Welcome to
KINGS CANYON National Park
Kings Canyon National Park, a majestic wilderness in the southern Sierra Nevada of California, beckons adventurers with its deep canyons, towering peaks, and diverse ecosystems. Spanning over 461,901 acres, the park is renowned for its rugged beauty, expansive alpine meadows, and the second-deepest canyon in North America, Kings Canyon.
The eponymous Kings Canyon, carved by the powerful forces of glaciers and the Kings River, plunges over a mile deep into the heart of the Sierra Nevada. Immense cliffs, such as the Grand Sentinel and Grand Dike, testify to the geological forces that shaped this dramatic landscape.
Kings Canyon National Park is home to the General Grant Grove of giant sequoias, where the General Grant Tree, the third-largest tree on Earth, stands proudly. These ancient giants inspire reverence as visitors wander among their colossal trunks.
Trails such as the Rae Lakes Loop and the High Sierra Trail offer hikers the chance to traverse the park's diverse environments, from dense forests to alpine lakes and meadows. The park's alpine terrain provides a haven for wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and various bird species.
Information
Beyond its natural wonders, Kings Canyon National Park preserves cultural history, including evidence of indigenous peoples and remnants of early European American settlements.
Whether exploring the depths of Kings Canyon, marveling at the giant sequoias, or embarking on a backcountry adventure, visitors to Kings Canyon National Park are immersed in a grandeur and untamed wilderness that testifies to the enduring power of nature.
Best hiking trails in the Kings Canyon National Park.
Kings Canyon National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that showcase its diverse landscapes, from towering sequoia groves to rugged canyons and alpine meadows. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Kings Canyon National Park:
Rae Lakes Loop: A popular backcountry trail that spans approximately 41 miles, the Rae Lakes Loop takes hikers through stunning alpine scenery, passing by pristine lakes and offering breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada.
Mist Falls Trail: Starting from Roads End, this moderately strenuous trail leads to the spectacular Mist Falls along the South Fork of the Kings River. It's a popular day hike with rewarding views.
Cedar Grove Overlook Trail: A short and relatively easy trail near Cedar Grove that provides panoramic views of Kings Canyon. It's a great option for those seeking a shorter hike with impressive vistas.
Zumwalt Meadow Loop: This easy loop trail near Road's End explores the picturesque Zumwalt Meadow, offering views of the Kings River and towering granite cliffs. It's an excellent trail for wildlife viewing.
Buena Vista Peak Trail: A moderately strenuous hike that leads to the summit of Buena Vista Peak. From the top, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of Kings Canyon and the surrounding peaks.
General Grant Tree Trail: Located in the General Grant Grove, this short loop takes visitors through a grove of giant sequoias, including the iconic General Grant Tree, the third-largest tree on Earth.
Kanawyers Loop Trail: A moderately strenuous loop trail that starts near Grant Grove and offers a mix of sequoia groves, meadows, and scenic viewpoints.
Kearsarge Pass Trail: Although located just outside Kings Canyon National Park in the John Muir Wilderness, the Kearsarge Pass Trail is accessible from Onion Valley and provides stunning views of the Eastern Sierra.
Always check trail conditions, carry sufficient water, and be aware of any seasonal considerations, such as snow in higher elevations. Kings Canyon National Park's hiking trails cater to various skill levels and interests, providing opportunities to explore the park's natural wonders.
Official name - KINGS CANYON National Park
Location - Kings Canyon is located on the southern, eastern slope of California's Sierra Nevada mountain range. It is located northwest of the other Sequoia National Park.
Address - 47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers, CA 93271
GPS coordinates - 36°47′21″N 118°40′22″W
The park was founded on March 4, 1940
Attendance - 700,000 people per yea
The famous naturalist John Muir is considered the pioneer of Kings Canyon Park. It was he who, at the end of the 20th century, attracted the attention of the federal authorities to the park, offering to preserve it for posterity. After the war, it was decided to leave the Kings Canyon National Park intact, having built only the minimum infrastructure necessary for tourists.
