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A demanding but rewarding hike up the South Fork Kings River with stunning views of Kings Canyon National Park


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Map Key

10.0

Miles

16.0

KM

Point to Point

6,933' 2,113 m

High

5,042' 1,537 m

Low

2,128' 649 m

Up

239' 73 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

Need to Know

Permit required for any overnight backcountry trips.

Description

The trails start at the Road's End ranger station heading east further up Kings Canyon. The first 2 miles are fairly flat and easy on a wide trail in an open valley with pine trees and occasional wildflowers. The South Fork Kings River is close by to the right but not accessible until you reach the Bailey Bridge at 2 miles. The trail turns north here staying on the western side of the river and ascending steadily over the next 4 miles. At first, you are still covered by trees, but soon enough as you get to higher elevations and more rocky surfaces, the trail opens up providing you with stunning views south towards Palmer Mountain. You'll get one of the best views at roughly 3.6 miles where the trail is somewhat exposed heading over a larger and steeper rock slope. The next highlight is just ahead at 4.2 miles: Mist Falls. This 100 foot waterfall can be viewed both from the bottom through the trees as well as from the top. Be careful however as the top of the waterfall is made of slippery slickrock.

The next mile is probably the steepest on the entire trail. Turn around occasionally for a break and a rewarding view down the valley. At roughly 6 miles - as you reach Paradise Valley - the trail becomes much flatter again. There are a few marked camp sites right as you enter the valley. The way through Paradise Valley is pleasantly green with meadows and wildflowers and access to the river in a number of places. As you leave Paradise Valley at about 8.5 miles, the trail get steeper again. You reach the confluence of Woods Creek and the South Fork Kings River at 10 miles. There are plenty of camp sites not too far from the river.

The bridge across the South Fork Kings River washed out during the winter of 2016/17. Construction of a replacement bridge is not scheduled before 2020.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tilman Giese

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 8 votes

#1

in Cedar Grove

#571

Overall
  4.9 from 8 votes
5 Star
88%
4 Star
13%
3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Cedar Grove

#63

in California

#571

Overall
2 Views Last Month
1,366 Since Apr 26, 2019
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Palmer Mountain
Apr 26, 2019 near Big Pine, CA
Towering mountains on either side of the trail up the South Fork Kings River
Apr 26, 2019 near Big Pine, CA
Top of Mist Falls
Apr 26, 2019 near Big Pine, CA
Looking down towards roads end, going counter clock wise on the loop
Oct 30, 2018 near Big Pine, CA
Another view of Mist Falls.
Mar 14, 2016 near Big Pine, CA
Looking down from the top of Mist Falls
May 29, 2015 near Big Pine, CA

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 12, 2022
Marc Corona
Jun 5, 2019
Camille Rohrlich
backpacking!
Oct 7, 2018
Private User
Jul 6, 2018
Tilman Giese
Aug 26, 2017
E Leaf
Jun 4, 2017
EK Ventures
11.5mi
Sep 2, 2016
Patricia Duron
May 13, 2016
Trevor Bowers
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