Kings Canyon National Park
Best Time to Visit There
Winter (June-August)
In winter, the temperature fluctuates from 7°C to 22°C, but the nights become freezing. Winter is the busiest time, and in the morning or evening, you can enjoy Kings Canyon Rim Walk. People who love hiking enjoy it in winter with the desert view. Keep in mind that the prices of flights and reservations are premium.
Summer (December-February)
The temperature is high, ranging from 22°C to 36°C, and precipitation is low. However, summer is dry and hot, and January is the time for rain. If you want to enjoy the walk, start early in the morning and bring some water to keep yourself hydrated. The outbreak of flies in summer is natural, so be manageable.
Autumn (March-May) and Spring (September-November)
Spring and autumn are favorable for visitors due to the tolerable temperature ranging from 16°C to 31°C. Days are warm, but nights are cool. Make sure to keep suitable clothing. The scenic beauty of the orange landscape that turns into pink and the flowering of wattles, grevilleas, and hakeas is stunning.
Things to Know About the Park
Sequoia National Park is America’s second oldest national park. It was established on September 25, 1890, and General Grant National Park was established on October 1, 1890. In 1940, the land of General Grant National Park was adjoined to Kings Canyon National Park. Since 1943, Sequoia and Kings Canyon have been administered together. It is located in California and expands an area of 461,901 acres. In 1976, UNESCO designated Kings Canyon National Park as an International Biosphere Reserve as the best example of “South Sierran oak woodlands, chaparral, mixed conifer forests, subalpine and alpine environments.”
Directions
You can enter through two highways:
- Highway 180 from Fresno leads east to Kings Canyon National Park.
- Highway 198 from Visalia leads east to Sequoia National Park.
The nearest airport is Mammoth Yosemite Airport.
Entry Fees
Visitors must have one of these entrance passes:
- Standard Pass: $20-$35
- Annual Pass: $70
- America the Beautiful Pass: Free-$80 (includes senior passes)
Accommodations
Kings Canyon National Park Lodging
- John Muir Lodge
- Grant Grove Cabins
- Cedar Grove Lodge
- Bearpaw Camp
Sequoia National Park Lodging
- Wuksachi Lodge
Places to Visit in Kings Canyon National Park
Sequoia and Kings Canyon adjoin each other and work as one national park. They have five wonderful areas: Foothills, Mineral King, Giant Forest & Lodgepole, Grant Grove, and Cedar Grove. Grant Grove and Giant Forest are the habitats of the largest sequoia groves. The Mineral King and Cedar Grove areas only open from spring to fall, but the other areas remain open through summer and winter. The lower elevation area is Foothills, which is usually free from snow all year round.
- Grant Grove
This area was developed in 1890 to conserve sequoias. There are many hiking trails around the grove. At the Dead Giant Loop, you can witness a small waterfall and meadows. You will see the General Grant Tree, which is the second-largest tree in the world, here at the Grant Tree Trail. Stunning vistas and sunset views are incredible. The higher elevation features warm days and cool nights in summer and cold temperatures in winter. You may visit the Visitor Center in Grant Grove village for informative exhibitions. Market, gift shop, restaurant, and post office are available in the village. There are also accommodation facilities in John Muir Lodge or in a rustic cabin. Camping, hiking, and horse riding are popular recreational activities.
- The Giant Forest and Lodgepole
The giant sequoia grove is found only in the southern part of Sierra Nevada. The world’s largest living tree, General Sherman Tree, is here. Hiking trails are generally within the sequoia grove and meadows. The area is featured by Moro Rock, Tunnel Log, and High Sierra Trail. The Big Tree Trail is the easiest trail and flexible for families. There is also the Giant Forest Museum, which provides exhibits, park information, and a store. In the Lodgepole area, there is a campground and visitor center, a market, and a deli in the Lodgepole Village. You can benefit from the service of Wuksachi Lodge and Restaurant. The Lodgepole trails are accessible to view alpine lakes and High Sierra.
- Cedar Grove
This glaciated valley offers cliffs, stunning canyons, the Kings River, and powerful rock formations. North and Grand Sentinel are two iconic rock formations. Adventurous trails give the visitors enormous hiking opportunities. Like other areas, its visitor center provides informative information to plan your trip. This serves as a starting point for ranger-led programs and evening programs as well.
- Mineral King
It is the highest place at 7,800 feet, which is accessible by vehicles. Dense pine forests, sequoia and fir, colorful granite, and shale landscapes are prominent in Mineral King subalpine valley. The Mineral King Station provides you with maps, first aid, and information about wilderness permits and trails. In spring and fall, the weather is cold with snowfall, but summer is warm. You can stay at Silver City Mountain Resort with lodging facilities. Be careful about marmots as they may damage vehicles.
- The Foothills
The Foothills area is just inside the park entrance and beautifies the landscapes with plants and wildflowers. In winter and spring, precipitation is expected, and summer is hot and dry. Hiking trails are available around the Kaweah River. There is a picnic area, campground, and visitors center. The visitor center is just one mile from the park entrance.
Things to Do in the Park
- Explore sequoia groves
- Camping
- Overnight backpacking
- Picnic
- Hiking
- Scenic drive
- Wildlife watching
- Fishing
- Horseback riding
- Rock climbing
- Visiting visitor centers
- Ranger programs
Advantages of Visiting the Park
- Huge area
- Conservation of wilderness
- Enhances tourism
- Various outdoor activities
Disadvantages
- Air pollution
- Climate change
- Risk to biodiversity
- Hot temperatures in summer
Achievements and Suggestions
Kings Canyon is the habitat of Redwood Canyon, the largest remaining grove of sequoia trees. This glaciated landscape features mountain ranges, beautiful waterfalls, the world’s biggest tree, and the deepest canyon in America. The park has service centers in each distinct part along with restaurants, shops, and parking. You can enjoy 800 miles of hiking trails, campgrounds, driving options, and stargazing to enjoy the nights. If you are planning to visit the park during peak season, make sure you get your reservation in advance. Try not to disturb or harm the wilderness while visiting. If you are staying in the campground, carry your essential equipment. You can only make fires in designated fire rings. Choose your suitable time and enjoy your trip to Kings Canyon National Park.
