Kings Canyon National Park at a Glance
We’ve driven into Kings Canyon and hiked along the Kings River at the bottom of one of the deepest canyons in North America. Kings Canyon is almost always paired with Sequoia in conversation, but it deserves attention on its own terms. This guide covers the best of what the park has to offer.
“.. far to the southward of the famous Yosemite Valley, there is a yet grander valley of the same kind. It is situated on King’s River, above the most extensive groves and forests of the giant sequoia, and beneath the shadows of the highest mountains in the range, where the canyons are deepest, and the snow-laden peaks are crowded most closely together.”
John Muir, “Father of National Parks”
8. Jump Off Muir Rock Into the River
On hot days, there are few better things to do in Kings Canyon National Park than cool off in the Kings River. One of the best places to do that is Muir Rock, named after renowned naturalist John Muir. Legend tells that Muir spent tons of time on this rock, telling people about how this place rivaled Yosemite.
Muir Rock sits at Road’s End, the end of the scenic byway on the River Trail. It’s broad and flat, making the perfect natural diving board 15 feet above the river. There are also several small pebble beaches nearby. Of course, exercise extreme caution when jumping and swimming in the river, and understand that it’s entirely at your own risk.
7. Hike the Mist Falls Trail
Often called the best day hike among things to do in Kings Canyon National Park, Mist Falls is stunning. The trailhead is shared with Paradise Valley Trail, starting from Road’s End.
It goes just over four miles one-way and is relatively easy, with the exception of a steep 600-foot incline at the end. The good news is that Mist Falls itself greets you at the top. Along the way, you’ll hike through lush forest, beside cascading streams, and up the canyon.
Mist Falls earned its name, so you WILL get wet. The 100-foot waterfall tumbles dramatically over rocks, creating several small pools. While swimming in them is one of the top things to do in Kings Canyon National Park, doing so is, again, at your own risk and recommended only for advanced swimmers.
6. Spend the Night Under the Stars
Getting to stay the night in this incredible, historic place is a privilege and certainly one of the best things to do in Kings Canyon National Park. It’s not exactly easy, however, with most campgrounds open for just 4-5 months a year and coveted reservations being snapped up in seconds. If you can plan at least 4 months ahead of time and have fast fingers, these are the in-park campgrounds:
- Grant Grove: Azalea, Crystal Springs, Sunset
- Cedar Grove: Canyon View, Moraine, Sentinel, Sheep Creek
5. Explore Boyden Cavern
One of the best things to do in Kings Canyon National Park is actually underneath the mountain. If the canyon is royalty, then this is where the family jewels are stored.
Step into a world of dripping stalactites and shimmering stalagmites, where time seems to stand still. Guided tours unveil the secrets of this underground realm, revealing intricate limestone formations that defy imagination.
Thrill-seekers can squeeze through narrow passages and marvel at the hauntingly beautiful “Crystal Palace,” a room adorned with delicate formations glistening like precious gems. Several iterations of tours are available, including a headlamp-only small-group tour of this underground lair.
The tour will also take you to the steepest part of Kings Canyon, offering an incredible view looking up. Who said the mountain summits get to have all the recreational fun?
4. Visit Roaring River Falls
Roaring River Falls is the other roadside waterfall along the park’s scenic byway, and just as accessible as Grizzly Falls. You may very well hear it before you even see it, as the waterfall got its name from the sound of water racing through a narrow rock chute. While Roaring River Falls is just 20 or so feet tall, its sheer volume and power make it one of the top things to do in Kings Canyon National Park.
If you’re up for a bit of an actual hike, take the River Trail past the waterfall. This takes you to Zumwalt Meadow on an easy, paved 3.9-mile lollipop loop trail.
3. Go Horseback Riding
One of the more unique things to do in Kings Canyon National Park is go horseback riding. There are two stables in the park, one in Grant Grove and one in Cedar Grove. This is a fantastic way to go sightseeing in Cedar Grove, in particular, where much of the park’s terrain is remote and rugged.
The season for both locations is roughly June through mid-October, although that changes slightly each year based on weather conditions. Tours from one to two hours are available from both stables for $60 and $100, respectively, and advance reservations are highly recommended.
The Cedar Grove rides are a bit more customizable, and ride options extend to all day for experienced riders.
2. Step into Big Stump Basin
The unique area known as Big Stump Basin is quiet and often overlooked, making it one of the best things to do in Kings Canyon National Park for people looking to escape the crowds. The easy, two-mile trail starts one mile past the park entrance on Highway 180.
The highlight is the massive Big Stump, the remnants of the Mark Twain tree cut down in 1891. It was 1,350 years old at the time it was felled. In fact, the tree was taken down and cut into slices to go on a global tour. Back then, people just didn’t believe trees could grow so large.
Today, there’s a set of steps up it (yep, it’s that big!), so visitors can walk or sit on top. Be sure to check out its growth rings!
1. Backpack the Rae Lakes Loop
For folks up for a challenging multi-day trek, the Rae Lakes Loop is among the most exhilarating things to do in Kings Canyon National Park. Backpacking the High Sierra is an experience, but this epic 41-mile trail is a standout, gaining nearly 7,000 feet in elevation.
The loop showcases everything this region is famous for, such as mirror-still alpine lakes, wildflower-blanketed meadows, and jagged, jaw-dropping mountains.
From late May through late September, all backpackers must have a Wilderness Permit. They’re extremely limited and are issued six months in advance on a rolling basis. Outside of that period, hikers only have to get a free self-issue permit at a park visitor center.
Things to Know Before You Visit Kings Canyon National Park
Entrance Fees
Sunscreen
Use it. Lots of it. Especially this one, which I never leave the house without because it plays nice with our dear friend, Earth 🙂
Insect Repellent
If you’re looking for a good insect repellent that plays nice with our good friend Earth, we recommend this one or this one if you’re a DEET person.
Guide Book
The Best Guide Book for Kings Canyon National Park is this one, which we’ve marked up and highlighted quite a bit.
Map
The Best Map: I like this map best for Kings Canyon National Park.
National Parks Checklist Map: This beautiful National Parks Checklist Map can be ordered to your house.
Framed National Parks Map: We’re a sucker for maps; this framed national parks map is the best.
Where to Stay in Kings Canyon National Park
Where to Stay: This is our favorite hotel in/around Kings Canyon National Park.
Kings Canyon National Park Travel Tips
Without going into the politics of naming conventions and preserved land statuses, you can see on the map below how confusing it can be in this region to wonder, “Where am I?”
You’ll also notice the NPS website for the park is Sequoia and Kings Canyon, further confusing you when trying to plot a Kings Canyon itinerary. Additionally, you can’t really go wrong when exploring this area. You can get very turned around.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park have their own entrances, but the same pass gets you into both. There is no easy way to get between the two.
- You’ll drive through Sequoia National Forest to reach the bulk of Kings Canyon.
- These parks are EPIC for backcountry hikes, as roads only go so far before you’re backpacking the Sierras.
- The Monarch Wildnerness overlaps with the Sierra National Forest and other preserved lands.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Closures
Both parks have taken a beating from the winter of 2026 and the KNP Complex Wildfire of 2021. Many roads, routes, trails, and activities have been severely impacted by these incidents. Please check park conditions before you plan things to do at Kings Canyon National Park.
Map of Things to Do in Kings Canyon
- Backpack the Rae Lakes Loop
- Step into Big Stump Basin
- Go Horseback Riding
- Visit Roaring River Falls
- Explore Boyden Cavern
- Camp Overnight
- Hike the Mist Falls Trail
- Jump off John Muir Rock
- Discover Grizzly Falls
- Drive Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
- See Panoramic Point
- Climb Big Baldy
- Hike or Snowshoe the North Grove Loop
- Explore Zumwalt Meadow
- Marvel at General Grant
Pin Things to Do at Kings Canyon
Helpful Related Links
Kings Canyon Facts: 10 FASCINATING Facts About Kings Canyon National Park to Know
Best California National Parks: 20 BEST California National Parks Ranked
Los Angeles National Parks: 7 Epic National Parks Near Los Angeles You’ll Love
San Diego National Parks: 7 Amazing National Parks Near San Diego
Find Your Park in San Francisco: 8 Best National Parks Near San Francisco
San Jose National Parks: 7 Best National Parks Near San Jose
More Trees, Please: Redwood National Park
Desert Dwellers: Death Valley National Park
Pinnacles Things to Do: 10 Epic Things To Do At Pinnacles National Park
History in the Golden State:15 Must-See Historic Sites In California
Pack a full cooler before you enter. There is almost nothing for food or supplies between Grant Grove and Cedar Grove. Fill up on gas in Fresno, too. Services inside the park are limited and overpriced.
Drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway early in the day. The road drops 4,000 feet into the canyon with sharp switchbacks and 10 to 15 MPH speed limits. It is not a loop, so you drive down and back up the same way. Budget 4 to 5 hours round-trip with stops.
Cedar Grove is the real Kings Canyon. Most visitors cluster around Grant Grove and the big sequoias, then leave. The canyon itself is a thousand-foot-deep granite gorge with waterfalls and the Kings River. The Zumwalt Meadow loop (1.5 miles) at the end of the road is one of the most beautiful short hikes in the Sierra.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 7-day vehicle pass costs $35 (covers both Kings Canyon and Sequoia). Walk-in or bicycle entry is $20, and motorcycles pay $30. Entrance stations are cashless.
Late June through mid-August gives you the best weather and full road access including the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway down to Cedar Grove. September is the real move with crowds dropping sharply after Labor Day and temps still comfortable. Winter closes the Cedar Grove section entirely.
No timed entry or parking reservations required. Wilderness permits are required for overnight backcountry camping and can be reserved on Recreation.gov.
Plan for 1 day to drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway with stops and visit Grant Grove. Ideally spend 2 to 3 days combining with Sequoia, hiking Mist Falls, and exploring Cedar Grove.
The nearest major airport is Fresno Yosemite International (FAT), about 1.5 hours to the Big Stump entrance via CA-180 East. CA-180 is the only road into Kings Canyon proper.
Late June through mid-August gives you the best weather and full road access, including the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway down to Cedar Grove. September is the real move: crowds drop sharply after Labor Day, temps are still comfortable, and wildfire smoke has not historically peaked yet. Winter closes the Cedar Grove section entirely, but Grant Grove stays open for snowshoeing.
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