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
Big Stump Basin Hike (Grant Grove Area)
Step into the stories that shaped this landscape as you walk past massive stumps and mountain meadows. The hike lasts for 1.5 hours covering a distance of 1.4 miles (0.8 km) roundtrip.
Canyon Critters (Grant Grove Area)
Overlook a meadow while discussing some of the amazing animals found in the park.
Creature Feature (Giant Forest Area)
Program DescriptionLearn 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. Program DetailsLength: 20 to 30 minute talkLocation: Outside the Lodgepole Visitor CenterSeating: Limited bench seating is available Getting ThereDrive: The Lodgepole Visitor Center is along Lodgepole Road. Take Generals Highway to Lodgepole Road. Parking is available at the visitor center. Additional parking is available in the Lodgepole Campground Overflow Parking Area.Shuttle: The free Sequoia Shuttle operates in Giant Forest and Lodgepole during the summer season. Take Route 1 to reach the Lodgepole Visitor Center. All shuttle buses and routes are wheelchair accessible. Check your park newspaper or bulletin boards for route information.Walk: Take an easy 2.8-mile (4.5 km) trail from Sherman Tree to Lodgepole or an easy 3.1-mile (5.0 km) trail from Wuksachi to Lodgepole. Trails maps are located in the park newspaper. AccessibilityThis program is ADA accessible. There is limited seating for this event on backless benches. There are ADA accessible parking spaces at the Lodgepole Visitor Center and a paved path leads to the front of the visitor center. The path 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.