Est. 1940 | California | 461,901 acres

Kings Canyon

If you are willing to go the extra mile, Kings Canyon National Park offers much of the same attractions of the High Sierras as its sister park to the south but in a less crowded state. Walk beneath General Grant, the second largest sequoia tree in the world. Or drive the scenic highway to the peaceful Zumwalt Meadow and take in the Roaring River Falls. Or ponder the beauty of nature from the historic John Muir Rock. Or escape to the alpine backcountry along the renowned Pacific Crest Trail high in the Sierra Nevadas. Whatever your idea of a getaway holds, Kings Canyon is the perfect mountain retreat from the hustle of valley life.

Though Sequoia and Kings Canyon are technically distinct parks, they are inseparable, Their intertwining history began in 1890 with the establishment of Sequoia National Park and General Grant National Park only 6 days apart. Among the first national parks in the country, General Grant National Park perserved the 4 square miles of General Grant Grove, containing General Grant Tree, one of the largest living sequoia trees. In 1940, as conservation efforts shifted to Kings Canyon in the backcountry of the Sierra Nevadas, General Grant National Park was absorbed into the wilderness and notoriety of what is now called Kings Canyon National Park. Even today, because of their shared boundaries and similar conservation causes, the parks are managed jointly by the same park staff.

Often piggybacking off the notoriety of Sequoia National Park—both literally and figuratively—Kings Canyon hugs the northern border of Sequoia adding nearly half a million acres of protected wilderness to the Sierra Nevadas. This backcountry experience touted by the park is only open in the summer penetrated by a single road, Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, leading to the remote Cedar Grove Visitor Center. However, still presiding over General Grant Grove in the foothills, Kings Canyon Visitor Center and Grant Grove Village are open year round for those wanting a taste of the park in its limited capacity.

For those on the eastern side of the Sierras, no roads cross the mountains within the park meaning the 5-hour drive around to the visitor centers may not be worth the hassle. But roads near Independence, California, offer forays into the park via backcountry trails through Inyo National Forest.

Must-see highlights in Kings Canyon National Park

Zumwalt Meadow—At the far end of Kings Canyon Scenic Byway as the canyon walls close in, Zumwalt Meadows is a short 0.8 mile stroll under towering granite cliffs along the Kings River through lush grassy meadows and redwood forests—a taste of what Yosemite Valley was before crowds.

Roaring River Falls—Three miles east of Village Road and Cedar Grove, Roaring River cascades 200 feet down slick carved rock. The last 30-foot drop of this powerful torrent is visible via a short quarter-mile paved pathway.

General Grant Tree—For a taste of sequoia, visit General Grant Tree, one of the largest living trees on earth. Then continue along General Grant Tree Trail to view stumps and logs of other massive sequoias. Visit early in the morning to have the place all to yourself for a peaceful walk through the woods that inspired the park’s existence.

Kearsarge Lakes—For the more adventurous, consider a backcountry trip to Kearsarge Lakes a string of high alpine lakes laced with meadows and trees beneath dramatic sky-scraping mountain ridges. The easiest route to this section of the park is through Inyo National Forest over Kearsarge Pass. Located 5 miles from the Onion Valley Trailhead, plan to spend a full day visiting this area, or think about backpacking at the lakes to take full advantage of this remote beauty. For an account of my adventure to Kearsarge Lakes read my trip report, Backcountry in Kings Canyon National Park.

Best time to visit Kings Canyon National Park

Remote by nature, Kings Canyon National Park is not very accessible for half the year, during the winter. In fact, its peak season is only a short window from July–early September when snow has melted from high-elevation trails.

Spring (March to May): Though temperatures are heating up, especially in the foothills, spring is still snowy in Kings Canyon National Park. As snowpack melts in April, rivers are at their highest and swiftest. Cedar Grove and Kings Canyon Scenic Byway usually opens in mid-April, though trails can remain closed at higher elevations depending on weather patterns. By May Grant Grove is snow free and fully accessible.
Summer (June to August): For obvious reasons, summer is the best time to visit Kings Canyon. By the end of July, snow has melted from all trails and wildflowers are common. Temperatures in June hover in the 60sºF but warm up to averages of 70ºF, with highs in the 80sºF in August, making this the perfect time to hit the trails.
Fall (September to November): Fall is the best time to avoid crowds. As school resumes and temperatures cool off, visitation numbers fall dramatically. If timed right, summer lingers into early-September and fall colors emerge in the later half of the month making September an ideal time to visit. November brings rain and snow, often closing down the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway for the season after major storms.
Winter (December to February): These winter storms bring heavy snowfall to the Sierra Nevadas. And moisture from lower elevations often clings in the higher elevations for days on end, offering a moody escape but obscuring views. At this point, Cedar Grove and Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is entirely closed for the season. General Grant Grove usually remains open year round, though expect deep snow and icy trails. Storms are difficult to predict so bring tire chains for your vehicle as they can often be required on park roads.

How long should I visit Kings Canyon National Park?

Kings Canyon is best seen in either 1 day or a multi-day backpack trip. If the front country trails are sufficient for your visit, the highlights can easily be seen in a single day. With high canyon walls and towering trees, sunrise and sunset do not play a dramatic role in visiting these sections.

However, if you are looking for a more intimate view of the park and want to venture into the backcountry, think about planning a backpacking trip to Kearsarge Lakes or Rae Lakes. The 40-mile Rae Lakes Loop is an popular, must-hike backcountry excursion. Most people break it up into 3 nights and 4 days, but with endless opportunities in the backcountry shorter or longer routes are available.

Getting to Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon’s main entrance is on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, due east of Fresno, California. In fact, Highway 180 from Fresno drives through Grant Grove and becomes Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, dead-ending just past Cedar Grove.

However, for those on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevadas, a backdoor secret lies in Inyo National Forest. Backcountry access to Kings Canyon National Park can be reached via Onion Valley Road from the town of Independence. Drive to the end of the road and hike 4 miles to Kearsarge Pass, the boundary for the park.

Only 54 miles from Grant Grove and 82 miles from Cedar Grove, Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) offers the best flight options to the main attractions of the park. All other mainstream airports (Sacramento, Oakland, San Jose) will require at least a 4-hour commute.

Where to stay in Kings Canyon National Park

Lodging—The Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon hosts a hotel and operates single family cabins, while Cedar Grove offers a single hotel-style lodge for visitors.

John Muir Lodge—Grant Grove area, 36 hotel rooms, open April–November
Grant Grove Cabins—Grant Grove area, 41 cabins, open year round
Cedar Grove Lodge—Cedar Grove area, 21 hotel rooms, open May–October

Campgrounds— With 3 campgrounds in Grant Grove and 3 in Cedar Grove, over XXX campsites are provided each year for guests wanting a cheaper, rustic multi-day experience. Azalea Campground is the only location open year round, and is only available on a first come first served basis in October–May. Peak summer months require a reservation.

Azalea Campground—Grant Grove area, 110 sites (RV and tent), open year-round
Crystal Springs Campground—Grant Grove area, 35 sites (RV and tent), open May–September
Sunset Campground—Grant Grove area, 158 sites (RV and tent), open May–August
Sentinel Campground—Cedar Grove area, 82 sites (RV and tent), open May–August
Moraine Campground—Cedar Grove area, 121 sites (RV and tent), open May–August
Sheep Creek Campground—Cedar Grove area, 111 sites (RV and tent), open May–August

When should I book?

With 3 lodges and 6 campgrounds within park boundaries, Kings Canyon National Park has plentiful options for overnight stays, but during summer months, holidays and weekends these spots can fill up quickly. Consider booking as early as possible, up to 6 months in advance for lodges and cabins. These can reach capacity as early as 4 months in advance. There may be some availability if you remain flexible with your travel days.

Similarly, campgrounds also come in high demand during the summer months. Weekends immediately fill up so be prepare to compete for a reservation on Recreation.gov, or consider visiting mid-week for more options. However, the campgrounds open reservations at different intervals allowing for a range of planners. Sentinel and Azalea Campgrounds are both reservable on a 4-month rolling basis, while Sunset Campground opens up 1 month in advance, and Crystal Springs campsites open for reservations only 2 days prior, ideal for any last-minute planners.

How much should I budget?

A 2–3 day trip to Kings Canyon booked 2 months in advance can cost roughly $750–$1,000 depending on your required needs. Here is a range of what to expect:

Roundtrip Airfare to Fresno	$200–$400
Car Rental	$50–$80/day (not including taxes/fees)
Lodges and cabins	$200–$350/night (not including taxes/fees)
Campgrounds	$32/night
Meals	$10–$20/meal
Park Entrance Fee	$35/vehicle

Packing list for Kings Canyon National Park

Each park requires different gear for its unique characteristics. For Kings Canyon National Park, we wouldn’t want to be caught without hiking shoes, extra water/food, sunscreen, sunglasses, light jacket and a headlamp for longer backcountry day hikes.

Want to learn more? Check out our detailed trip report for a peek into our trip to Kings Canyon.

For more detailed information on Kings Canyon National Park, visit the official park website.