5 Beautiful Recommended Hikes at Kings Canyon National Park

An untouched landscape that you have to see in person

Kings Canyon National Park, located in central California, is a beautiful and historic park that offers visitors a wide range of activities and stunning landscapes.

Established in 1890, Kings Canyon is one of the oldest parks in the country. The area was originally named General Grant National Park but, in 1940, was renamed to Kings Canyon. The park covers more than 450,000 acres and is home to some of the world’s largest giant sequoia trees, one of which is named General Grant. This giant sequoia measures over 107 feet in circumference and is thought to be more than 1,500 years old.

The park is named after the massive valley that was carved out millions of years ago by a glacier and sits over a mile deep with peaks reaching as high as 14,000 feet above sea level. In honor of the abundance of hiking trails, gorgeous valleys, rivers and many different animals that call this park home, Parks and Landmarks has five recommended trails you should absolutely check out during your time in the park.

1. Roaring River Falls

Starting off the list is a short hike but one you can’t miss out on if you love waterfalls.

Roaring River Falls is perfect for a family afternoon while getting to experience the power of one of the park’s many rivers. With huge boulders surrounding the falls and the crystal-clear water that comes from it, pictures don’t do it justice, and you need to experience this prestigious postcard-like sight for yourself.

Total Distance: 0.31 miles

Elevation Gain: 26.2 feet

Difficulty: Easy — Walking, Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Kings Canyon National Park charges a fee to enter the park and use this trail.
• This trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
• This trail is very popular, and finding parking can be difficult during the busy season.
• No dogs allowed on this trail.

2. Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls

Looking to get a better look at the river that turns into Roaring River Falls? Zumwalt Meadow is the perfect place for that.

This is a longer hike, but don’t let that intimidate you; this trail is one of the most popular in the park for its gentle grade and incredible views along Zumwalt Meadow. The stunning granite cliffs that overlook the meadow, the wildflowers that grow, and of course, seeing the river that carves through the canyon brings a sense of pure relaxation to your hike.

Total Distance: 5.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 419 feet

Difficulty: Easy — Walking, Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Kings Canyon National Park charges a fee to enter the park and use this trail.
• No dogs allowed on this trail.
• This trail can become buggy in the mornings; bug spray is recommended.
• There is little to no shade on this trail; sunscreen is recommended.

3. General Grant Trail

Looking to get closer to the giants of our world? General Grant trail takes you right up close to the second-largest tree by volume in the entire world.

Experience the history of the giant sequoias with lots of signage telling you more about their lives, how they’ve withstood the test of time, and what might be in store for their future. You’ll also learn about what the inside of the trees look like as the hike takes you through the Fallen Monarch sequoia so you can get a better understanding of how these incredible plants grow.

Total Distance: 0.68 miles

Elevation Gain: 32.8 feet

Difficulty: Easy — Walking, Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• Kings Canyon National Park charges a fee to enter the park and use this trail.
• No dogs allowed on this trail.
• This trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
• This trail is very popular, and finding parking can be difficult during the busy season.

4. Rae Lakes Loop

If you really want to experience the adventure and beauty that Kings Canyon has to offer, Rae Lakes Loop is the hike for you.

This trail will take you through multiple different landscapes and ecosystems as it winds through the canyon. You’ll see everything from sierra meadows, subalpine forests, and of course, the stunning Rae Lakes themselves. With multiple campsites along the way and an easy-to-identify, marked trail, Rae Lakes Loop is perfect for an overnight backpacking trip with friends or family.

Total Distance: 41.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 6,943 feet

Difficulty: Hard — Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• Kings Canyon National Park charges a fee to enter the park and use this trail.
• No dogs allowed on this trail.
• This is a multiday backcountry hike and requires camping equipment.
• Recommend for those with a good fitness level or previous experience with backcountry hiking.
• Bears are common on this trail; bear spray is recommended.
• Rattlesnakes are common on this trail; keep an eye on where you step when hiking.

5. Mist Falls

The background that Mist Falls provides is something that words can’t describe and pictures don’t do justice.

As you hike to the falls, you will look up in awe at the soaring canyon walls. The sound of the river getting louder as you approach the falls lets you know you are close to something special. Just make sure you wear long pants and bring plenty of bug spray, as the bugs love the view just as much as the rest of us do.

Total Distance: 8.6 miles

Elevation Gain: 879 feet

Difficulty: Moderate — Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Kings Canyon National Park charges a fee to enter the park and use this trail.
• No dogs allowed on this trail.
• This trail can become buggy in the mornings; bug spray is recommended.
• There is little to no shade on this trail; sunscreen is recommended.

Hiking these trails is an experience that you won’t want to miss out on. Each trail offers something unique, whether it be the history, the views, or the challenge, and with a little bit of planning, you are sure to have an incredible time. 

So what are you waiting for? The wonder of Kings Canyon is calling, so grab those hiking shoes, some sunscreen, and plenty of water to keep you hydrated and get ready for an adventure.

Happy hiking!