{"id":99215,"date":"2022-03-11T05:21:17","date_gmt":"2022-03-11T12:21:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/?p=99215"},"modified":"2023-11-17T11:04:23","modified_gmt":"2023-11-17T18:04:23","slug":"things-to-do-in-kings-canyon-national-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/things-to-do-in-kings-canyon-national-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Things To Do In Kings Canyon National Park"},"content":{"rendered":"

Things To Do In Kings Canyon National Park is a go-to destination when looking for a site to explore in California. The park boasts an extensive mountain range, features the only living shrine in the nation, and is home to one of the deepest canyons in North America.<\/p>\n

Despite these spectacular sites, this stunning park still comes second to its neighbor and frontrunner, Sequoia National Park<\/a>. Visitors to the area should know that Kings Canyon stands on its own as an excellent destination that delivers at every turn.<\/p>\n

So whether you decide to take a hike through the park or check out just one massive tree, Kings Canyon gives you a unique chance to visit a national park without having to worry about the crowds.<\/p>\n

Things To Do In Kings Canyon National Park<\/h2>\n

Below are some of the enthralling experiences you can try out in Kings Canyon.<\/p>\n

1. Take A Hike Or A Horse<\/h3>\n

Kings Canyon National Park covers 461,901 acres<\/strong> and provides ample opportunities to tour sequoias, waterfalls, mountain passes, lakes, and meadows.<\/p>\n

There aren’t many trails, but those that are available in the park come with huge payoffs. The Roaring River Fall is a paved trail that is 0.3 miles long <\/strong>and leads to a powerful waterfall flowing through a granite shoot, and the Zumwalt Meadow<\/a> is a 1.5-mile<\/strong> out-and-back trail with amazing views of rock formations, meadows, and the Kings River.<\/p>\n

You need a wilderness permit<\/a> to camp outside the designated campsites in Kings Canyon, where you\u2019ll have access to longer, isolated wilderness trails.<\/p>\n

There are in-park lodging arrangements <\/a>if you prefer a night in a cozy bed after spending a day in nature. The Grant Grove Cabins<\/a> and John Muir Lodge<\/a> let you access all the amenities near General Grant, whereas the Cedar Grove Lodge<\/a> is found deeper in Kings Canyon.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, you can explore the park by guided horseback<\/a> during the summer. These rides give visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience in only one or two hours. You also have the company of an expert while on your journey, and backcountry options are available if you crave something more adventurous. <\/p>\n

2. Drive to Cedar Grove<\/h3>\n

You can only access this site underneath Kings Canyon during the warm months when there isn’t any snow. The roadway to the Canyon usually opens in May, though you\u2019ll have to confirm the current date details from the National Park site if you\u2019re stopping by in fall or spring.<\/p>\n

The ride into Kings Canyon is breathtaking, and you\u2019ll want to stop at the scenic viewpoints along the path. Luckily, there are several sites along the road\u2019s edge to pull off and check out the beautiful scenery. For safety reasons, it\u2019s best not to cross traffic when pulling over to take in the view.<\/p>\n

3. Go Deep<\/h3>\n

Kings Canyon is potentially the deepest canyon in North America. Even though it\u2019s not as wide or as long as the Grand Canyon, glaciers did carve it, and it exceeds 8,000 feet<\/strong> deep in some areas.<\/p>\n

The Kings River<\/a> also winds its way dramatically through the canyon, and there are sites for summer beaches and fishing in many park areas. Those 16 years and above<\/strong> must get a California fishing permit.<\/p>\n

You can also fly fish using an NPS-approved guided utility. There’s seasonal whitewater rafting outside the park, so feel free to add this to your adventure list and get an extra adrenaline dose during your trip.<\/p>\n

4. Explore the Trail at General Grant Tree<\/h3>\n

This short track is at Grant Grove<\/a> and leads to the giant General Grant Tree<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This giant tree is approximately 1700 years old<\/strong> and is one of the biggest trees on earth.<\/p>\n

The \u2153-mile path to General Grant is made of asphalt, so it should take you less than an hour to reach the end and walk back.<\/p>\n

Where possible, set aside time to tour the Fallen Monarch<\/a>\u2014a massive tree that fell that you can see inside of.<\/p>\n

\"Waterfalls<\/p>\n

5. Listen to the Waterfalls Roar<\/h3>\n

You\u2019ll find some remarkable waterfalls off the road along the drive into the park. The first waterfall you encounter when driving into the canyon is Grizzly Falls<\/a>. For the best view, visit the site after the winter thaw in mid-May.<\/p>\n

You can dash from one tree to another to get a clearer and closer look and take perfect pictures while staying dry since it produces a lot of mist.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also a small picnic site near the waterfall bottom that makes it an excellent spot to catch a breath and snack if you bring food with you.<\/p>\n

Roaring River Falls is slightly further down the path. These waterfalls are smaller but incredibly fascinating as they rage tremendously, especially during the spring. They become quieter during the summer but are still a sight to behold.<\/p>\n

6. Camp at the Sequoia National Park<\/h3>\n

The best way to get the full experience of Kings Canyon National Park is by taking an overnight trip to nearby Sequoia National Park and camping in any one of the seven camping sites that are available.<\/p>\n

The campgrounds found within the Sequoia and Kings Canyon park system include:<\/p>\n