Revisiting Kings Canyon National Park
Now that we have achieved our goal of visiting all National Park Units (432 as of August 2024), we are enjoying the opportunity to revisit some of our favorites and discover more hidden gems.
When we previously visited Kings Canyon National Park, we focused on the western segment with the big trees and stumps. We also did a backpacking trip into the back country.
This adventure we drove the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway to Road’s End. Wow!!! This is a not-to-miss experience at Kings Canyon. It is absolutely spectacular. We are so glad we made the return trip.
Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway takes you from the visitor center at Grant Grove to another visitor center at Cedar Grove. In total, it is about 30 miles of curvy mountain roads one way, dropping 2000 feet into the canyon. It is a slow but scenic drive, with vistas at almost every turn and lots of places to pull off for photos.
Kings Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the US. Carved 8,200 feet into the granite, it is deeper than the Grand Canyon (depth 6,000 feet). John Muir called this canyon “rival to Yosemite” in terms of its beauty.
Most of the drive is through Sequoia National Forest, much of it on the edge, looking straight down into the canyon. At one point, you can look down and see the confluence of the Middle and South Fork of the Kings River; designated National Wild and Scenic Rivers.
As you descend, you will get to the South Fork of the Kings River, lined with huge ponderosa pines and cedars. The river is absolutely gorgeous, rushing through narrow passages fed by waterfalls and over giant boulders.
There are a few places that are fun to stop:
Boyden Cavern: You can take a guided tour into a cave. (Reservations recommended.)
There are some pretty cool formations, including “the wedding cake” and some cave bacon. But the most interesting part is the history. Discovered in the late 1800’s, Boyden eventually bought the cave and lived there – sleeping on a pancake rock formation deep inside the cave. He used to offer tourists tours into the caves for $1 and for a bit more, let them sleep there in the dark overnight. In 1893, after Boyden’s death, the government took control over the cave and in the 1930s the CCC built bridges and ramps into the cave to make it more accessible to visitors. You can still see their work in evidence today.
Noteworthy: cave tours have been offered there for over 100 years.
Grizzly Falls: another fun place to stop is the picnic area at Grizzly Falls. It is just a short walk to the 80 foot waterfall, easily accessible for all. In the spring, the cascading water may even get you wet.
Picnic Areas: Plan to take a picnic. In addition to Grizzly Falls picnic area, there are lots of places where you can pull off and enjoy a picnic by the white water. (But, no swimming or wading. That water is fast and dangerous!)
As you come closer to the entrance to the National Park, the canyon widens out; with steep rock walls carved by glaciers. This is where you will find the first services, at Cedar Grove. There is a visitor center, campgrounds and a very small lodge (only 18 rooms) with a cafe and market.
It is hidden gem; lovely cedar trees along a gorgeous river; a perfect place to sit, read, play games or just contemplate life. Get out your fly rod and do some fishing, or pull out the binoculars and do some birdwatching. It is hard to miss the bright orange and yellow Western Tanagers, and brilliant blue Steller’s Jays.
Cedar Grove Hikes
Plan to stay for a couple days if you can. There are some beautiful hikes, some short, some long, and some really steep!
Roaring River Falls: A short .4 mile round trip accessible trail takes you to the Roaring River Falls.
Zumwalt Meadow: The River Trail connecting the Roaring River Falls trail to the Zumwalt Meadow Trail, or you can access it from another parking area on the road. The Zumwalt Meadow trail (partially closed due to floods) is another short and easy trail that offers lovely canyon views.
Woods Creek Trail to Mist Falls: Probably the most popular day hike in the inner canyon goes to Mist Falls, an 8.2 mile out and back trail to one of the largest waterfalls in the park (about 100 feet drop). You will start at the backcountry permit office, so you’ll see lots of hardy backpackers, but this trail is considered moderate. It starts out wide and flat, a pleasant stroll through a meadow along the river.
Most of the time you will hear the river as it goes through rapids and cascades down into the valley.
Only the last section is a bit strenuous, as you climb the final 600 feet up to the waterfall, but you will be rewarded by the coolness of the light mist from the waterfall.
In total, the hike is about 4 to 5 hours. Takes lots of water and snacks, and plan lots of stops along the way to enjoy the stunning views.
Don Cecil: If you want to do a much harder hike, the Don Cecil trail starts at the visitor center and winds its way up to a meadow and Lookout Point, probably the most scenic place in the park. The first part of the hike goes up to Sheep Creek Cascade, a 450 foot climb in the first mile.
From there, you will ascend another 3,500 feet or so, over 3 miles, with long switchbacks through a forest of 4-500 year old Sugar Pines. These trees have some of the biggest pine cones in the world – measuring up to 26 inches!!!
In the spring, be sure to look for the bright red Snow Plants emerging from the ground.
This trail is hard, and hot, especially as you get to the top where the trees thin out. Be sure to take a lot of water. We each drank over 2 liters plus a Gatorade.
But the views are worth it.
There are lots of other trails. Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to do them all. It gives us a reason to return.
That’s one of the best things about national parks; there is always more to see and experience.
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Need Help Planning Your Visits?
If you would like to explore this or other National Park Units, but need a bit help in the planning, please give us a call at (480) 609-3978. We are happy to offer customized trip planning.