Kings Canyon National Park is often overlooked for neighboring Sequoia National Park, but it’s worth a visit. With 460,000 acres in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, the park has giant sequoia groves, alpine wilderness, rushing rivers, and its namesake canyon—one of the deepest in North America.
A Canyon Carved by Ice
I’ll admit, I didn’t realize at first that Kings Canyon is actually one of the deepest canyons in the country. The name hints at it, but standing at the rim, the truth sinks in. It’s a place that humbles you.
The park is named after the Kings River, which was originally called the Río de los Santos Reyes, or “River of the Holy Kings,” by Spanish explorers. Over time, it became simply the Kings River, and the spectacular canyon carved around it eventually became known as Kings Canyon.
The canyon drops away from the Sierra Nevada peaks, plunging more than 8,000 feet down—a depth that’s even greater than the Grand Canyon, though not as long. It reminds me of Yosemite Valley, but here, the silence is thicker and the crowds are few. There’s space to breathe and let your thoughts wander. From the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks to the canyon floor, Kings Canyon stretches more than 8,200 feet deep, making it one of the deepest canyons in North America. It’s deeper than the Grand Canyon’s 6000 feet, though the Grand Canyon is much longer. It’s similar in appearance to Yosemite Valley (3,500 feet), but much less crowded. The scenery transforms from ancient sequoia groves into dramatic cliffs, rushing rivers, and rugged mountain wilderness, making Kings Canyon feel like two national parks in one.
Wildlife in Kings Canyon National Park
The park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Visitors may spot:
- Black bears
- Mule deer
- Bobcats
- Coyotes
- Marmots
- Bighorn sheep
- More than 250 species of birds
As with neighboring Sequoia National Park, black bears are a frequent sight, so use caution if you’re camping. I didn’t see any in Kings Canyon, but I did in Sequoia. The only animals I spotted in Kings were deer. See video.
Hike Through Giant Sequoia Forests
Even though the wilderness here feels endless, some of the best walks among the giant sequoias are surprisingly gentle and easy to reach.
The General Grant Tree Trail is perfect for first-time visitors, while nearby trails such as the North Grove Loop provide a quieter walk among ancient sequoias.
See One of the World’s Largest Trees: General Grant
The centerpiece of Kings Canyon National Park, IMO, is the General Grant Tree, the second-largest tree on Earth by volume. Estimated to be around 1,700 years old, it stands over 267 feet tall with a massive base nearly 29 feet wide. My living room isn’t that big.
General Grant tree, like its namesake general, has earned several honorary titles throughout history. In 1926, it was declared the Nation’s Christmas Tree, and in 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower designated it a National Shrine, making it the only living national shrine in the United States. The designation honors members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have given their lives in service.
The trail to General Grant is an easy loop that winds through Grant Grove. Along the way, you pass giants that have stood for centuries and the Fallen Monarch, a tree that feels more like a monument than a log.
No picture can do justice to the size and immense presence of a giant sequoia. It’s one of those rare things in the world you must see for yourself, especially if you require humbling.
The Fallen Monarch
One of the most fascinating stops along Grant Trail is the Fallen Monarch, an enormous giant sequoia estimated to be over 2,000 years old. Unlike other fallen trees that quickly decay, giant sequoias are naturally resistant to insects, rot and disease. As a result, the Fallen Monarch has remained remarkably well preserved for centuries.
In the late 1800s, before the giant sequoias were widely protected, the hollow trunks were even used as horse stables and shelters by early travelers.
Discover the Massive Mark Twain Tree
There’s a sadder story here too—the Mark Twain Tree. Once one of the largest sequoias, now only a massive stump remains. Standing on it, I felt the weight of what was lost and the story it still tells.
Loggers cut it down in 1891, back when people thought these ancient trees were just lumber waiting to be claimed. I can’t imagine seeing them that way. Thankfully, we’ve learned to protect what’s left.
Named after the celebrated American author Mark Twain, the Mark Twain Tree, along with many other giant sequoias, sparked public outrage and helped strengthen the growing movement to protect these groves.
Now, you can stand on that stump and try to picture the tree that once touched the sky. It’s a powerful reminder of why these forests matter, and how easily they could have vanished if not for those who fought to save them.
Not-so-fun fact: The American Museum of Natural History in New York City wanted a cross-section of Giant Sequoia for display. The Mark Twain was chosen to provide the slab. Another slab went by ship to the British Museum in London. Through this huge tree’s sacrifice, many people far from California could marvel at the immensity of sequoias without traveling.
The Logging That Nearly Destroyed the Giant Sequoias
It’s hard to imagine today, but many giant sequoia groves were heavily logged during the late 1800s. Loggers believed the enormous trees would produce valuable lumber, but they quickly discovered that giant sequoia wood is surprisingly brittle. Many trees shattered upon impact with the ground, leaving much of the timber unusable.
Whole forests disappeared before anyone realized what was slipping away.
In 1890, Congress established Sequoia National Park and General Grant National Park to protect the remaining giant sequoias. General Grant National Park was later incorporated into Kings Canyon National Park when it was created in 1940.
Now, when I walk among these trees, I try to imagine the ancient forests that once stretched across the Sierra Nevada. It’s like stepping into a memory that isn’t mine, but I feel it all the same.
Drive the Spectacular Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
After leaving the main grove behind, I found that just driving through the park became its own kind of adventure.
Highway 180, the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, twists and drops from the sequoia forests down into the granite heart of the canyon. The road hugs cliffs, passes waterfalls and rapids, and opens up to mountain views that made me want to pull over and just stare. The drive is thrilling, a little nerve-wracking, and completely unforgettable.
When I drove through, the road was almost empty. It felt like I had the whole canyon to myself. It got my nerves and adrenaline going.
Popular stops along the drive include:
- Grizzly Falls
- Roaring River Falls
- Zumwalt Meadow
- Junction View Overlook
- Boyden Cavern
If you’re planning a winter visit, know that snow can close parts of Highway 180. It’s worth checking the road conditions before you go.
Explore Boyden Cavern
Boyden Cavern is a cave you can go inside on a guided tour, and it’s one of the park’s most unique things to see.
Visitors go underground through chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and other cave formations created over millions of years. The cave stays cool year-round, making it a refreshing stop during the hot days.
A unique feature of Boyden Cavern is that one section of the cave is directly over the roaring South Fork of the Kings River, allowing visitors to hear and even see the river flowing beneath them.
Visit Kings Canyon and Sequoia Together
Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are neighbors, their boundaries blurring together. Most people visit both in one trip, and I did too. Together, they shelter the last great sequoia forests and offer landscapes that feel worlds apart.
I spent two days exploring both parks, mostly because I couldn’t resist the trails. You could do it in one if you’re short on time—walk beneath General Sherman in Sequoia, then head north to stand under General Grant, drive the scenic byway, and wander through Boyden Cavern.
If you’re a tree lover, the two parks offer one of California’s greatest national park experiences. Whether you’re chasing giant sequoias, scenic mountain drives, hidden caves, or peaceful hiking trails, visiting both parks creates an unforgettable journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kings Canyon National Park
Absolutely. Kings Canyon National Park offers giant sequoia groves, scenic mountain drives, waterfalls, caves, and one of the deepest canyons in North America. While neighboring Sequoia National Park often overshadows it, many visitors appreciate its quieter trails and fewer crowds.
Yes. The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (Highway 180) takes visitors from Grant Grove deep into Kings Canyon, passing waterfalls, granite cliffs, scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and Boyden Cavern. You can exit either side of the park.
No. The General Sherman Tree in neighboring Sequoia National Park is the largest tree on Earth by volume. The General Grant Tree ranks second.
The General Grant Tree is the park’s most famous attraction. It is the second-largest tree in the world by volume and has been designated the Nation’s Christmas Tree and a National Shrine. The Mark Twain stump is also worth seeing.
One full day is enough to visit Grant Grove, see the General Grant Tree, and drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. If you want to hike, visit Boyden Cavern, or explore the backcountry, plan for two or more days.
Yes. The two parks share a boundary and are managed together by the National Park Service. Most visitors explore both parks during the same vacation, often spending one or two days in each.
Let’s Connect!
Sign up for Email or see more photos on Social Media
