Are you looking for the ultimate Kings Canyon itinerary? Lucky you! You are in the right spot. Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, this park is often overshadowed by its famous neighbors, Sequoia and Yosemite, but it’s every bit as beautiful and much less crowded. John Muir called Kings Canyon “a rival to Yosemite,” and after spending a week exploring its trails, rivers, and forests, we wholeheartedly agree. This park has all the jaw-dropping scenery you’d expect from the Sierras, but with far fewer crowds and a sense of untouched wilderness that’s hard to find elsewhere.
In this guide, we’ll take you through our personal favorite spots in the national park, share tips from our experience, and help you plan an unforgettable Kings Canyon itinerary. Whether you’re here for the day or planning a longer adventure, Kings Canyon is a place that will leave you in awe. If you are planning on combining your trip with a visit to Sequoia National Park, make sure to review our Sequoia National Park itinerary: Sequoia National Park Itinerary: Best Hikes, Must-See Viewpoints and Where to Stay
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Table of Contents
One National Park, Two National Parks?
Kings Canyon National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It is divided in an upper part, which is adjacent to Sequoia National Park, and a lower part which is located directly inside the canyon itself. Due to their proximity, Sequoia and Kings Canyon are managed jointly by the National Park Service. The map below shows the outlines of the parks. The orange outline shows Sequoia National Park, the blue outline shows Kings Canyon National Park.
This article will focus on the blue outlines only. We will cover both, the more known upper part of Kings Canyon, featuring General Grant, and the less crowded canyon part, featuring Zumwalt Meadows.
Day 1 of Your Kings Canyon Itinerary: Our Personal Highlights
Zumwalt Meadow: A Peaceful Escape in Cedar Grove
We highly recommend starting your Kings Canyon itinerary with Zumwalt Meadow. Going early in the morning will allow you to enjoy this part of the park without crowds and you might even be able to spot some wildlife. This easy, 1.5-mile hike is perfect for soaking in the beauty of the park without the hustle of larger crowds. You will walk along the South Fork Kings River, cross a charming wooden bridge, and walk along the lush green meadow surrounded by towering granite peaks.
The solitude and tranquility of Zumwalt Meadow makes this a perfect introduction to Kings Canyon, setting the tone for the rest of our adventure. When we visited, we were completely blown away how remote this easily accessible trail feels.
Please note: As of summer 2024, part of the Zumwalt Meadow loop is closed until further notice. You can still enjoy the hike as an out-and-back hike and see beautiful views.
Knapp’s Cabin: History with a View
This small, unassuming cabin offers what might be the best back porch views in all of Kings Canyon and is a great short stop in your Kings Canyon itinerary. Set against the backdrop of the towering canyon walls and the meandering river below, it’s easy to see why Knapp chose this spot for his wilderness retreat. It is an easy, very short walk from the parking lot. Make sure to go inside and around the cabin – the best views are in the back.
Roaring River Falls: A Hidden Gem in the Canyon
The next stop on your Kings Canyon itinerary is tucked away in a serene corner of the canyon. The powerful Roaring River Falls cascades through a narrow granite chute, creating a dramatic and mesmerizing display. It is again just a short walk from the parking area and a must-see on any Kings Canyon itinerary. The sound of the rushing water, combined with the surrounding lush greenery, creates an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, offering a perfect moment of reflection in the midst of your adventure. While this is a fairly popular point of interest, you might be lucky like us and get the spot to yourself for a few minutes.
General Grant Grove: A Walk Among Giants
Of course, no visit to Kings Canyon is complete without standing in awe beneath the giant sequoias in General Grant Grove. Home to the General Grant Tree – the nation’s official Christmas tree and the second-largest sequoia by volume – this grove is nothing short of magical. The trail is a short, easy loop, making it accessible to everyone, but the experience is anything but ordinary.
The true highlight will be walking through a hollowed-out sequoia, which feels like stepping into another world. It’s not every day you get to walk inside a tree that’s been around for thousands of years! We, personally, also appreciated that General Grant Grove was less crowded than the more famous groves in Sequoia National Park, allowing us to enjoy the serenity of these ancient giants.
Day 2 of Your Kings Canyon Itinerary: Escape The Crowds
Mist Falls: A Refreshing Waterfall Hike
For the second day of your Kings Canyon itinerary, we highly recommend venturing deeper into the Canuon. Mist Falls is a moderate 9-mile round-trip trail and will take you into the backcountry. This trail offers stunning views and a refreshing reward at the end.
The first part of the trail is relatively easy, winding through forested areas with mountains rising dramatically on either side. As you follow the river, the trail will become more rugged, leading you through lush, almost rainforest-like sections.
The final stretch of the hike is where things get exciting – you’ll climb stone steps, pass roaring rapids, and finally arrive at Mist Falls. True to its name, the falls are surrounded by a cooling mist that was a welcome relief after the hike. We started around 6:30am on a weekend and had the falls to ourselves. We enjoyed a quiet coffee break before heading back down.
Pro-Tip: we recommend to start early as the air becomes thick quickly with the warming sun. Mosquitos are VERY active on this trail, do yourself a favor and bring bug nets – we use these ones and they have seriously saved quite a few of our hikes.
Swimming in the South Fork Kings River
If you visit on a warm summer day, there’s nothing better than cooling off with a swim in the South Fork Kings River. But beware, swimming in the river is only safe in certain spots. In most areas, the current is too strong to safely enter. Make sure to obey the posted signage.
One of our favorite spots was near Zumwalt Meadow, where the river is calm and clear, perfect for a refreshing dip. Just be prepared – the water is icy, even in the middle of summer, but the stunning surroundings more than make up for it.
After your swim, you can take a walk along the Zumwalt Meadow trail, enjoying the peacefulness and majestic beauty of your surroundings. If you’re looking for a way to relax and connect with nature, we highly recommend spending some time by the river.
Scenic Drives and Hidden Gems: An Alternative Way of Exploring The Park
Kings Canyon Scenic Byway: A Drive Through Nature’s Majesty
If you are not really feeling up to hiking, go check out our Kings Canyon Road Trip itinerary. One of the most breathtaking drives we’ve ever taken was along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. This 50-mile road winds through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Sierra Nevada. You’ll see towering peaks, deep valleys, and the crystal-clear Kings River along the way. Make sure to stop at several pullouts to take in the views, snap some photos, and just soak in the sheer beauty of the canyon.
Practical Tips Your Kings Canyon Itinerary
Best Time To Visit Kings Canyon
The best time to visit Kings Canyon is from June through August, when the weather is warm and the trails are fully accessible. Spring brings wildflowers and flowing rivers, while fall offers cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage. In winter, parts of Hwy 180 are closed and hence, the lower part of Kings Canyon is not accessible. We visited in late June and found it to be the perfect balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds.
What to Pack for Your Kings Canyon Itinerary
Packing for Kings Canyon requires a bit of planning as amenities are limited, especially if you’re venturing into the lower part of Kings Canyon. Here’s what we recommend:
- Plenty of Water or a Filtration System: Hydration is key, especially on longer hikes like Mist Falls.
- Layered Clothing: Temperatures can vary widely, so bring layers to stay comfortable.
- Bug Spray and Bug Head Net: The bugs, especially near Mist Falls, can be relentless.
- Sturdy Hiking Boots: The terrain can be rough, so make sure you have good footwear.
- Snacks and Meals: There are no restaurants within the park, so bring enough food to keep you fueled.
Where to Stay and Stock Up
While there are campgrounds within the park, we chose to camp just outside the boundaries in the National Forest areas, where free dispersed camping is allowed. These sites offer a bit more solitude and are a great option if you’re looking to save on camping fees. If you prefer something more established, Princess Campground or the Grant Grove Cabins are excellent choices.
Before heading into the park, we stocked up on essentials at the Grant Village General Store, which has everything you need for a few days in the wilderness. The store is well-stocked with groceries, camping supplies, and souvenirs, so you won’t have to worry if you forget something.
Dog-Friendly Adventures
While dogs aren’t allowed on the trails within Kings Canyon National Park, there are plenty of dog-friendly hikes and activities in the surrounding National Forest. We have put together a separate guide to help you find the best spots to explore with your furry friend. You can read our recommendations here: Exploring Sequoia National Forest: The Perfect Base for National Park Adventures with Dogs
Responsible Outdoor Recreation
Responsible outdoor recreation is about minimizing your impact on nature while enjoying its beauty. By following the 7 Leave No Trace Principles, we can protect the environment and preserve it for future generations. These principles include: planning ahead, traveling and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly, leaving what you find, minimizing campfire impact, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of others. Practicing these habits ensures that our adventures leave the wilderness as pristine as we found it, safeguarding the ecosystem for others.
FAQs About Your Kings Canyon Itinerary
Is Kings Canyon as crowded as Yosemite?
No, one of the best things about Kings Canyon is that it offers similar stunning scenery to Yosemite but with far fewer crowds. We found plenty of opportunities for solitude, especially on the longer hikes and in the Cedar Grove area.
What’s the best way to see wildlife in Kings Canyon?
Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to spot wildlife. It is not uncommon to see deer, marmots or black bears in the area.
Can you swim in the rivers in Kings Canyon?
Yes, in specific areas. The South Fork Kings River near Zumwalt Meadow is a great spot for a refreshing swim. However, other areas have very strong currents and swimming is prohibited. Make sure to obey the posted signage and consult a ranger if you are in doubt.
Is there cell service in Kings Canyon?
Cell service is very limited within the park, especially in the deeper canyon areas. We recommend downloading maps and any other necessary information before you arrive.
What are the entry fees for Kings Canyon?
The entry fee is $35 for 7 days, which also covers Sequoia National Park. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, entry is free.
Is there a place to buy supplies in Kings Canyon National Park?
Yes, the Grant Village General Store is a convenient spot to stock up on groceries, camping gear, and other essentials before heading deeper into the park.
Final Thoughts on the perfect Kings Canyon Itinerary
Kings Canyon National Park is a place of stunning natural beauty, offering everything from towering sequoias to rushing rivers and peaceful meadows. Whether you’re driving the scenic byway, hiking to a misty waterfall, or simply soaking in the serenity of Zumwalt Meadow, Kings Canyon is a destination that deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.
We absolutely loved our time here, and we’re already planning our next visit. If you’re looking for an adventure that combines breathtaking scenery, solitude, and the true essence of the Sierra Nevada, Kings Canyon is the place to be.
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