Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon National Park covers California’s southern Sierra Nevada, a landscape shaped by glaciers, ancient trees, and steep rock walls. John Muir called this place a rival to Yosemite, impressed by its 8,200-foot canyon—the deepest in the country—and the General Grant Tree, a sequoia taller than a 20-story building. You’ll find two main areas here: Grant Grove, where giant sequoias grow close together, and Cedar Grove, where the Kings River cuts through grassy fields and cliffs. Walk short paths to see trees over a thousand years old, or spend days hiking to mountain lakes and remote forests. Ice and time have carved waterfalls, quiet woods, and high ridges that remain free from human development.

Visit Grant Grove and the General Grant Tree

Grant Grove, the park’s northern entrance, includes a half-mile trail to the General Grant Tree. This sequoia stands 267 feet tall, with a trunk so wide it would block a city street. A few minutes away, the Big Stump Trail shows where loggers cut down massive trees in the 1800s, leaving stumps as tall as houses. Campgrounds like Sunset and Azalea in Grant Grove Village have spots for tents and RVs, and after dark, the lack of light pollution makes the stars easy to see. When snow covers the ground in winter, ski trails let you explore the grove without crowds.

Drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway to Cedar Grove

From Grant Grove, the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway drops 30 miles into the canyon, passing marble walls, the fast-moving Kings River, and Boyden Cavern’s underground rock formations. At the bottom, Cedar Grove Village sits near trails like the Zumwalt Meadow Loop—a flat walk across streams and granite slabs. A five-minute stroll from the road leads to Roaring River Falls, where water crashes into a shallow pool. For a longer hike, the Mist Falls Trail takes you four miles uphill to a waterfall that sprays cool mist on sunny days. The road ends at Road’s End, where backpackers start multi-day trips like the Rae Lakes Loop.

Hike Trails for All Skill Levels

Short walks like the General Grant Tree Trail (0.8 miles) and Big Stump Trail (2 miles) let you see sequoias up close without strenuous effort. Experienced hikers tackle the 41-mile Rae Lakes Loop, which climbs above 12,000 feet and takes nearly a week to finish. Stop at a ranger station to get permits for overnight trips. In Cedar Grove, the Hotel Creek Trail ascends 1,500 feet in two miles, rewarding you with wide views of the canyon. The River Trail follows the South Fork Kings River through pine forests, with spots to rest by the water. Bring layers, a map, and extra food—weather shifts quickly, and phones rarely work here.

Spot Plants and Animals Across the Park

Giant sequoias dominate lower elevations, but higher up, you’ll find meadows filled with purple lupines and other wildflowers. Black bears often wander near campgrounds, so store food in metal lockers provided at each site. Mule deer graze near Zumwalt Meadow, and rainbow trout swim in the Kings River—fishing is allowed, but you must release what you catch. Bighorn sheep, brought back to the park in 2014, climb rocky slopes, and peregrine falcons nest on cliffs above the river. Join a ranger-led walk in summer to learn how wildfires and glaciers shaped the land.

Plan Your Trip to Kings Canyon

A $35 vehicle pass lets you enter both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks for seven days. Roads to Cedar Grove close from November to April, and winter visitors may need snow chains. Stay at Grant Grove Cabins or Cedar Grove Lodge, or book a hotel in Three Rivers, 45 minutes west. Bring a jacket, sturdy shoes, and a reusable water bottle—facilities are limited beyond Grant Grove. Check the park’s website before arriving for updates on trail conditions, fires, or smoke. In emergencies, dial 911, but be aware that help could take hours to reach remote areas.

Reach the Park by Car from Fresno or Sequoia

Highway 180 connects Fresno to Kings Canyon in two hours, passing orchards and rolling hills. From Sequoia National Park’s Ash Entrance, take the Generals Highway north for 90 minutes to reach Grant Grove. No buses run inside the park, so you’ll need your own vehicle. Fly into Fresno Yosemite International (90 minutes away) or Visalia Municipal (75 minutes away). Fill your gas tank in Fresno or Squaw Valley—stations near the park are scarce and often close early.