Things to do in Kings Canyon National Park
A Sierra Nevada park split between the accessible Grant Grove sequoias and the deep glacial canyon of the Kings River around Cedar Grove.
Best months: June, July, September, October
What is worth your time in Kings Canyon National Park
General Grant TreeDo not miss
The Nation's Christmas Tree anchors Grant Grove and is Kings Canyon's essential giant sequoia stop.
Viewpoint · 1 hr4.9
Grant Grove TrailDo not miss
The short loop surrounds visitors with giant sequoias, historic cabins, and the scale of the Grant Grove landscape.
Hike · 1.1 hr4.9
Kings Canyon Scenic BywayDo not miss
The descent from Grant Grove into the canyon is one of California's great mountain drives, with cliffs, river views, and huge relief.
Scenic Drive · 3 hr4.9
Zumwalt Meadow TrailDo not miss
The meadow boardwalk and river views reveal the flat, glacial heart of deep Kings Canyon.
Hike · 1.1 hr4
Big Stump Loop
The loop interprets the logged remains of giant sequoias and the conservation story that shaped the park.
Hike · 1.1 hr5
Muir Rock
The riverside rock near Roads End is a simple historic and scenic pause beside the Kings River.
Viewpoint · 33 min5
North Grove Loop
A quieter sequoia loop near Grant Grove gives more forest time without the crowds around General Grant.
Hike · 1.5 hr4.9
Roaring River Falls
A very short paved walk reaches a powerful waterfall pouring through a granite chute.
Viewpoint · 33 min4.9
Buena Vista Peak
A moderate climb near Grant Grove reaches wide views over Redwood Canyon, Hume Lake, and Sierra ridges.
Hike · 2.5 hr4.8
Mist Falls Trail
This classic Cedar Grove hike follows the South Fork Kings River to a roaring cascade and wilderness threshold.
Hike · 6 hr4.8
Panoramic Point
The drive-up viewpoint looks across Hume Lake, Sierra ridges, and the high backcountry beyond Grant Grove.
Viewpoint · 1.1 hr4.8
Junction View
The roadside overlook looks deep into the confluence of the Middle and South Forks of Kings Canyon.
Viewpoint · 23 min4.7
Kings Canyon Visitor Center
The visitor center is the best indoor orientation stop for road status, exhibits, maps, permits, and weather.
Ranger Program · 45 min4.7
Redwood Mountain Overlook
The overlook offers a quick look toward one of the largest giant sequoia groves on Earth.
Viewpoint · 23 min4.7
And 2 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Kings Canyon is famous for the General Grant Tree, Grant Grove, the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, Cedar Grove, Roaring River Falls, Zumwalt Meadow, and wilderness routes into the High Sierra.