Thick bark protects it from burning in lightning-caused fires ... Michael Nichols photographed California’s giant redwoods for the October 2009 issue.

Both giant sequoias and coast redwoods can live over 2,000 years, explaining their growth. However, height and age records aren't even the most interesting thing about California's redwoods.

Library of Congress The trunk of the famous Wawona tunnel tree in Upper Mariposa Grove, California ... The astounding trees we now know as giant sequoias can live for more than 3,000 years ...

Bathed in fog and towering above their forest neighbors, coastal redwoods are one of the state's greatest natural treasures and an integral part of ... Ride The Giant Dipper, Witness Thousands ...

Southern California Edison crews are scaling tall ... scrutiny since Day 1 because residents saw and videotaped flames burning near transmission lines at the time the fire started on Jan. 7.