This is the tallest known giant sequoia tree. It stands at 311 feet (95 m) high!
