- Drive to the south of the park to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
- Trek to some of the mightiest trees in the world
- Return to Yosemite Valley
In the deeply cut valley it is even colder than the night before. In any case, frost has formed over a large area on the fields and the sun is only able to warm the air slowly. We start early in the direction Park south. We want them there Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias look at. It houses some of the largest trees in the world. The giant sequoia trees are neither the tallest nor the oldest trees in the world, nor do they have the largest size of all tree species, but the combination of these factors makes them the largest creatures on our planet. Sequoia trees are up to 3000 years old, 94 meters high and have a circumference of up to 12 meters.
On the way there, however, there is an extensive breakfast first. We park our car and walk into it Lower Grove. There are only a few giants here, but that is definitely impressive. The huge one Grizzly Giant with a branch two meters thick and the California Tunnel Tree, through which - as the name suggests - a tunnel was cut in the 19th century, are the top sights. Pine cones as big as a 1.5 liter PET bottle lie on the forest floor! The path winds up the mountain and it is getting warmer.
In the middle of the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln signed a treaty to protect this forest. It was later protected as a national park. But human protection of all things was almost fatal for the Sequoias. For decades man tried to protect the ancient forest from fires. At that time we didn't know that the trees were just these little ones Forest fires need. Ultimately, they provide fertile ash and reduce the number of competing deciduous trees.
With the Upper Grove we also reach the small one museum. The sweaty journey was really worth it, there are significantly more here Sequoias. After we decided to skip the Sequoia National Park further south, it was clear to both of us that we absolutely wanted to see these trees here. We always have the amazed look up into the treetops.
Back at the starting point, we make our way back to the central Yosemite Valley. Again we decide to cook early in order not to have to eat in the dark and cold. Once again a real campfire is made and enjoyed. Then we seek refuge with Curry Camp. There is internet in the lounge and we have a glass of wine.
