Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon National Park in southern California is located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada region. Kings Canyon is managed jointly by the Park Service with Sequoia National Park to the south of it. These parks are considered “A Land of Giants,” with the Earth's largest trees and magnificent mountain peaks. Deep canyons and valleys add to this rugged landscape. By itself, Kings Canyon National Park encompasses nearly 463,000 acres.

Cedar Grove and Grant Grove are the park's two main areas. The largest grove of Giant Sequoias in the world is the Redwood Mountain Grove in the park. The most visited area in Kings Canyon is Grant Grove, where the famous General Grant Tree is located. It towers above the surrounding forests at 267 feet high, and was officially declared “The Nation's Christmas Tree.”

The Kings River and South Fork area of the San Joaquin River has extensive glacial canyons. Kings Canyon is more than 8,000 feet deep, making it the deepest canyon in the United States. This granite gorge was carved by glaciers in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Kings River runs through the U-shaped canyon and is a popular whitewater rafting location.

Cedar Grove is filled with gorgeous vistas. There are many nature trails winding through the grove to landmarks such as Roaring River Falls and the Zumwalt Meadow. The trail to Roaring River Falls is a shaded, 5-minute walk from a parking area to the rushing waterfall flowing out of a granite chute into an aqua pool below. The Zumwalt Meadow is a field of ponderosa pine trees with views of the Grand Sentinel and North Dome rock formations. The 1-mile trail leading around this meadow is one of the most scenic trails in Kings Canyon National Park.

Ten miles west of Cedar Grove is the Boyden Cavern. This cave has guided tours where people can explore intriguing geology such as the flowing formation called “Mother Nature's Wedding Cake.” Jennie Lakes Wilderness east of Grant Grove is a good day hiking area through forests and lowland meadows. The towering 10,365-foot Mitchell Peak is located there and can be seen from many points in the park. Kings Canyon National Park also has a 45,000-acre area set aside called Monarch Wilderness. This steep territory ranges from 950 to over 11,000 feet in elevation and crosses into Sequoia National Park.

Hiking, backpacking, fishing, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing are some of the travelers' favorite outdoor activities at both parks. The weather in this region depends on the elevation. Lower elevations have hot, dry summers and mild winters. Middle elevations (including the giant sequoia groves and forest belt) are warm during summer days with cool evenings. The higher the park location, the colder the winter temperatures, with a blanket of snow in the mountains and more precipitation.

Any time of year, the views are outstanding at both adjoined parks. This dynamic environment combines all the things that fascinate people about nature. The majority of Kings Canyon National Park is desolate backcountry with awe-inspiring scenery. It's an incredible land to explore while retaining a sense of solitude and tranquility.