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
Potwisha Campground Evening Program (Sequoia)
Settle into the amphitheater as a park ranger shares stories, insights, and perspectives that bring this place to life. Each night features a different topic, ensuring something new to discover. Program Details • Length: 45 minutes • Location: Potwisha Campground Amphitheater (between campsites 1 and 3) • Seating: Bench seating provided (benches are backless) Getting There • Campers: The amphitheater is a short, walkable distance from all campsites. • Non‑campers: Please park in the overflow lot across Generals Highway and walk past campsite 1 to reach the amphitheater. There is no parking at the amphitheater itself. Accessibility The walk to the seating area is approximately 30 yards (27 meters) across a mostly level dirt surface.
Echoes of Existence (Sequoia)
For thousands of years, human history has been woven into the story of Sequoia National Park. Come walk though time to learn about people's lasting impact on these lands. 1 hour, 1 mile (1.6 km) round-trip walk.
Creature Feature (Sequoia)
Learn about one of the park’s animals in this short talk that uses stories, behaviors, and natural clues to reveal how the species survives, thrives, and helps shape the landscape. Accessibility: Program is wheelchair accessible. There may be limited seating for this event. From the Giant Forest Museum Accessbile Parking Area, a paved path leads to the front of the museum. The trail is about 150 feet (46 m) long.
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.