Written for the general reader with an interest in geology, natural history, and the early explorations of the US, this book is also a valuable guide for visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. It describes the arduous travels of the early explorers, including John C. Fremont and John Muir, and weaves the history of exploration together with modern geological information, showing the early naturalists contributions to geological thought. Over 200 illustrations include contemporary etchings and maps, modern photographs, and geological diagrams to help visitors understand the formation of the natural features, and all technical terms that may be unfamiliar to non-geologists are simply and succinctly defined. Maps showing the region's principal roads and trails define the mileage between all lookouts and points of interest, and a geological guide to the southern half of the John Muir wilderness trail is featured.