LOCATION, SIZE, AND FEATURES OF THE NATIONAL PARKS 211 



lime spectacle in the world and the greatest example of erosion; the 

 Sequoia Park in mid-eastern California contains 60% of all the re- 

 maining sequoias and the largest single tree in the world, known as 

 the General Sherman tree, 36% feet in diameter and 272 feet in height, 

 as well as towering mountain ranges and great canyons and precipices ; 

 the Great Smoky Mountains Park, of the Appalachian Range, con- 

 tains over 150 species of hardwoods in addition to conifers and over 

 1500 varieties of wild flowers; the Mount Rainier Park contains the 

 largest single peak glacier system, with 28 glaciers extending over 48 

 square miles of surface; the Mesa Verde Park contains the most 

 notable and best-preserved cliff dwellings in the United States; Rocky 

 Mountain Park includes the heart of the Rockies and a magnificent 

 series of peaks ranging from 11,000 to over 14,000 feet in elevation; 

 the Yosemite, containing a valley of world-famed beauty, lofty cliffs, 

 three groups of sequoias, and many waterfalls; and the Yellowstone 

 has more geysers than all the rest of the world, with the Canyon of 

 the Yellowstone and many lakes, mountains, and streams on a high 

 plateau 7000 feet or more in elevation. 



The following list shows the name, location, date when first estab- 

 lished, and area of our National Parks: 



