Giant sequoia trees in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California

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Things are looking up

We're looking at sequoia trees in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California—the two parks border each other in the Sierra Nevada range in Central California. These giant sequoias can grow nearly 300 feet tall and some specimens have lived more than 3,000 years. Their longevity—even in areas prone to wildfires—is helped by thick bark that's full of fire-resistant tannins.