This article discusses the absolutely best things to do in Kings Canyon National Park, one of the three parks located in the Sierra Nevada.
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There are three National Parks in California’s Sierra Nevada.
And… Kings Canyon National Park
Chances are that if you are not familiar with the area, you have not heard about the last park on the list. Actually, I know Californians which have never heard of the park even though it is adjacent and operated jointly with Sequoia (the two parks are administered as one unit).
To put things in perspective, Sequoia gets about one million visitors per year and Kings Canyon gets only half of that. And, I have a suspicion that most of those visitors concentrate on the sequoia groves located close to the park’s entrance. Several years ago, Sunset Magazine included the Park in its list of the “Sierra’s Hidden Gems.”
In all honesty, I wasn’t sure what I was set to discover. We are on a quest to visit all of California’s National Parks. Therefore, we allocated a day to Kings Canyon.
Well, I am glad we visited because the park leaves you pretty much speechless at certain moments. My list of things to do in Kings Canyon National Park will help you to plans your own adventure.
What to Know Before your Visit
Kings Canyon National Park is divided into two main areas.
The Grant Grove area is located in the “high” part of the park (elevation 6,500 feet). This area is the most commonly visited since it is not that far from the limits of Sequoia National Park. It counts with a Visitor’s Center, village and campgrounds.
The Cedar Grove area is located in the “low” area of the park (elevation 4,600 feet). This part is located at the bottom of Kings Canyon (the park’s main road snakes through the canyon). Few people make it here. This area has the same facilities as the Grant Grove area.
In addition, you have the Hume Lake area which can be accessed through the park roads but it is located on a mix of private and United State Forest Service land.
Things to Do in Kings Canyon National Park
There are plenty of things to do in Kings Canyon National Park. I recommend not rushing since you want to savor the glorious views!
General Grant Grove
As the header implies, explore this area to take a look at General Grant, the second largest tree in the world. He used to be the third until the tree that used to be the second largest lost the upper half of its trunk. It is a bit confusing since the interpretative signs in the park still describe him as the third largest.
General Grant is famous for being proclaimed the “Nation’s Christmas Tree.”
The other interesting thing about General Grant is that he is considered a baby. Well, a sequoia baby of only 1,700 years. The oldest sequoias are about 3,500 years. The moisture, nutrients and sunlight conditions on his location are ideal for growth. That is why he has beaten many older trees in terms of size.
General Grant is connected to other trees by a paved, ⅓ of a mile (0.5 km) trail. The marked trail is full of stops where visitors can learn about the trees, area’s history and even, how trees in the vicinity were cut and taken to the East Coast. The fallen trunks were used to prove the veracity of pioneer’s tales related to humongous trees found in California.
Drive to the Kings Canyon Panoramic Point
Once you pass the Grant Grove, you are going to find the Panoramic Point Road on your right. Once you are there, keep going for two miles till the end of the road.
From a parking area, you only have to walk 0.5 miles to a scenic overlook from where you can observe a pine-covered valley, Hume Lake and the tall peaks of the Sierra.
If hiking is your thing, you can walk to the Park Ridge Fire Lookout (2.4 miles, one way).
Local Knowledge Note: It is “the Sierra” (singular) not “the Sierras” (plural). The Sierra Nevada (named after the Sierra Nevada in Southern Spain) runs for 400 miles.
The Main Attraction: Kings River Canyon
Once you are done admiring the mighty sequoias, start the slow descent to the lower part of the park.
When I visited, after seeing the “Kings Canyon Scenic Byway” sign, a sharp cliff appeared on my right side. My husband stopped to take a better look and noticed I was starting to get anxious.
He asked me if I wanted to continue. I mumbled a hesitant “yes.” I thought we were going to pass the cliffy areas fast.
I was wrong.
Shortly after the stop, we took a left curve and that is when I saw the deepest abysm I have seen in my life.
The sky was mostly gray and sunset was upon us. A straight line of sun rays was passing through the clouds and lighting the left wall of the canyon. It was a transfixing image. I wasn’t expecting that at all.
As you can imagine, I was holding to dear life in my seat. All I could think was a video I saw on YouTube about a bus transiting one of the world’s most dangerous roads (in China). Why do you need to go to China if we have equally scary stuff in the United States (no railing separating you from the bottom)?
But, I survived the steep descent to the canyon’s floor. Our initial idea was to drive the road and return to camp near the park’s entrance. I told my husband I couldn’t take the drive back to back. We ended up camping close to Cedar Grove Visitor’s Center.
The subsequent photos were taken the following day when we were getting out.
This area of the park protects the headwaters of the South and Middle Forks of the Kings River and the South Fork of the San Joaquin River. Both the South and Middle Forks of the Kings Rivers have extensive glacial canyons. One portion of the South Fork canyon, known as the Kings Canyon, gives the entire park its name. Kings Canyon, with a maximum depth of 8,200 feet (2,500 m), is one of the deepest canyons in the United States.
A few miles outside the park, Kings Canyon deepens and steepens becoming arguably the deepest canyon in North America for a short distance. At the highest part of the road, the canyon appears so deep that it is almost impossible to see the river at the bottom. I had to use the camera’s maximum zoom to capture the following photos.
Check out how the road meanders on one side of the canyon. Super scary!
The neat thing is that the junction of the South and Middle Forks of the Kings River can be observed from the road.
The river gets more visible as soon as you get closer to the bottom of the canyon.
There is a point where the river can be observed at road level. The power of this river cannot be described with words. He moves at full force with an eternal impetuous sound.
Note: This may not be a pleasant drive for people with a fear of altitude. Also, motion sickness may occur.
Grizzly Falls
After the main attraction, it is time to take it easy and admire the scenery. A 0.1-mile trail located next to the road takes you to a 75 feet waterfall. I got another taste of nature’s power in here. It was nearly impossible to get to the base of the fall due to the force of the water.
Roaring River Falls
This is another short but powerful waterfall that can be reached by a 0.3 paved trail. Granite peaks can be observed from the trail (remember to look back).
Zumwalt Meadow
Zumwalt Meadow is the most scenic part of the Kings Canyon valley floor. The woods around the meadow are noticeably more lush and green than the woods in the rest of the valley, which is by and large rather sparse and without ground cover.
In addition, the meadow is at the steepest and most dramatic part of the canyon, situated between two tall, nearly vertical granite cliff faces. A one-and-a-half-mile loop circles the meadow and is one of the more popular trails in the park.
After the trailhead to the meadow, a short drive will take you to the road end. To get out of the park, you have to drive to the high altitude area using the same road used to get to the bottom.
Hume Lake
At one point, we detoured to Hume Lake. This is actually a reservoir used to store logs for an adjacent mill and supply water for a flume used to transport the cut lumber. I suggest taking a look at the lake before leaving the park.
The lake was purchased by the Forest Service and it is used for recreation nowadays. Activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming are permitted.
Hike a Short or Long Trail
Like most National Parks, Kings Canyon has an array of trails suitable for all ages and tastes. I have already provided details about some walks but want to elaborate on the topic.
- North Grove Loop – Starts at General Grant tree parking lot (1.5 miles)
- Buena Vista Peak – 2-mile round-trip hike takes you scenic views of the tall trees in the park
- Knapp’s Cabin – 2-mile trail to a small fishing cabin
Moderate and strenuous hikes include the following:
- Don Cecil Trail – This was the trail used to reach the bottom of the canyon before the park’s main road was completed in 1939.
- Mist Falls – This 9-mile trail takes hikers to one of the largest waterfalls in the area. Most of the trail is flat. Elevation is gained on the last mile.
- Cedar Grove Overlook – The 5-mile (roundtrip) trail take 3 to 4 hours to complete (be prepared since elevation gain is the real deal in here).
The Rae Lakes Loop, one of the top backpacking trail of the Sierra Nevada, is accessed from the park.
Take a Guided Horseback Ride
Horseback rides are offered in both areas of the park. The Grant Grove Stables and the Cedar Grove Packing Station have multiple offerings, from 1-hour rides to multi-day trips.
This is a great way to cover a lot of ground and see areas of the park that are difficult to access by foot. Short rides are around $40-$70 per person.
Camping in Kings Canyon National Park
Campsites are categorized by area.
Near Grant Grove (on the high area of the park), you can stay on the following campsites:
- Azalea
- Crystal Springs
- Sunset
On the Cedar Grove area (on the low area of the park or the bottom of the canyon), the following campsites are open to visitors:
- Sentinel
- Sheep Creek
- Canyon View
- Moraine
Most campsites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. During high season (summer) and holiday weekends, try to arrive early if you are planning to camp. You need cash to pay on site.
The Sierra parks are bear country. Read and follow instructions at all times.
Lodging and Food Inside the Park
For those who do not want to deal with camping, there are accommodations in both areas of the park.
The Grant Grove Cabins & John Muir Lodge offers hotels rooms, cabins and restaurant services all year long. Expect to pay $40-$100 for a cabin and $115-$200 for a room.
The Cedar Grove Lodge offers room and restaurant services. Expect a motel level of service. Prices start at $150 per night.
In Sequoia National Park, you can find the beautiful Wuksachi Lodge. Accommodation on United States Forest Service and private lands are also available.
Similar to campsites, lodging inside the camp sells out fast. You need to make reservations with time.
There are some hotels and lodges on Route 245 near the park entrance.
Details
The park has two visitor’s centers: Grant Grove and Cedar Grove. Both offer a restaurant (serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, expect simple fare), a store, restrooms, and other amenities.
From the Giant Forest area in Sequoia National Park, driving time is about one hour to the Grant Grove. From the Grant Grove, it is about an hour to Cedar Grove.
Carry water and snacks (preferably, high in protein snack) with you.
The road connecting the two park areas is no joke. Exercise caution, drive slowly and stop only in designated areas.
Cell phone service is limited or non-existed. I recommend picking up a map in one of the Visitor’s Center. Signage is excellent inside the park.
WI-fi is available at the Grant Grove restaurant.
Fill up your car’s gas tank before heading to the parks since there are no stations there.
Verify road closure status during winter.
In my opinion, this park is unique in terms of its views. I recommend visiting it in conjunction with Sequoia National Park (do not skip it!).
Location
Kings Canyon National Park is located 240 miles from Los Angeles, 202 miles from San Jose and 238 miles from San Francisco.
The major city located close to the park is Fresno (54 miles or an hour away). The Yosemite Valley is located 140 or 3 hours away.
Given the distances from big cities and other attractions I would recommend spending two or three days in the area.
Sequoia National Park
If you are visiting Sequoia National Park too (if you are in the area, I am sure you do), I recommend reading my posts about the different areas in the park.
- Tokopak Falls
- General Sherman – largest tree in the work (in terms of volume)
- Moro Rock
Have you visited Kings Canyon National Park? What are your suggestions for the top things to do?
Pin “Things to Do in Kings Canyon National Park” for later?
I wasn’t aware of this spectacular park. The falls and trees are incredible.
I am glad you found out about the park thru this post. I am telling you, not a lot of people are aware of it.
I’m excited to see both parks in two weeks, never been to this area of California.
Sequioa and Kings Canyon (the twins as I call them) are perfect destinations for those longing to be with the giant trees. Not too far from here, along the Kings River, we have rented a cabin that formerly housed the park ranger and we had the entire place all to our own. It is awesome. If you want to get away this is the place. There’s also a small beach to get some sun.
You may need to tell me about this place. We saw all the cabins close to Sequoia National Park entrance. I would love to stay in the area.
Such a lovely location – and wonderfully shot! thanks for taking us along… and for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/08/sweetheart-in-sepia.html
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by.
Just awesome..that water falls.Have a nice day.
Thanks! The waterfalls are one of my favorite things about these parks.
Gorgeous shots. Those falls are stunning!
Awww, thanks for your comment. I am a waterfall lover, so, I do not mind bumping into one or two.
Thanks for sharing your travel to Kings canyon park. I had heard of Yosemite and Sequoia, but not Kings before. Lovely photos. #MondayEscapes
Thanks Ahila! It is my pleasure to share this beautiful park.
You just put Kings Canyon higher on my list. I love those kind of roads, especially the magnificent views. I could almost feel the power of the waterfalls through your wonderful images. I’m guessing this park is not as busy as some.
There were barely people when we visited (and we were there on the Memorial Day weekend). At some points, we were the only ones on the road. I like to explore under those conditions.
Spectacular scenery, Ruth! Where to start? 🙂 🙂
I know! The possibilities are endless. I have seen pictures of gorgeous lakes on the park. Would love to visit those.
Stunning! have to admit I’m not all that familiar with this park so it was good to read your post. We’re off to Acadia National Park in a few weeks on the East Coast – I really wanted to visit a park for the centennial:).
I have seen pictures of Acadia and it is stunning. Hope you guys have a wonderful time.
Fabulous scenery and I would love to see those giant sequoias #MondayEscapes
The sequoias take your breath away. They are huge! People didn’t believe trees that huge existed. That is why some were cut and shipped to the East Coast.
I absolutely love that view on the canyon! I’ve never seen one myself so far but I have plans to visit a town close by this autumn where there have one of few Norwegian canyons – can’t wait!
Canyons like this are impressive. Scary but impressive.
We’ve talked about going here next spring, so your images and information and so helpful and inspiring! I went to high school camp at Hume Lake — great memories!
I saw several “camps” at Hume Lake. It will be nice to stay there. We weren’t able to walk around the lake since some tree cutting was taking place.
Lovely photos; I’ve always wanted to see the Sequoia trees in real life- they must be so impressive!
Yes, they are impressive. More when you see from afar people or cars next to them.
Tis true! Many Californians haven’t heard of it, myself included! So thanks for sharing! I’ll be pinning this for the next time we are home! #WanderfulWednesday
Some of my friends had no idea where the park is located even though they have lived in California their entire life.
Just wow. How I wish to be there 🙂
Thanks! I know the feeling. I rather be at the park than at home or work.
Your post is as expansive as the views! What a tour. What a place. I’ve been on some scary roads in Central America. And narrow trails on the big island. The memories are the best part. When you can breathe again.
When you can breathe again… That is the trick. So grateful to have visited this park but I really freaked out while there.
Wow! The nice collection of beautiful parks. I want to go these parks near future. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks! Hope you make it one day.
Those Grizzly Falls are glorious. Great pics.
Those falls surprised me. They were so easy to reach and so powerful.
What I love about photography blogs is that I get to see places in the world i might never travel to nor experience. This post today has done this for me. Thank you so much for a wondrous sight and story about this place in USA. I’ve come over from Jen at Pierced Wonderings and added my blog. I shall add your linky back at mine. Thank you!
Thanks a lot Denyse! I think it is great to be part of a community who visit ans share places like this. As you mentioned, we may not be able to visit every corner of the world but at least we can take a peek at wonderful places.
I would love to camp in this park. The views are grand. I loved the waterfall shots and the meadow. Sounds like a scary/exciting drive. As a passenger I think I would have to close my eyes occasionally or a lot!
We camped in the lower part of the park. It was great but you had to be careful with the bears. That was a first for me.
This is my kind of day trip. I love going to places where other people don’t go, even if it’s more out of the way. I love to be able to explore in peace and you feel like you’ve found something special too.
Those waterfalls are magnificent! I wish we had more in Belgium, but we just have the one little one, which I’ve yet to visit!
~ K
I do not do well in crowded areas (more when people are pushing you and elbowing you). So, yes, I prefer to have my space and stroll around less visited areas.
National parks are one of my favorite things!
We are on the same page. I love them too.
Hi Ruth! What a gorgeous area. Love the trees, and waterfalls. One of these days I will get to California to see your fantastic parks and canyons. Thanks for hosting this week. #TPThursday
I know you are fan of places like this. Do come to California. There is a lot to see and do.
Wow – those roads!? I’m not sure I could’ve driven them! However, the rest sounds right up my tree lined street – It’s on my bucket list to see the Giant Sequoias one day. #FlyAwayFriday
My husband was the one driving because I cannot do this for sure. It is a bit difficult to enjoy the panorama when you are scarred but I am glad I visited.
I visited King’s Canyon once in combination with Sequoia, but I only remember seeing the General Grant tree, not going down into the canyon. It looks just as beautiful as Yosemite, only with fewer people! Gorgeous pictures, by the way!
I think not a lot of people make it to the canyon area. As I said, I had no idea on how the park was going to look. We just continued the road an stumbled on all these marvelous sights.
I love the idea of showcasing one of the lesser know National Parks – you’re right, I had never heard of it. But it’s on my radar now! Those height and width of those trees is incredible – the photo with the parking lot included really put them into perspective! The waterfalls and canyons are beautiful too.
I love blogging about places that are not that well known. I think people who appreciate travel and discovery will enjoy visiting them.
Oh these trees! It’s hard to think they are so old! What a magnificent and dramatic landscape.
That is right! It is hard to imagine something is 2,000 to 3,000 years old. It is great to take a look at they taking into consideration that.
I haven’t been to Kings Canyon NP yet. I was aware of the park, but I wasn’t quite sure what it was like. Your photos have given me a better idea of what to expect. When I finally get the chance to do a big California roadtrip, I’ll be sure to visit every NP, including this one!
I was in the same bandwagon. I was aware of the park but not sure what I was going to find there. Now, I know and am happy to share my experience.
Simply spectacular!!
Thanks Electra!
Wow, what an amazing park with very interesting features! I would love to hike there. I’m adding it to my bucket list.
I hope you make it there one day. It is a perfect location for those who enjoy hiking.
We love Kings Canyon! We’ve visited a few times and I really like that there’s not as many people compared to Yosemite. That drive makes me a bit nervous too but those views are amazing. Try to visit Boyden Cave the next time you go. It’s got some incredible formations.
I thought about visiting the caves but I desisted since it was Memorial Day Weekend. But, I want to do it in the future.
Thank you for this post! I love reading about nature and specially when it comes to the mountains. I would love to come over to see it one day. There would be so many places in the US i’d love to go! Keep up the good work!
Thanks Kreete. I am glad you enjoyed the post. I love the outdoors and wish I would have more time to visit different places.
I opened this thinking it would be about the Kings Canyon in Australia, but I was pleasantly surprised. The park looks beautiful, especially the waterfalls and lake. Great place to get amongst nature. Nice one! #TheWeeklyPostcard
It is funny that there is a park with the same name in Australia (down to the S in Kings). It has popped up numerous times while I was researching the article. Great you liked the article.
Another amazing find, Ruth! Your posts always inspire me to go outdoors more. Such variety of landscapes within one park. The giant sequoias are a sight to behold, and Kings Canyon really lives up to its name! I can empathise with how you felt about that cliff with no railing – I encountered a similar road in Gran Canaria and it was nerve-wrecking! Thankfully, all’s well that ends well.
Right! I saw your photos of Gran Canaria and noticed a lot of cliffs. I mean the moments of worry and fear are worthwhile because of the glorious views you usually see when visiting places like these.
I haven’t been to King’s Canyon since I was a teenager, yet is one of my absolute favorite parks. Thanks for bringing me back after so many years! I can’t believe they don’t have a guard rail on that road, though. Yikes! #wkendtravelinspiration
They have a thick wall in other places in Sequoia. But, I guess that area is more transited than the scenic route in Kings Canyon. I hope there ha snot been many accidents on the road.
Wow what dramatic scenery. It looks amazing.
Thanks Nicola! I am so glad you liked the post.
Stunning places! I wish I can visit esp the falls! Just majestic and amazing. #photofriday
Seems like you a fall fan too. I love places full of waterfalls.
This is the great things about the National Parks. there are so many of them and when you find the won that is stunning and not overrun with tourists it’s amazing.
You are so right. And, there are several like that in California (which is amazing).
I miss Kings Canyon. You just gave me a great idea for a long week-end. I have a new puppy and I think she will be thrilled to run around in this beautiful forest. Do you know if dogs are allowed in the park?
Not sure if dogs are allowed in the parks and trails. I know I saw several but you know how sometimes people do not follow instructions. On the other hand, some of these trails are so low volume that I do not think somebody will notice.
Wow what an amazing place. The scenery is breathtaking and those towering trees are miraculous.
The sequoias are so wonderful. I would love to visit more groves.
You’re right I had never heard of King’s Canyon and after seeing your stunning photos I don’t understand why. I think it is far more stunning than Yosemite (which I have visited).
I did however have a little smile as you described yourself clinging to the car seat. I have done this as well whilst knowing full well that should the vehicle go over the cliff holding onto the seat will not help 🙂
The scenery is very similar to Yosemite but the canyon itself make it stand out (that is something the other park does not have). I cling to everything I can. I know it doesn’t make a difference but I just can’t help it.
Amazing photos here Ruth, and so much to see and do! I’ve bookmarked this so that if I ever do get to travel there one day I can use this as an itinerary! 😀 General Grant has always been on my list of places to visit because it ticks off all of my botanical favourites boxes, and I love those big sequoia trees, they’re stunning! Grizzly Falls also looks stunning – beautiful! – Tasha
I think California would be your botanical paradise because we have the largest trees by volume, the tallest trees and the oldest trees. I still have to see the tallest and oldest. Thanks for your nice words.
This park looks amazing! So much to see and do! Those trees are incredible and that waterfall looks amazing as well. I’ve never heard of Kings Canyon, but my parents are always looking for new parks to explore so I’ll have to pass this post along 😀
Oh yes! You have to tell them about this park. Plus, Sequoia is next door and Yosemite not that far away. They can go tree parks in one trip.
Stunning scenery. Love those waterfalls!
Aren’t they stunning? You wouldn’t believe how powerful they were when I visited.
I kept thinking the name Kings Canyon sounded very familiar but after seeing your photos, I’m pretty sure I didn’t go there when I was in US. Then it struck me that the Kings Canyon I visited was in Australia. -_- #WanderfulWednesday
That is true! It is a big coincidence that both parks have the exact same name even though they are very different. Would like to go to the one in Australia!
Thanks for the tips and photos of Kings Canyon. It goes on my list for our year when we RV through the US.
Wow! That is great. I would love to do an RV trip. Well, I guess I would be happy if I can travel with a small trailer or teardrop.
Lovely post on King’s Canyon! I live in CA for 5 years so have indeed visited the park but only saw a small section and would love to return some day.
Hope you can go back to see more of the park. I am sure you will enjoy the sights.
You always have the best places in California to blog about that I didn’t know existed, haha! Definitely bookmarking this for later! Thanks so much for joining us on #FlyAwayFriday!
It is my pleasure to help you with your wanderlust. More ideas to get going.
Omg SOO gorgeous! Those waterfalls are just absolutely beautiful!! Thank you for sharing on #FlyAwayFriday and cannot wait to see what you have to share at the next linkup!! Xo Chloe
Thanks Chloe! I am glad you enjoyed the post. Happy to share at the link party.
One day we will have the time to explore some of these amazing parks in the US. Certainly diverse, and very interesting
Yes, you have to make plans to visit California. You will enjoy our National and State parks.
We really enjoyed our time in Kings Canyon NP. I remember looking at my photos afterwards and thinking how it didn’t do justice to the grandeur and scope of the scenery. The kids and I got motion sick driving down to the bottom, but a hike set everything all right. Looks like you had a great time… other than the fear of driving off the road.
I do not get motion sickness but I am afraid of heights. Glad things were ok for you guys. I was fine at after we passed the highest area.
Magnificent landscape!!!
Thanks!
Great suggestions – Grizzly Falls look awesome! I would love to visit one day. #MondayEscapes
Spectacular place! I visited Sequoia many years ago but do not remember King’s Canyon. That is quite a scary road. I must admit to some acrophobia– not as bad when I drive or look down but I really get anxious when watching someone standing (or worse, leaning over) at the edge of a precipice!
These are some amazing photos! Thanks for sharing, as I will probably never see them for myself. Like you, I am not really thrilled with roads that aren’t relatively flat. My ‘adventure’ gene was left out of my DNA, I think!
Amazing park and many good shots!
Hello, it is a beautiful park. I love the trees and the waterfalls. I have been to Kings Canyon years ago but I barely remember the visit. Your photos and post are wonderful. Happy Wednesday, enjoy your day!
Hi! Nice collection of beautiful photos. Congratulations for the 100 anniversary year in your National parks. BTW,Why do not you come to Japan.
Such beauty in Kings Canyon! I’ve been to the Sierras many times, but I haven’t visited this park. Your visit was quite an adventure! I hope you enjoy a spectacular fall, Ruth. Our high altitude fall will soon be over. Snow will soon fall.