"Giant sequoia groves take on a primeval stillness in winter, with quiet, snowy trails leading to icons like the towering General Sherman Tree (about 275 feet tall); the parks are excellent for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing—often with free ranger-led walks that provide shoes—and winter driving may require tire chains." - Sarah L. Stewart Sarah L. Stewart Sarah L. Stewart is a Florida-based freelance magazine writer and editor specializing in travel, recreation, science, and health topics. Her work appears in Travel + Leisure, Outside, Backpacker, The Huffington Post, and other national publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines