Kings Canyon National Park

Overview

Nestled in the southern Sierra Nevadas, Kings Canyon lies next to Sequoia National Park, east of the San Joaquin Valley, and boasts a diverse and dramatic landscape with vast caverns, deep canyons, huge mountains, rugged foothills, and expansive forests. Visitor activities vary by season and elevation, which ranges from 1,370 to 14,494 feet.

Within Kings Canyon, you can experience this striking change in elevation from warm foothills to cold alpine peaks. Kings Canyon is a wide glacial valley featuring a lovely meandering river, beautiful waterfalls, spectacular tall cliffs, and green vibrant meadows. A few miles outside the park, Kings Canyon deepens and steepens becoming arguably the deepest canyon in North America for a short distance.

Also plunging far below the surface are stunning marble caverns, many with endemic cave fauna. This huge variation in the landscape contributes to the vast diversity of plants and animals in the park.

Visiting Tips

Kings Canyon is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, weather permitting.

Visitor Center

• Kings Canyon Visitor Center - Open daily (all year): 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
• Cedar Grove Visitor Center - Closed in winter. Open late May to late September: 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
• Roads End Wilderness Permit Station - Closed in winter. Open late May to late September: 7:00 a.m.- 3:45 p.m.

Fees and Passes
For more information on fees and passes, click here.

Because of the extreme elevation range in the parks, weather conditions vary greatly from area to area and day to day. Head to the Kings Canyon National Park page to double check weather conditions before heading out. Opening and closing dates for facilities and services may change due to weather or other circumstances.

Camping & Lodging

The park offers a variety of campgrounds throughout the park. A maximum of 6 people are allowed in standard sites, but group campsites are also available with a reservation. Be aware, most campgrounds fill up on Saturday nights from July through August. More information can be found here.

For those looking for a slightly less rustic option, lodging can be reserved at the John Muir Lodge, Cedar Grove Lodge, or the Grant Grove Cabins. More information can be found here.

Outfitters, Tours, & Shuttles

The Big Trees Shuttle runs daily from late May into September.

• Grant Grove Loop - free
• Fresno/Sanger Route - $15 round trip

Be sure to visit the Kings Canyon website for a list of the places you don't want to miss.

Other Activities

Whether you prefer a short stroll or a week in the wilderness, a quiet sunrise or a roaring river, Kings Canyon offers a wide range of activities and hundreds of miles of trails.