I’ve heard many great things about the National Parks of the Sierra Nevadas for a while now. Even though I only live about 3 hours away, I haven’t had an opportunity to explore the area in depth. That all changed recently when I spent the day in the epic Kings Canyon National Park.
About Kings Canyon National Park
Sequoia National Park’s northern neighbor is home to an ever-changing landscape. In the late 1800s, General Grant National Park was created after Sequoia was given National Park status. 50 years later, that area was renamed and expanded to include the ‘glacially formed splendor of Kings Canyon.’ Since WWII, Sequoia & Kings Canyon have been managed jointly by the NPS.
Want to see Sequoia while you’re here? Check out my one day guide on how to see both National Parks in a day.
Info for Visiting Kings Canyon
- While a majority of Sequoia can be seen via a free shuttle, you will need a vehicle to explore Kings Canyon National Park.
- The park is split into two areas, one to the west in the Grant Grove area and the bigger portion to the east at Cedar Grove.
- The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (CA 180) is an out and back road.
- Beginning from General Grant Grove, the drive is about 35 miles one way.
- Driving the road straight through, you’ll reach the end in about an hour.
- Be sure to check the road conditions here before heading out on the Byway as the road is only open part of the year.
- To have enough time for pull offs, photos and short hikes, I would say that 4 hours is a good chunk of time to see the best of Kings Canyon.
- More in-depth backcountry hiking trails exist in the park to make a lengthier stay out of the area.
Why Kings Canyon Should be on Your National Park Radar
With more than 461,901 acres, Kings Canyon offers visitors a different perspective into how valleys were carved out by glaciers. As the majority of the park is in the wilderness, it offers multitudes of hiking route options for a more in-depth experience. There are other reasons why this park should make it on to your National Park radar though:
Kings Canyon is Home to the 2nd Largest Tree in the World
Yep, that’s right. The second largest tree by diameter in the world, General Grant, is located in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon. With a 108-foot circumference, it’s only slightly smaller than the largest tree in Sequoia, General Sherman.
For more exploring in Grant Grove, check out different hikes like the Giant Tree Trail and Big Stump Basin.
The Largest Remaining Sequoia Grove is Here
Along with having the second largest tree in the world, Kings Canyon also includes the Redwood Canyon. This area contains the world’s largest remaining grove of Giant Sequoia trees. With over 15,000 in its 4000 acres, multiple short hikes exist here allowing you to get up close and personal with the giants.
The Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
In the mid 1970s, UNESCO designated a joint biosphere reserve for Kings Canyon and Sequoia. The granite-carved valleys and domed cliffs here were shaped by pleistocene glaciers and is home to various wildlife species.
Kings Canyon is the Deepest River-Cut Canyon in North America
At first glance, it doesn’t actually seem like Kings Canyon could be the deepest in North America because you’re driving along the base of the mountains. If you measure the distance from the Spanish Peak to the junction of the Kings River Middle and South Forks, the depth adds up to 8200 feet. Crazy enough, that’s deeper than the Grand Canyon at over a mile and a half!
You Can Drive at the Base of the Canyon on the Scenic Byway
Even though the majority of the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is in the National Monument area, it’s one of the best drives in the entire world (at least I think so!) The views are incredible around every corner. You’ll find yourself constantly stopping to pull off the side of the road to breathe in the sights & snap some pics.
The Boyden Cavern in the Park is 100,000 Years Old
With multiple stalagmites, stalactites and other formations, the 100,000 year old Boyden Cavern is a staple trademark of the park. Take a 45 minute guided tour beneath the 2,000-foot high marble walls of Kings Gate to explore this unique place.
Day Hiking Opportunities are Endless
More than 16 shorter day hikes exist throughout the park, accumulating to hundreds of miles of trails. Choose from short and easy treks, like the Big Stump Trail, to longer and more dramatic mountainous hikes, like the Big Baldy Ridge or overnight backcountry trips. Check out this website here for detailed info on the hikes in Kings Canyon.
Need some gear to go backcountry hiking and camping in Kings Canyon? Check out my full gear guide here!
Kings Canyon is One of the Best Displays of Nature in the Country
Waterfalls like the Roaring Rivers and Mist Falls are just a few features of Kings Canyon’s incredible nature. The Kings River cuts through the park, giving a soft contrast to the towering granite mountains above. Zumwalt Meadow, a highly fragile vegetative area at the base of North Dome, is one of the most exquisitely beautiful places I’ve been.
Have I convinced you to visit this heck of a gem yet? I sure hope so. Add it to your National Park radar ASAP!
Read More National Park Posts HereBefore heading in to National Parks, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with the “Leave No Trace” principles.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry
Learn more about Leave No Trace on their website here.
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