Kings Canyon National Park
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Kings Canyon National Park Travel Guide
Kings Canyon National Park, a wilderness gem often overshadowed by its more famous cousin, Yosemite, is a treasure trove of massive granite cliffs, plunging canyons, and remote wilderness. The centerpiece, a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon, is adorned with the rushing Kings River. The allure of alpine lakes, glacial valleys, and groves of giant sequoias adds to its unique charm, making it one of California's most distinctive and underrated national parks.
Kings Canyon is California’s quiet giant, where granite walls tower, rivers thunder, and wilderness runs deeper than the Grand Canyon itself.
How to Get There
Visitors typically enter through the Grant Grove area, which is accessible via Highway 180 from Fresno. This entrance also connects directly to Sequoia via the Generals Highway, making it easy to see both parks in one trip. The Cedar Grove area, deep in the canyon, is a summer-only destination as snow closes the road in winter.
The nearest major airport is Fresno Yosemite International (FAT, 1.5 hrs). Driving is the only option; once in the canyon, the winding roads are part of the adventure.
Nearest Airport: FAT (1.5 hrs)
By Car: Hwy 180 to Grant Grove, Generals Highway links to Sequoia
Pairings: Sequoia NP, Yosemite NP
Know Before You Go
Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle (combined with Sequoia)
Seasonality: Cedar Grove closes in winter; Grant Grove is open year-round
Permits: Required for backcountry camping
Altitude: 4,000 to 14,000 feet—plan for elevation
Best Time to Visit
Each season in Kings Canyon offers a unique experience. Summer, the prime season, opens up Cedar Grove and Roads End to visitors. Spring and fall, while quieter, bring unpredictable weather that adds an element of surprise to your trails. Winter, limited to Grant Grove, transforms the park into a hushed, magical wonderland with snow creating a unique atmosphere.
Best Things to Do
General Grant Tree: Known as the Nation's Christmas Tree
Zumwalt Meadow: Scenic loop along the Kings River
Cedar Grove: Deep canyon floor surrounded by granite walls
Panoramic Point: Short walk to sweeping Sierra views
Whitewater Rafting: On the Kings River (seasonal)
Best Hikes
Zumwalt Meadow (1.5 miles, easy): Classic meadow and river walk
Mist Falls (8 miles, moderate): Roaring waterfall and canyon views
Rae Lakes Loop (41 miles, strenuous): One of the Sierra's premier backpacking routes
Places to Stay
Grant Grove Village offers rustic cabins, while Cedar Grove Lodge (seasonal) places you deep in the canyon. For more amenities, stay in Fresno or Three Rivers.
In Park: Grant Grove Cabins, Cedar Grove Lodge
Nearby: Fresno hotels, Three Rivers inns
Places to Eat
Dining options inside are limited to seasonal lodge restaurants. For a more varied experience, head to Fresno.
In Park: Grant Grove Restaurant, Cedar Grove Grill
Nearby: Pismo's Coastal Grill (Fresno)
