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About

Kings Canyon National Park is located just east of the central point in California. It sits adjacent to Sequoia National Park in the Sierra Nevada mountains.  The park covers an area of 721 square miles (1,869 sq km).

Although its neighboring park is renowned for the largest tree in the world, Kings Canyon is home to the second-largest tree known as the General Grant Tree.  The area features significant groves of the giant sequoias. 

The national park also offers one of the most expansive landscapes with rapid rivers, mountainous backdrops, wildflower blanketed meadows, and of course canyons.

The park is named after Kings Canyon which is carved out of the meandering Kings River.  Like the magnificent sequoias, the canyon is also shared by both national parks. The larger Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness encompasses 768,000 acres (311,000 ha).

There are over 1,200 species of vegetation with the majestic forests serving notice as king of the domain.  Fir, ponderosa pine, sugar pine, cedar, mountain hemlock, and of course the sequoias, are just some of the towering trees of the forests.  Grant Grove is one of the best places to experience their exquisite nature and the second largest tree in the world.

Along with Kings Canyon, the park is renowned for the steep, rugged, and sometimes vertical reliefs across this part of the Sierra Nevada mountains.  There are several summits topping out over 14,000 feet (4,300 m).  Much of the park has to be experienced by permits and backcountry hiking.

Adventurous hikers can experience views and vistas of the astounding mountain range by trekking some of the passes in the park.  Each of these passes is over 11,000 feet (3,400) providing a birds-eye view of the neighboring summits, gorges, and valleys.  These passes include:

  • Bishop Pass
  • Kearsarge Pass
  • Sawmill Pass
  • Taboose Pass

In addition to the giant sequoias, Kings Canyon, and majestic mountain landscapes, the park is home to wildlife such as black bear, mule deer, lynx, and mountain lion.  There are numerous birds as well to serve the birdwatching crowd.

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Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park

Things to See

Kings Canyon National Park represents some of the most magnificent mountains, canyon, and old-growth forest landscapes in the world.

Kings Canyon

Carved by glaciers in the past, Kings Canyon features canyon walls that reach heights of 8,200 feet (2,500 m) making it deeper than the Grand Canyon.  There is about a half-mile (0.8 km) difference in the deepest points.  The majority of the canyon is over a mile (1,600 m) deep.

Grant Grove

Grant Grove is a specific patch of giant sequoia trees.  It is also home to the General Grant Tree which is historically recognized as the second-largest tree in the world.  The grove accounts for 154 acres (62.3 ha) and is a distinct part of the national park.

There are several giant sequoias accessible by a half-mile (0.8 km) loop.  The Robert E. Lee tree is the 11th largest tree in the world, and it is part of the Grant Grove area.

General Grant Tree

The General Grant Tree is traditionally recognized as the second-largest tree in the world.  It is the pinnacle attraction of the Grant Grove area.  It reaches a height of 267.4 feet (81.5 m) and has a volume of 46,608 cubic feet (1,320 cu m).

The circumference of the tree at ground level measures 107.6 feet (32.8 m) around.  President Eisenhower declared the tree a National Shrine as a memorial to those who died in the war.  The circumference of the tree creates the third-largest footprint of any living giant sequoia.

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Kings Canyon National Park, with its deep valleys, towering mountains, and ancient sequoias, serves as a vibrant sanctuary for diverse wildlife species, offering visitors a window into the complex ecosystems of California’s Sierra Nevada.

Black Bear A frequent sight in the park, Black Bears vary in color from black to brown, foraging through forests and meadows for berries and nuts.

Mule Deer Graceful Mule Deer, with their large ears and powerful legs, are commonly seen at dawn and dusk, browsing the park’s undergrowth and open meadows.

Mountain Lion The elusive Mountain Lion, a solitary predator, roams the park’s vast wilderness, a rare but awe-inspiring sight for those lucky enough to spot one.

Bighorn Sheep Endangered Bighorn Sheep, with their distinctive curved horns, navigate the park’s rocky outcrops and cliffs, a symbol of wilderness and survival.

Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep A special mention for the Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep, a subspecies unique to the Sierra Nevada range, currently the focus of conservation efforts due to their endangered status.

Western Gray Squirrel The Western Gray Squirrel, larger than other squirrels, is notable for its bushy tail and prefers the park’s oak and pine forests.

American Dipper The American Dipper, remarkable for its underwater foraging, is often seen along the park’s streams and rivers, diving and walking on the bottom to feed.

Steller’s Jay Loud and colorful, Steller’s Jay is easily recognized by its striking blue body and black crest, often encountered in campgrounds and picnic areas.

Mountain Chickadee The cheerful Mountain Chickadee, identified by its black cap and bib, is a common resident, flitting through coniferous forests even in snowy conditions.

Peregrine Falcon The Peregrine Falcon, the world’s fastest bird, nests on the park’s cliff faces, diving at incredible speeds to catch its prey mid-air.

Kings Canyon National Park’s wildlife, from the adaptable Black Bear to the swift Peregrine Falcon, embodies the resilience and beauty of life in one of the most majestic landscapes on Earth, inviting exploration and admiration from all who visit.

Things To Do

Engaging Kings Canyon

Hiking

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Kings Canyon National Park on its extensive network of hiking trails. From leisurely walks to challenging treks, the park offers options for hikers of all abilities.

Traverse ancient forests, rugged canyons, and alpine meadows as you discover the park’s diverse ecosystems and stunning scenery. Highlights include the Mist Falls Trail, which leads to a spectacular waterfall, and the Rae Lakes Loop, a multi-day backpacking adventure that offers panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Hiking in Kings Canyon provides opportunities to connect with nature and experience the beauty of California’s wilderness firsthand.

Scenic Drives

Experience the beauty of Kings Canyon National Park from the comfort of your car on one of its scenic drives. Cruise along the Generals Highway, which winds through towering forests, granite cliffs, and majestic valleys, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Stop at scenic overlooks and viewpoints along the way to capture photographs of the park’s iconic landmarks, including the towering granite dome of Moro Rock and the cascading waters of Grizzly Falls. Scenic drives in Kings Canyon provide a leisurely and immersive way to explore the park’s natural beauty and diverse ecosystems.

Backpacking

Embark on a backpacking adventure in Kings Canyon National Park and explore its remote and rugged backcountry. Trek through ancient forests, along rushing rivers, and over high mountain passes as you journey deep into the heart of the Sierra Nevada wilderness.

Choose from a variety of multi-day backpacking routes, such as the John Muir Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail, which pass through the park’s pristine landscapes and offer opportunities for solitude and reflection amidst nature.

Backpacking in Kings Canyon provides a true wilderness experience, allowing you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with the natural world

Kings Canyon National Park Trails

Kings Canyon has miles and miles of endless trails.  Much of the park requires hiking through the backcountry and the adventure is worth the exploration if you truly want to understand the striking nature of the park.

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General Grant Tree Trail

This is an easy half-mile (0.8 km) loop that takes visitors out to see the General Grant tree and some of the other magnificent giants in the area.

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Zumwalt Meadow Trail

This is an easy and flat 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop trail that meanders through the Zumwalt Meadow.  Portions of it are boarded and it features a suspension bridge.  The serene meadows are surrounded by striking granite domes.

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Roaring River Falls Trail

This is an easy and short .3-mile (.5 km) trail that travels along the Roaring River to the cascading falls that await.  Because of its easy access and short distance, it is highly trafficked.

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Grizzly Falls Trail

This is the shortest trail in the park but one of the most rewarding views. The trail is flat and easy and only travels a distance of 500 feet (152 m).

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Redwood Creek Loop Trail

This is a moderate rated loop trail that meanders through one of the largest untouched sequoia forests in the world.  It has an elevation change of 1,100 feet (335 m) but is worth the exploration of the sequoia forest.

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Mist Falls Trail

This is a 9-mile (14.5 km) half-day hike that is moderately rated. It is a scenic meandering along granite walls and through serene forests where it ends up along the river and a cascading waterfall. It has an elevation change of 800 feet (243 m).

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Rae Lakes Loop

Rating: Strenuous

Distance and Elevation Gain: 41.4 miles loop with significant elevation gain

Description: This challenging multi-day hike is one of the most popular in the Sierra Nevada, offering spectacular views of alpine lakes, mountain passes, and meadows. Hikers will traverse diverse ecosystems and experience the remote backcountry of Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. A wilderness permit is required for overnight trips.

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Big Baldy Ridge Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 4.5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 600 feet (183 meters)

Description: This trail leads to the summit of Big Baldy, offering panoramic views of the Great Western Divide and the foothills. The gradual ascent through pine forests opens up to reveal stunning vistas from the top. It’s an excellent day hike for those looking to experience the park’s vastness without a strenuous climb.

FAQ’s

What is Kings Canyon National Park known for?

Kings Canyon National Park, located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, deep canyons, and towering sequoia trees.

The park is home to Kings Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in North America, as well as numerous waterfalls, including the impressive 1,200-foot-tall cascades of Grizzly Falls.

Visitors come to Kings Canyon to explore its rugged terrain, hike among ancient forests, and marvel at the towering giant sequoias in the park’s groves, such as the General Grant Grove and the famous General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on earth by volume.

Additionally, Kings Canyon offers opportunities for camping, backpacking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

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