National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS/Rick Cain
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park features one of the deepest canyons in North America, a glacier-carved valley with walls rising over 8,200 feet. The park offers dramatic scenery from giant sequoia groves to alpine meadows, swift-flowing rivers, and the remote wilderness of the Sierra Nevada.
Entrance Fees
Activities
Top Hikes
8 mi · 600 ft gain · out & back
Follow the glaciated South Fork Canyon to one of the largest waterfalls in Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
Starts at: Road's End, Cedar Grove
1.6 mi · loop
Scenic loop past high granite walls, lush meadows, and the Kings River via an expansion bridge.
Starts at: 4.5 miles east of Cedar Grove Village
13 mi · 4,000 ft gain · out & back
All-day strenuous climb via the Don Cecil Trail to panoramic backcountry views of Kings Canyon.
Starts at: Near Cedar Grove Visitor Center
5 mi · 1,200 ft gain · out & back
Switchbacks through chaparral to a forested ridge with sweeping canyon views from above.
Starts at: Past Cedar Grove Village
Upcoming Events
Forest Feature Talk (Sequoia)
An introduction to natural history or cultural figures of Sequoia National Park.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: March, April, September, October, November
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
Because of the extreme elevation range in the parks, weather conditions vary widely between areas. In summer, the sequoia groves have comfortable temperatures and the foothills are hot and dry. Snow lingers on high-mountain passes well into summer. In fall, conditions can range from summer-like to winter-like. Winter brings snow to sequoia groves and rain to the foothills. Be prepared for tire chain requirements. Spring is a great time to hike in the foothills and snow begins to melt at higher elevations.