Overview / About the Park

Kings Canyon National Park lies in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, beside Sequoia National Park. The park is famous for its deep glacial valleys, rugged granite cliffs, and ancient sequoia trees. The canyon, carved by the Kings River, plunges over a mile deep making it one of North America’s deepest.
This wild landscape stretches across over 460,000 acres of mountains, meadows, and rivers. It’s a place for solitude, starry skies, and towering natural wonders.

Wildlife & Nature

Kings Canyon protects a mix of ecosystems oak woodlands, pine forests, alpine lakes, and meadows. Wildlife includes black bears, mule deer, bobcats, and marmots. Birdwatchers can spot hawks, Steller’s jays, and mountain bluebirds.
 The giant sequoia groves in Grant Grove are the park’s heart especially the General Grant Tree, one of the largest trees in the world.

Experiences & Activities

  • Hiking: Try the Mist Falls Trail, Zumwalt Meadow Loop, or the famous Rae Lakes Loop for longer treks.

  • Scenic Drives: The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway offers jaw-dropping views and picnic spots.

  • Camping & Stargazing: With low light pollution, it’s perfect for a clear Milky Way night.

  • Ranger Programs: Join seasonal talks and walks to learn about sequoia ecology and park history.

Best Time to Visit

Visit between May and October for clear trails and full road access. Winter brings snow to higher elevations, closing some roads but offering quiet, snowy sequoia walks near Grant Grove.
 Early summer is best for waterfalls; autumn is great for hiking and fewer crowds.

How to Reach & Park Entry

The park is about 55 miles east of Fresno, California.

  • Nearest airport: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT).

  • From Fresno, take Highway 180 to the Grant Grove entrance.

  • Entry fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for seven days and covers both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks.

Where to Stay / Camping Options

Inside the park, you’ll find several campgrounds such as Azalea, Crystal Springs, and Sheep Creek. For comfort stays, Grant Grove Cabins and Cedar Grove Lodge offer cozy options close to major trails.
 Outside the park, the small towns of Dunlap and Fresno provide more hotels and amenities.

Travel Tips / Safety Notes

  • Weather changes fast pack layers and rain gear.

  • Store all food properly to keep bears away.

  • Cell service is limited; download offline maps.

  • Drive carefully on winding roads and check for seasonal closures before your trip.

Packing List

  • Hiking shoes with good grip

  • Warm layers and rain jacket

  • Reusable water bottle and energy snacks

  • Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses

  • Camera or binoculars for wildlife watching

  • Small first-aid kit and map

  • Bear-proof food container (for campers)

Visitor Statistics

Kings Canyon National Park welcomes around 600,000 to 700,000 visitors each year.
 Peak season runs from June to September, while late fall and spring see fewer travelers and quieter trails.

Conservation & Responsible Tourism

Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are jointly managed to protect their fragile alpine ecosystems and ancient sequoia groves. Ongoing projects focus on wildfire recovery, meadow restoration, and native species protection.
 Visitors can help by staying on marked trails, packing out trash, and respecting the park’s wildlife and quiet beauty.