Kings Canyon National Park: Top 10 Things to See and Do

Kings Canyon National Park is known for its groves of giant sequoias, mountain views, waterfalls, and caves. There is a lot to see in this less visited national park. It sits adjacent to Sequoia National Park and together they form one large protected area. But Kings Canyon gets fewer visitors than its more famous neighbor. For those who make the trip, solitude among the big trees is often the reward.

This guide covers ten of the best things to do in Kings Canyon National Park.

1. Big Stump Grove

Big Stump Grove is likely to be the first stop for visitors coming in from the city of Fresno. This grove of sequoias is rich in history but not in trees that are still standing. Hence the name. The vast majority of the sequoias here were logged in the late 1800s. Loggers came to this area with saws and ambition. They cut down trees that had stood for thousands of years.

The 1.6-mile loop trail takes visitors past gigantic stumps, fallen sequoias, and a handful of still-standing big trees. The main attraction is the Mark Twain Stump. This sequoia was cut down in 1891. Today, a staircase leads to the top of the stump. Standing on the cut surface gives a sense of just how massive these trees were. The stump is wide enough to hold a small gathering.

The trail is easy and suitable for most visitors. Interpretive signs along the way tell the story of the logging era and the efforts to protect the remaining trees.

2. Grant Grove

Grant Grove is probably the most popular part of Kings Canyon National Park. The sequoias here are a lot more vertical than at Big Stump Grove. The main attraction is the second largest tree in the world, the General Grant Tree. This giant sequoia stands 267 feet tall and has a base circumference of 107 feet. It was named a national shrine in 1956 as a memorial to those who died in war.

The 0.7-mile loop trail is a great way to view some amazing big trees. The path is paved and relatively flat. Interpretive signs provide information about the trees and the surrounding forest. The crowds can get a little overwhelming, especially during summer weekends. Arriving early or late in the day helps avoid the busiest periods.

3. North Grove

North Grove is found just down the road from the parking lot for the General Grant Tree. The 1.7-mile loop trail features the same big trees as Grant Grove. But it sees a fraction of the visitors. For those who want solitude with the sequoias, North Grove is the place to find it.

The trail winds through a quiet forest of giant sequoias, sugar pines, and white firs. The trees are not as large as the General Grant Tree, but they are still impressive. Fallen logs lie where they dropped decades ago. Young sequoias grow in the gaps. The quiet is deep. The air smells of pine and duff. This is what Grant Grove felt like before the crowds arrived.

4. Panoramic Point

The actual canyon that this park is named after is pretty spectacular. It is deeper than the Grand Canyon. Kings Canyon drops nearly 8,000 feet from its rim to the bottom of the gorge. Panoramic Point offers one of the best views into this canyon.

Reach this view by a very short half-mile round trip hike from the parking lot. The trail is paved and easy. At the viewpoint, the canyon stretches out below. The peaks of the High Sierra rise in the distance. It is a great spot for sunset when the light turns the canyon walls golden.

The road to Panoramic Point is generally only open in the warmer months. Snow closes the road in winter. Visitors planning trips in spring or fall should check road conditions before heading out.

5. Kings Canyon Scenic Byway

It is time to head into the canyon itself. The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway winds 30 miles down deep into Kings Canyon. The road follows the South Fork of the Kings River as it cuts through the mountains. Plenty of pull-offs along the way offer lots of opportunities to stop and take in the amazing views.

The road descends from the forested rim into the rocky canyon bottom. The vegetation changes. The temperatures rise. The canyon walls grow taller. This road is an adventure in itself.

Note that the scenic byway is only open from late April through October. Winter snow makes the road impassable the rest of the year. Visitors should also note that drones are illegal in national parks. The aerial views seen in some guides come from flights over adjacent national forest land, not the park itself.

6. Sequoia National Forest

The area between the upper and lower portions of Kings Canyon is not actually in the park at all. It is Sequoia National Forest. While a little more rugged, there are a lot of cool and less visited spots here.

The Chicago Stump is one such spot. This stump is all that remains of a giant sequoia cut down for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. The tree was enormous. The stump alone is impressive.

The Bull Tree is another attraction. This massive sequoia is the sixth largest tree in the entire world. It sits in the national forest, not the national park. The road to reach it is rough. The hike is short but not well marked. For those who make the effort, the reward is a giant tree with almost no other visitors around.

7. Grizzly Falls

Grizzly Falls is located at the bottom of the canyon. The waterfall flows at its strongest in early spring when snowmelt is at its peak. By late summer, the flow diminishes significantly. In a dry year, the falls may be barely a trickle.

The falls are pretty much right next to the parking lot. No real hiking is required. A short walk from the car leads to a viewing area. The spray from the falls is refreshing on a hot day. The canyon walls rise steeply on both sides.

8. Boyden Cavern

Boyden Cavern is a little different from the other attractions in Kings Canyon. This cave sits beneath the mountains just up the road from Grizzly Falls. Visitors can book a one-hour guided tour of the cave. The tours run throughout the day during the summer season.

The cave features all the classic formations. Stalactites hang from the ceiling. Stalagmites rise from the floor. Flowstone covers the walls. The guide explains how the cave formed and points out interesting features along the route.

At the end of the tour, visitors have the option to take the wild cave exit. This route involves crouching and squeezing through a narrow passage. It is a pretty cool way to cap off the tour. Those who prefer to avoid tight spaces can exit the way they came.

Boyden Cavern is privately operated. There is an entrance fee in addition to park admission. The cave is generally open from May through October. Hours vary by season.

9. Zumwalt Meadow

From Boyden Cavern, the road continues deeper into the canyon. At the bottom lies an area known as Cedar Grove. This is the end of the scenic byway. Zumwalt Meadow is one of the highlights of Cedar Grove.

The 1.5-mile loop trail takes visitors around the meadow itself. The views of the canyon on either side are pretty spectacular. The trail is flat and easy. It crosses a small creek on a footbridge. The meadow is green in summer and gold in fall. The granite walls of the canyon rise thousands of feet straight up. This is classic Sierra Nevada scenery.

Wildlife is abundant in the meadow area. Deer graze at the edges. Birds hunt for insects. On quiet mornings, the only sounds are the wind and the creek.

10. Paradise Valley via the Mist Falls Trail

Paradise Valley is worth venturing into the backcountry of Kings Canyon to see. The route is the Mist Falls Trail. At nine miles round trip, it might sound intimidating. But the trail is mostly flat. The elevation gain is minimal. The difficulty is in the distance, not the steepness.

The trail starts from the Roads End parking lot and ranger station at the bottom of Cedar Grove. Starting early is probably best. Temperatures at the bottom of Kings Canyon can get pretty hot in the summer months. The canyon traps heat. Afternoon temperatures often exceed 90 degrees.

The trail follows the South Fork of the Kings River upstream. Mist Falls is the first major landmark, about 3.5 miles from the trailhead. The waterfall drops 100 feet across a wide granite face. The spray creates mist that cools the surrounding area.

Beyond Mist Falls, the trail continues into Paradise Valley. The valley opens up with granite domes on both sides. The river meanders through meadows. The views are spectacular. Many hikers turn around at Mist Falls, but those who continue are rewarded with solitude and stunning scenery.

The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. Water is available from the river, but treatment is recommended. Bear spray is advised. Bears are present in this area.

Best Time to Visit

Summer is the most popular season in Kings Canyon. All roads are open. The weather is warm. The waterfalls are flowing, though flows diminish by late summer. The crowds are smaller than in Sequoia National Park but still present.

Spring brings snowmelt and strong waterfalls. The scenic byway may not yet be open. Snow can linger on the rim into May. Lower elevations are accessible and pleasant.

Fall brings cooler temperatures and fall color. The aspens and black oaks turn gold in October. The crowds thin out. The weather is often perfect for hiking.

Winter closes the scenic byway. The only accessible part of the park is Grant Grove. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are possible on the rim. The giant sequoias look magical with snow on their branches.

Where to Stay

Kings Canyon has several campgrounds. Grant Grove has two campgrounds on the rim. Cedar Grove has three campgrounds at the bottom of the canyon. Sites can be reserved online. They fill quickly for summer weekends.

Lodging is available in Grant Grove. Cabins and motel rooms are offered. Reservations should be made well in advance.

The nearby towns of Fresno and Three Rivers offer additional lodging options. Fresno is about an hour from Grant Grove. Three Rivers is about 45 minutes from the park entrance.

Conclusion

Kings Canyon National Park is a less visited gem. It offers giant sequoias without the crowds of Sequoia National Park. It offers a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon. It offers waterfalls, caves, and backcountry meadows.

Big Stump Grove tells the story of logging and preservation. Grant Grove features the second largest tree in the world. North Grove provides solitude among the big trees. Panoramic Point looks deep into the canyon. The scenic byway winds down into the gorge. Sequoia National Forest offers even more giant trees without park crowds. Grizzly Falls is an easy roadside stop. Boyden Cavern takes visitors beneath the mountains. Zumwalt Meadow offers classic canyon views. Mist Falls and Paradise Valley reward hikers who go the distance.

For those who love giant sequoias, deep canyons, and fewer crowds, Kings Canyon is the park to visit. It deserves more attention than it gets. And after seeing these ten spots, visitors will understand why.