One of the most popular sights in Kings Canyon National Park is the General Grant Tree, located in the Grant Grove of trees near the park entrance. And while it is a definite 'must-see' on a visit to Kings Canyon National Park, there is so much more to explore. Kings Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in North America and is often compared to nearby Yosemite National park, another of California's amazing parks. Sheer granite cliffs line the canyon, while the road down into the canyon follows along the mighty and roaring Kings Rivers. Throughout the park, there are amazing vistas, challenging hikes, and opportunities to explore on horseback. Visitors that want to experience the unrivaled beauty and dramatic scenery of this park will want to discover these top 6 places.
Visitors will be in awe of this sequoia grove. There are many trails that loop through and around the grove, like Sunset or Dead Giant loops where you can see meadows and even a small waterfall while marveling at these giants. In nearby Grant Grove Village, you will find the Visitor Center with educational exhibits and information about the park as well as a market and gift shop with maps, books, native American arts and crafts and more.
Also known as “The Nation’s Christmas Tree,” the General Grant tree is the second largest tree in the world. Explore the 1/3-mile paved loop trail while also enjoying other features such as the Gamlin Cabin, Fallen Monarch and Centennial Stump. In December, the annual Trek to the Tree honors the fallen men and women of the Armed Services as rangers lay a wreath at the base of the tree.
Grant Grove Stables are located just inside the park gate, about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Visalia. Take a guided horseback rides in Kings Canyon National Park. One-hour and two-hour guided trail rides are available that go through the forest and around the Giant Sequoias offering a scenic view that you are sure to remember.
Those that take the time to drive to the bottom of Kings Canyon to Cedar Grove will be rewarded with stunning views of cliffs, the canyon, the mighty Kings River and breathtaking rock formations. This area of the park is one of the least crowded but offers some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery. Head all the way to Road’s End and enjoy several hikes that are available.
This marble cave welcomes visitors to view massive stalagmites, stalactites, flowstone, and so much more. Take this 50-minute walking tour beneath the 2,000 ft. high marble walls of Kings Gate and Windy Cliffs.
Daily tours through Labor Day Weekend from 10-4. Fall Tours through October, but at shortened hours. Only groups that have booked/travelled together, no mixing of strangers. Walk up tours are not guaranteed to be available. Masks/Face coverings are required for all guides and guests inside the gift shop and cavern. Reservations are required to tour Boyden Cavern.
This stunning meadow, located inside the canyon, with high granite walls is one of the best day hikes in Kings Canyon National Park. At just 1.5 miles, this trail offers visitors views of the canyon, meadows, wildflowers, a rushing river, Giant Sequoia trees and more.
