The document summarizes a hike taken by the author on the Muir Grove Trail in Sequoia National Park. The trail started at Dorst Creek Campground and wound through a redwood forest before arriving at Muir Grove, home to hundreds of giant sequoias. Within the grove, the author observed many massive trees over 1,000 years old, some with fire-blackened trunks or unusual growth patterns. A highlight was passing through the hollowed interior of a double-trunked sequoia large enough to stand inside of.

1. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park  © Michael L Brown, 2011 This slide show features the pictures I took when I went on a walk in Sequoia National Park. The trail started at the DorstCreek Campground, and led to the Muir Grove of giant sequoias. Click arrows to advance or reverse pages, click on pictures to view high resolution Picasa versions.

2. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 2 The trail was level for the most part, winding along side a steep hill surrounded by a lovely redwood forest.

3. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 3 Directly in front of me was a beautiful tall redwood, catching the California sun.

4. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 4 The calls of crows and blue jays were all around me. I deeply inhaled the rich, damp smells of the forest.

5. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 5 The summer sun was still quite hot. Looking up, I could see how tall this tree really was.

6. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 6 Clinging to the tree was a soft thick blanket of lichen.

7. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 7 After about a mile and a half, I noticed an opening and a clearing to my right.

8. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 8 I left the trail and went to the clearing, and found myself on a granite dome. There was a great view of the local hills and mountains. There was also a deep drop-off at the forward edge to a ravine far below.

9. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 9 I scanned the forest directly across the ravine and observed the late afternoon sun. I noticed I could see the sequoias, rising above the forest, recognizing them by their rounded but not pointy tops. My heart leapt in anticipation!

10. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 10 Returning to the trail, I made my way gradually along this side of the gorge, until reaching a small creek, and after an easy crossing, I turned right and hiked up toward the grove.

11. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 11 There it was! The Muir Grove.

12. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 12 There are hundreds of large old sequoias here, and I had them all to myself.

13. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 13 Most were blackened by fire.

14. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 14 They stood guard against the world's enemies.

15. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 15 I noticed a double-sequoia that had grown a single base. I moved my way around to the other side ...

16. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 16 ... and I gazed upon an opening. Know that this tree is so huge I could walk through the lower opening standing upright.

17. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 17 Passing through the door into the heart of the tree, I looked up.

18. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 18 Once inside, I looked out. I was within the womb of the forest. It was quiet and cool.

19. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 19 Again I looked up. … A deep calm came over me. … I lingered.

20. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 20 I turned on my flash to better see the heart. I reached out and leaned on the tree wall and felt something soft and wet ...

21. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 21 This is what I had felt. The interior was truly alive, and wise beyond my years. I made my way outside.

22. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 22 Some of these soldiers have fought many battles.

23. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 23 The center of this tree has failed, and two limbs turn upward to compensate. What will this look like in two hundred years?

24. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 24 At the top is another world.

25. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 25 The surface of the sequoia is intricate. How can it be so soft, and yet so strong?

26. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 26 I noticed a small cedar that seemed to be glowing.

27. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 27 No wonder, it was filled with many tiny stars!

28. The Muir Grove Trail at Sequoia National Park Page 28 This old man spoke to me as I left, and what he told me stays with me. To learn what he said, you must visit him yourself.

29. The End  Photography and text by Mike L B - © 2011.