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Kings Canyon: The Nation's 3rd National Park (Kind Of)
In 1890, Kings Canyon National National Park was established as a national park...at the exact same time as Yosemite National Park, therefore, they both share the title as the Nation's 3rd National Park. This park was created to protect a massive sequoia that is named after General Ulysses Grant. In fact, the park shared the same name as the sequoia until it was changed to Kings Canyon in 1940. General Grant Sequoia Tree President Franklin Roosevelt changed the name to incorporate the beautiful and vast Canyon that the park also protected. This canyon, now referred to as King's Canyon, sits right in...
Walk Amongst The Largest Trees in the World: Sequoia National Park
Welcome to the first National Park established to protect a living organism: the Sequoia Trees. It's believed that an Austrian botanist named the tree species after a Cherokee Tribe member named Sequoyah! Sequoyah is credited for creating a writing and reading system for the Cherokee nation. Such an epic tribute that matches the epic trees that live in the park! In fact, this park is home to the LARGEST TREE IN THE WORLD, by volume. There are taller trees and there are wider trees but no other tree has more wood in it's trunk than the tree named: General Sherman. In...
Inside The Hottest Place On Earth: Death Valley
In 1949, a group of pioneers got lost in a desert valley. Only one of the pioneers died, however, they all assumed the valley would be their grave. After being rescued, one of the men turned around and said, “Goodby Death Valley,” and that’s how the valley came to be known! Devil's Golf Course Death Valley is the LARGEST national park in the continental US at 3.3 million acres. In the park you'll find the lowest point in North America: Badwater Basin at 282 ft below sea level. This is also where the hottest temperature on earth ever was recorded at...
A Look Into Channel Islands National Park
Off the west coast you’ll find the Channel Island National Park, made up of 5 islands. In 2021, only 3 were accessible: Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa & Anapaca. San Miguel is only accessible during the fall and Santa Barbara had a docking issue. Overall, the islands are only accessible by ferry or private sea planes. You can either make a day trip or camp overnight. On the islands you’ll find: over 150 species of wildlife unique to the islands, beautiful breathtaking views, amazing snorkeling coves & endless hikes. The first island we visited was Santa Cruz. This is the largest of...
OTAK Joshua Tree National Park Visit & Tips
