National Parks Journal
Photo: Martin Bravenboer · CC BY 4.0
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
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances
- Directions to Big Stump Entrance (opens in a new tab)
Big Stump EntranceMain
Grant Grove, CA · Open year-round, 24 hours (CA-180 to Cedar Grove usually closed mid-Nov to late April)
Airports
- FAT
Fresno Yosemite International Airport · Fresno, CA
ClosestMajor airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Towns to stay in
Inside the park: John Muir Lodge, Grant Grove Cabins · NPS lodging info (opens in a new tab)
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
Ranger's Choice Talk (Grant Grove Area)
Join a ranger to unearth something you might not have known about the park. Topics change daily!
Forest Feature (Giant Forest Area)
Program DescriptionA brief yet enriching program that highlights a remarkable natural process or cultural story from the Giant Forest. This short talk offers a focused glimpse into what makes the grove extraordinary. Program DetailsLength: 20 to 30 minute talkLocation: Outside the Giant Forest MuseumSeating: Limited seating may be available Getting ThereDrive: The Giant Forest Museum is along Generals Highway. Parking is available directly across the road from the museum. However, this lot fills early—often by 10 am. To park at the museum, arriving before mid‑morning is recommended. If lot is full, proceed to next shuttle bus parking area.Shuttle: The free Sequoia Shuttle operates in Giant Forest and Lodgepole during the summer season. Take Route 1 to reach the Giant Forest Museum. All shuttle buses and routes are wheelchair accessible. Check your park newspaper or bulletin boards for route information.Walk: Many trails lead to the Giant Forest Museum. Check your park newspaper for a trail map of the Giant Forest. AccessibilityThis program is ADA accessible. There may be limited seating for this event. From the Giant Forest Museum Accessible Parking Area, a paved path leads to the front of the museum. The trail is about 150 feet (46 m) long.
Grant Grove Revealed (Grant Grove Area)
Stop by to learn more about sequoias and the history of the grove. Stay for 5 minutes or 30 minutes. A ranger is available from 10:30 am to 12 noon.
Best Time to Visit Kings Canyon
Best time to visit: June–September
The best time to visit Kings Canyon National Park is June–September. Kings Canyon Scenic Byway to Cedar Grove is open and high-country trails are accessible, with comfortable mountain weather.
In those months, average highs are 70–77°F at Grant Grove. July is the busiest month on average, while September is noticeably quieter.
Monthly averages at Grant Grove (6,590 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
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.
