Kings Canyon National Park, California: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Have you ever wondered about the hidden gems in Kings Canyon National Park? This park in California's Sierra Nevada mountains is full of outdoor adventures and natural beauty. It has towering giant sequoia trees, beautiful waterfalls, and scenic trails. But what are the best things to do here? Let's find out the top picks for an unforgettable visit.

Key Takeaways

• Explore the majestic Grant Grove area, home to the iconic General Grant Tree, the second-largest tree in the world
• Admire the stunning natural wonders of the Cedar Grove area, including the Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls trails
• Discover the ancient rock formations and underground wonders of Boyden Cavern
• Embark on scenic drives along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway for breathtaking vistas
• Immerse yourself in the park's serene backcountry by going camping or backpacking

Explore Grant Grove Area

Start your Kings Canyon adventure in the Grant Grove area. Here, you'll find the famous General Grant Tree and other stunning sequoia groves. The General Grant Tree Trail is a 0.7-mile loop that takes you to the park's second-largest sequoia, known as the "Nation's Christmas Tree." You'll also see the Fallen Monarch, a giant sequoia trunk you can walk through.

For a deeper nature experience, try the North Grove Loop Trail. This 1.5-mile hike goes through ancient sequoia forests and offers amazing views. Or, the Big Stump Basin Trail, a 2-mile route, lets you explore the Grant Grove more closely. You'll see diverse wildlife and hiking trails along the way.

General Grant Tree Trail

North Grove Loop Trail

Big Stump Basin Trail

"The General Grant Tree, also known as the 'Nation's Christmas Tree,' is the second-largest tree in the world, standing at an impressive 267 feet tall."

The Grant Grove area has both easy walks and challenging hikes. It's a great place to enjoy the park's beautiful sequoia groves and nature walks. Be amazed by the huge, ancient trees and feel connected to the natural beauty of Kings Canyon National Park.

Admire the General Grant Tree and Fallen Monarch

At the heart of the Grant Grove area in Kings Canyon National Park is the General Grant Tree. This tree is a true natural wonder. It stands 268 feet tall and is about 1,700 years old. It's the third-largest tree in the world by volume.

The General Grant Tree has a huge circumference of 107 feet and a diameter of 40 feet. It shows how ancient trees can thrive in this beautiful national park for thousands of years. Visitors can see its massive size and beauty on the 0.5-mile General Grant Tree Trail.

Don't miss the Fallen Monarch on the trail. It's a hollowed-out giant sequoia that fell long ago but is still mostly whole. People can walk through this unique passageway, showing the power of time and these ancient trees.

The trail also has other amazing trees, like the Lincoln Tree and the Oregon Tree. There's also the Centennial Stump, a reminder of trees logged in the past. The Gamlin Cabin, built in 1872, adds historical interest to the trail.

To get to the Grant Grove area, you can take the Big Trees Transit Shuttle or drive to the park's visitor center before turning off. The General Grant Tree and Fallen Monarch are must-sees for anyone visiting Kings Canyon National Park's wonders.

Enjoy Horseback Riding at Grant Grove Stables

For a unique way to see Grant Grove, try a guided horseback riding tour at Grant Grove Stables. This family-run place has one-hour and two-hour tours. You'll ride through beautiful sequoia forests and see the famous General Grant Tree. It's great for both experienced riders and beginners, offering a new way to see the park's beauty.

The one-hour horseback riding tour costs about $60 per person. The two-hour tour is around $100 per person. These guided tours let you slowly explore the Grant Grove area. You'll get to see the huge sequoias and enjoy the quiet of Kings Canyon National Park.

The Grant Grove Stables are perfect for a family activity or an amazing outdoor adventure. They offer horseback riding for all ages and skill levels. It's an activity you shouldn't miss when visiting this incredible national park.

Visit Cedar Grove Area

The Cedar Grove area in Kings Canyon National Park is a hidden gem. It's less crowded and offers a unique adventure. You'll see lush meadows and rugged canyons. Plus, it's easy to get to several amazing hiking trails.

Discover the Zumwalt Meadow Trail

Start your journey on the Zumwalt Meadow Trail, a 1.5-mile loop. It follows the peaceful Kings River and shows off stunning cliffs. This easy hike is great for nature lovers. You can see wildlife and enjoy the park's natural beauty.

Explore the Sheep Creek Cascade Trail

Try the Sheep Creek Cascade Trail, a 2-mile hike to a beautiful waterfall. Along the way, you'll see the river and rugged rocks. It's a memorable experience.

Experience the Roaring River Falls Trail

For a tougher but rewarding hike, go on the Roaring River Falls Trail. It's a 3.9-mile hike that takes you through a canyon. You'll end up at the powerful Roaring River Falls, a must-see in the Cedar Grove area.

The Cedar Grove area has trails for everyone, from easy walks to challenging hikes. You can enjoy the park's beauty by hiking these trails. Don't miss the waterfalls and scenic views that make this place special.

Discover Rock Formations at Boyden Cavern

Boyden Cavern is hidden in Kings Canyon National Park's rugged landscape. It's a place where you can see amazing rock formations and cave systems. These are true wonders of nature. Guided tours take you through tunnels and chambers, showing you natural sculptures made by erosion over centuries.

The path to Boyden Cavern goes along the beautiful Kings River Canyon, up a 30-degree slope. Once inside, you'll see stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations. These tours are great for learning about the park's geological history and how these formations were made.

Boyden Cavern is perfect for those who love caves and geological wonders. It's a great spot for hikers and adventure seekers. This underground place offers an experience that will amaze you with the park's beauty.

"Exploring Boyden Cavern was a truly humbling experience, reminding me of the incredible power of nature and the incredible geological marvels that lie beneath the surface."

Hike Iconic Trails

Kings Canyon National Park is famous for its beautiful hiking trails. These trails range from easy walks in nature to tough backcountry adventures. For a fulfilling day hike, try the

Mist Falls Trail

(8 miles round trip) to see the park's tallest waterfall. Or, take on the longer and tougher

Don Cecil Trail

(11.2 miles round trip), which goes to the Lookout Peak viewpoint. Here, you'll see stunning views of the Kings Canyon area. Both trails let you see wildlife and enjoy the park's old forests and rough landscapes.

The Mist Falls Trail is a favorite hike that goes through green forests and meadows to the 120-foot Mist Falls. You'll see beautiful views and wildlife along the way. The Don Cecil Trail is harder but just as rewarding. It goes up through the wilderness to the Lookout Peak viewpoint. Here, you can look out over the Kings Canyon and its high granite cliffs.

Choosing the Mist Falls Trail or the Don Cecil Trail means a day of adventure and stunning nature in Kings Canyon National Park. Don't forget to bring water, snacks, and the right gear. Get ready to explore some of the park's most famous hiking trails.

"The trails in Kings Canyon National Park offer a perfect balance of scenic vistas, challenging terrain, and opportunities to connect with nature. It's a hiker's paradise."

Kings Canyon National Park, California: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Discover the stunning beauty and outdoor adventures in Kings Canyon National Park. This California gem is perfect for nature lovers. It has a wide range of activities and sights that show off the area's stunning views. You'll see giant sequoia trees, waterfalls, and amazing rock formations.

Start your journey in the Grant Grove area. Here, you can see the General Grant Tree, one of the biggest trees in the world. Then, walk the North Grove Loop Trail and enjoy the calm beauty of Big Stump Basin. Don't miss the chance to explore Boyden Cavern, a unique underground wonder.

For those who love adventure, put on your hiking boots. Try the Mist Falls Trail or the Don Cecil Trail. These trails offer amazing views and a closer look at the park's nature and adventures.

A drive on the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is a must. It shows off the park's stunning landscapes. You'll see the green meadows of Cedar Grove and the high cliffs of Roaring River Falls.

Kings Canyon National Park is great for a calm day or an exciting backcountry experience. It's a top spot for making unforgettable memories and connecting with nature.

"Kings Canyon National Park is a hidden gem, offering an unparalleled wilderness experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit."

Take Scenic Drives

Kings Canyon National Park has more than just hiking trails. It also has scenic drives that let you enjoy the stunning views without much effort. The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is a 28-mile drive that follows the canyon rim. It shows off the canyon walls, hills, and forests.

Make sure to stop at the Junction View overlook on the byway. Here, you can see the canyon's beauty from above. This drive is great for those who love nature or just want to relax and see beautiful sights. The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is a top activity for anyone visiting the park.

"The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is a true gem, offering a leisurely way to experience the park's breathtaking landscapes. It's a must-do activity for any visitor seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Kings Canyon National Park."

Go Camping and Backpacking

Kings Canyon National Park is perfect for those who love the outdoors. It has many camping and backpacking spots for you to enjoy. You can choose from easy campgrounds or go solo in the backcountry.

The park has trails and wilderness areas for long backpacking trips. These trips let you see the park's hidden spots and feel close to nature.

Planning is key for a great camping or backpacking trip here. The campgrounds have picnic tables, fire pits, and restrooms. They cost just $40 a night. If you're going into the backcountry, you'll need a permit and to follow the rules to protect the environment.

Choosing to camp or backpack in Kings Canyon National Park means you'll get to enjoy nature's beauty. You'll see amazing views, wildlife, and have many activities to do. It's a perfect place for outdoor lovers looking for a peaceful escape.