Kings Canyon National Park

A deep Sierra canyon next door to Sequoia.

Grant Grove's giant sequoias and the drive into Cedar Grove are two different parks stacked together. Roads close in winter. Pair with Sequoia on one pass California.

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Location

36.80° N, 118.69° WOpen in OpenStreetMap

Must-see spots

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Best time to visit

June–September for Cedar Grove access

Trip planner

A Kings Canyon National Park itinerary

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Field guide

Kings Canyon National Park is a U.S. National Park in California. A deep Sierra canyon next door to Sequoia.

When to go

June–September for Cedar Grove access is the window most visitors aim for. Shoulder seasons mean fewer cars at trailheads. Winter can close roads; summer can fill parking lots by 8 a.m. Check NPS alerts the night before you drive in.

How to see it

Start with general Grant Tree. Then scenic Byway into Cedar Grove. If you have a second day, zumwalt Meadow. Keep one spare hour for roaring River Falls as an easy stop.

Park practicalities

An America the Beautiful pass covers entry at most national parks. Timed-entry reservations are used at several busy parks in peak season — book those before lodging. Wildlife has the right of way; 25 yards from most animals, 100 yards from bears and wolves.

Pack this in your notes

One entrance fee covers Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Do not rush both in one afternoon.
Download offline maps. Cell service drops in most parks.
Bring layers. Elevation and wind change the day faster than the forecast.
Enter the park early. Famous lots and shuttles fill first.

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Traveler reviews

Rate and review

Nina P.

6/10

Start early in Kings Canyon National Park

Zumwalt Meadow. Roaring River Falls as an easy stop. Give Kings Canyon National Park days, not hours, and go in June–September for Cedar Grove access. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Jun 6, 2025

Jonas M.

10/10

Kings Canyon National Park is bigger than the postcard

Scenic Byway into Cedar Grove. A deep Sierra canyon next door to Sequoia. Crowds thin if you are moving at first light. June–September for Cedar Grove access is the window I would book again.

May 5, 2025

Omar K.

8/10

Start early in Kings Canyon National Park

General Grant Tree. Scenic Byway into Cedar Grove. Give Kings Canyon National Park days, not hours, and go in June–September for Cedar Grove access. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Apr 4, 2025