Kings Canyon National Park Hiking & Things to Do Guide
Most of the things to do in Kings Canyon National Park fall into two separate worlds, and one road connects them. In the west, Highway 180 slips through the Big Stump entrance into Grant Grove, where giant sequoias crowd a high Sierra ridge and the General Grant Tree stands as the second-largest tree on Earth by volume.
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Then the road tips over the edge and runs 29 miles down into Cedar Grove, where granite walls rise from the Kings River, waterfalls crash beside the pavement, and the pavement finally ends at a trailhead called Road’s End. This guide sorts the best attractions by area, gives you verified distances for the hikes, and flags the 2026 fees, closures, and seasonal limits that decide whether a plan works.
Key Takeaways
- Kings Canyon National Park has two main areas: Grant Grove (open year-round, home to the General Grant Tree) and Cedar Grove (a seasonal canyon reached by Highway 180).
- Highway 180 to Cedar Grove is expected to close on November 13, 2026, and the Cedar Grove Visitor Center and lodge close after October 25. Plan a canyon trip before then or wait until spring.
- The park charges $35 per vehicle for seven days, valid in both Kings Canyon and Sequoia. Since January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents pay an added $100 per person aged 16 and older.
- The best payoffs are the 0.5-mile General Grant Tree Trail, the 0.4-mile walk to Roaring River Falls, and the 0.8-mile Zumwalt Meadow Trail.
- Mist Falls is the signature day hike: about 8 miles round trip from Road’s End, with the climbing packed into the last mile.
- There is no gas or EV charging inside the parks, and pets are not allowed on any park trail.
Kings Canyon National Park at a Glance
| Detail | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Where | Southern Sierra Nevada, California; managed with Sequoia National Park as one unit |
| Main areas | Grant Grove (year-round) and Cedar Grove (seasonal) |
| Main entrance | Big Stump entrance on Highway 180, roughly an hour’s drive from Fresno |
| Entrance fee | $35 per vehicle for 7 days; $30 motorcycle; $20 individual (non-U.S. residents add $100 per person aged 16+) |
| Day hiking permit | None required; overnight trips need a wilderness permit |
| Pets | Not allowed on trails; leashed (6 feet maximum) in parking lots, picnic areas, campgrounds, and on roads |
| Gas and charging | None inside the parks; Hume Lake Village sometimes has gas (call ahead) |
| Wilderness | About 93 percent of Sequoia and Kings Canyon is designated Wilderness |
Highway 180 climbs from the Fresno area, so our Fresno County hiking guide is a good starting point for nearby trails before or after your visit.
What to See in Kings Canyon: The Quick List
| Attraction | Area | Distance or Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Grant Tree Trail | Grant Grove | 0.5 mile round trip | Everyone; the headline stop |
| North Grove Loop | Grant Grove | 1.8-mile loop | Quieter sequoia walking |
| Big Stump Loop | Grant Grove | 1.6-mile loop | Logging history among old-growth trees |
| Panoramic Point | Grant Grove | 0.6 mile round trip | Big views, short walk |
| Kings Canyon Scenic Byway | Highway 180 | 29 miles Grant Grove to Cedar Grove (about 1 hour) | Overlooks, waterfalls, canyon scale |
| Boyden Cavern | Highway 180 | 45-minute guided tour | A cool break on a hot day |
| Roaring River Falls | Cedar Grove | 0.4 mile round trip | Families, short on time |
| Zumwalt Meadow | Cedar Grove | 0.8 mile round trip | Meadow views and the river |
| Mist Falls | Cedar Grove | About 8 miles round trip | Strong day hikers |
Kings Canyon National Park Attractions in Grant Grove
The General Grant Tree
Start with the tree that earned the area its fame. The General Grant Tree measures 268.1 feet tall, with a ground circumference of 107.5 feet and a trunk volume of 46,608 cubic feet, which makes it the second-largest tree in the world after the General Sherman Tree in neighboring Sequoia National Park.
President Calvin Coolidge named it the Nation’s Christmas Tree on April 28, 1926, and in 1956 it became a National Shrine honoring those who died in war. It is the only living shrine in the United States.
The tree sits at the end of the 0.5-mile General Grant Tree Trail. Start at the General Grant Tree parking area, about a mile northwest of the Kings Canyon Visitor Center.
The path is short and gentle, passes the Gamlin Cabin and the hollow Fallen Monarch log, and includes Braille text and tactile features along the way. Each December, the Trek to the Tree ceremony gathers here on the second Sunday of the month.
Quieter Groves: North Grove and Big Stump
When the Grant Tree lot is packed, walk the 1.8-mile North Grove Loop from the overflow lot, or the 1.6-mile Big Stump Loop just past the Big Stump entrance.
Big Stump tells the other half of the sequoia story: an old-growth grove that loggers cut in the late nineteenth century, so the stumps are as memorable as the standing trees.
Panoramic Point
A paved side road climbs from Grant Grove Village to the Panoramic Point parking lot, and a 0.6-mile round-trip walk leads to an overlook above Kings Canyon with the peaks of the Great Western Divide beyond.
The road closes when snow accumulates, so winter visitors should confirm access at the Kings Canyon Visitor Center. If you want more distance, the 5.0-mile round-trip Park Ridge Trail starts from the same lot.
Redwood Canyon
Redwood Canyon is one of the largest of all sequoia groves, but it also took heavy damage in the 2021 KNP Complex Fire: about 40 percent of the grove burned at moderate to high severity.
Only 2.5 miles of trail are maintained here, and the Park Service advises against traveling on unmaintained trails because of falling-tree hazards. The trailhead sits two miles down a rough dirt road, 6 miles south of Grant Grove Village. Check with a ranger before you go.
Things to Do in Kings Canyon Along the Scenic Byway
Highway 180 is the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, and the drive deserves its own slot in your day. It threads through Sequoia National Forest, past overlooks like Kings Canyon Overlook and Junction View, and then drops toward the river.
The Forest Service calls this canyon one of the deepest in North America, and the road is the only vehicle route into it.
- Kings Canyon Overlook and Junction View: Pull over for your first wide look into the canyon.
- Grizzly Falls: A roadside waterfall with a picnic area and a very short walk. Flow is strongest in spring and early summer.
- Boyden Cavern: A marble cave beneath 2,000-foot walls known as Kings Gates, reached by a short but steep trail. Tours last about 45 minutes and suit all ages. The cavern sits in Sequoia National Forest, but you must pass through the park entrance to reach it. Tickets are sold at boydencavern.com, and tours end for the season when Highway 180 closes in mid-November.
- Hume Lake: A Forest Service lake a short detour from the byway, with a village that sometimes sells gas. Pumps are not always open, so call (559) 305-7770 first.
Allow about an hour of driving from Grant Grove Village to Cedar Grove Village, plus stops. If your vehicle is longer than 22 feet, use the Big Stump entrance on Highway 180.
What to Do in Kings Canyon National Park’s Cedar Grove
Cedar Grove is the canyon half of the park. The glaciated canyon floor is flat, green, and walled by granite, and the Kings River slides through it.
Services here run late spring to fall: the area is typically open from May through early to mid-November. The distances below follow the National Park Service’s Cedar Grove trail descriptions.
Roaring River Falls
Park at the lot 3 miles east of the Village road and take the paved, shady path to a powerful waterfall rushing through a granite chute. It is a 0.4-mile round trip, and the Park Service describes it as relatively accessible after paving upgrades in 2017.
Flow is typically highest during spring runoff. If you are collecting cascades, our guide to the best waterfall hikes in California shows how this one compares.
Zumwalt Meadow
The trail to Zumwalt Meadow is 0.8 miles round trip and passes high granite walls, lush meadow, and the Kings River. It was once a loop, but flooding in 2019 washed away sections along the meadow and river.
Today the path crosses the river on an expansion bridge, passes through woods and talus slopes, and offers views of the meadow rather than a walk through it.
Trailhead parking is 4.5 miles east of Cedar Grove Village. The first stretch is relatively level, unpaved, and sandy in places, and it may suit some wheelchair users. Beyond the meadow view, the trail joins the Kanawyer Loop and runs another 0.8 miles toward Road’s End and Muir Rock.
Mist Falls
This is the hike that fills the middle of a Cedar Grove day. Park at Road’s End and start at the trailhead just past the Road’s End Permit Station. The sandy trail follows the glaciated South Fork canyon past rapids and cascades to one of the largest waterfalls in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
The round trip is 8 miles, flat for most of the way, with about 600 feet of climbing in the last mile. Plan 4 to 5 hours. Mist Falls also sits on the route of the Rae Lakes Loop, the multi-day backpacking circuit covered in our Rae Lakes Loop hiking and permit guide.
More Cedar Grove Hikes
| Hike | Round Trip | Elevation Gain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheep Creek Cascade | 2 miles | 600 ft | About 1.5 hours; shady glen up the Don Cecil Trail |
| Cedar Grove Overlook | 5 miles | 1,200 ft | 3 to 4 hours; passes through the 2024 Happy Fire footprint |
| Hotel Creek to Lewis Creek Loop | 8 miles | 1,200 ft | About 5 hours; burned area, watch for falling hazards |
| Lookout Peak | 13 miles | About 4,000 ft | Strenuous all-day climb above Sheep Creek |
Knapp’s Cabin, a small cabin tied to 1920s fishing expeditions, sits a short walk from a turnout 2 miles east of the Cedar Grove Village road. It is a quick stop that adds some canyon history.
For deeper hiking lists, our best hiking trails in Kings Canyon National Park guide and the Sequoia and Kings Canyon hiking guide cover trail-by-trail comparisons.
Overnight and Backcountry Options
About 93 percent of Sequoia and Kings Canyon is designated Wilderness, so the park rewards anyone willing to carry a pack. Overnight trips require a wilderness permit.
During the summer quota period (May 22 to September 26 in 2026), entry points have daily limits and a fee, and most trailheads allow advance reservations on Recreation.gov.
Food must be stored in an animal-resistant container, which you can rent at park visitor centers for $5 for three nights. Our overview of California hiking trail permits explains how the system works across the state.
For camping inside Kings Canyon, campsites cost $32 per night and require reservations. In fall 2026, Azalea in Grant Grove is reservation-only through October 31 and first-come, first-served beginning November 1, while Sheep Creek in Cedar Grove stays open through October 25.
Lodging is available at Grant Grove Village (John Muir Lodge and cabins) and at Cedar Grove Lodge, which closes after October 25.
Kings Canyon or Sequoia: Which Park Does What?
The two parks share a boundary, a management team, and an entrance fee, but they feel different. Sequoia holds the General Sherman Tree, the Giant Forest, and Crystal Cave; Kings Canyon holds the General Grant Tree, a deep glacial canyon, and Road’s End, a major gateway to High Sierra backcountry.
The Generals Highway links them, and drive times are longer than the map suggests: Grant Grove Village to the Giant Forest Museum is 30 miles, about 65 minutes. Our Sequoia National Park attractions and Crystal Cave guide covers the Sequoia side, and the Sequoia winter and seasonal hiking guide helps with cold-season planning on the Sequoia side.
When to Go: Season by Season
| Season | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Spring | Cedar Grove opens when Highway 180 reopens (typically around the fourth Friday in April). Waterfalls run at their strongest. Roads can close during storms. |
| Summer | Full services in Cedar Grove, open trailheads, and the busiest crowds. Mornings are best for Mist Falls and Zumwalt Meadow. |
| Fall | Cooler air and fewer people, but services start to close. In 2026, the Cedar Grove Visitor Center and lodge close after October 25, and Highway 180 to Cedar Grove is expected to close November 13. |
| Winter | Grant Grove stays reachable, though storms can close Highway 180 temporarily and tire chains are often required. Panoramic Point road closes when snow accumulates. Cedar Grove is closed to vehicles. |
Because closure dates move with weather, check the park’s conditions page the day before you drive. Our guide on how to check California hiking trail closures lists the other sources to bookmark.
Sample Itineraries
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Half day | General Grant Tree Trail and Panoramic Point from Grant Grove |
| One day (summer or early fall) | Grant Grove in the morning, then drive Highway 180 to Cedar Grove for Roaring River Falls and the Zumwalt Meadow trail |
| Two days | Day 1: Grant Grove, North Grove Loop, and the scenic byway. Day 2: Mist Falls from Road’s End and a stop at Boyden Cavern on the drive out |
Safety and Practical Notes
- Bears: Black bears are active here. Store all food, coolers, and scented items in the metal boxes provided, or inside your vehicle with windows closed. Our guide to wildlife hazards on California trails explains what to do if you meet one.
- Rivers: Drowning is the leading cause of death in Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Stay back from riverbanks, where rocks are slippery and the edge can give way, and never leave children unattended near water. Our water hazards guide covers river crossings and cold-water risks.
- Altitude and weather: Most park trails sit above 5,000 feet. Pack layers, drink water steadily, and expect storms from September onward at higher elevations.
- Fishing: Anyone 16 or older needs a California fishing license.
- Gas: There is none inside the parks. Fill up before you enter.
Final Thoughts
Kings Canyon rewards the visitor who treats it as two trips: tall trees on the ridge, then a canyon below. Walk the Grant Tree loop early, drive the byway with the windows down, and give Cedar Grove at least a few hours before the gate closes for winter. Confirm the road, bring layers, and let the granite do the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Kings Canyon National Park?
Walk the 0.5-mile General Grant Tree Trail, drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway to Cedar Grove, see Roaring River Falls, walk to the Zumwalt Meadow viewpoint, and hike to Mist Falls if you have a full day. The tour of Boyden Cavern adds a cool underground option on the way.
How much time do I need in Kings Canyon National Park?
A half day covers Grant Grove. A full day lets you add the scenic byway and the short Cedar Grove walks. Two days allow Mist Falls plus Boyden Cavern without rushing the drive.
How much does it cost to enter Kings Canyon National Park?
A 7-day vehicle pass is $35, a motorcycle pass is $30, and an individual pass is $20. The fee also covers Sequoia National Park. Since January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents pay $100 per person aged 16 and older in addition to the standard fee.
Is Cedar Grove open this season?
Cedar Grove is seasonal. Highway 180 generally reopens around the fourth Friday in April and closes in mid-November. For 2026, the Park Service expects the road to close on November 13, with the Cedar Grove Visitor Center and lodge closing after October 25. Check the park’s road conditions line before you go.
Are dogs allowed in Kings Canyon National Park?
Not on trails. Pets must stay on a leash no longer than 6 feet in parking lots, picnic areas, campgrounds, and on roads. Dogs are allowed on trails in the adjacent Sequoia National Forest, where leash rules still apply.
What is the difference between Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks?
They are two parks managed as one unit. Sequoia is known for the General Sherman Tree, the Giant Forest, and Crystal Cave. Kings Canyon is known for the General Grant Tree, Grant Grove, and the deep canyon of Cedar Grove along the Kings River.
