Why visit Kings Canyon National Park? That was the question on my mind when Visit Visalia invited Julie and me to explore three California regions comprising four national parks.
I was excited about Yosemite, Sequoia, and Channel Islands, but Kings Canyon was an afterthought. Ironically, the park I was least excited to see was my favorite.
Is Kings Canyon worth visiting? Absolutely! Here are six reasons it should be on your travel bucket list.
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Kings Canyon Combines the Best Elements of Yosemite and Sequoia
While Yosemite National Park is primarily known for its towering granite cliffs, Sequoia National Park is renowned for its giant sequoias. Kings Canyon quietly showcases both of these natural wonders in abundance. The park’s hiking trails allow you to brush beside both for an up close and personal experience.
Kings Canyon is Deeper than the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is America’s most famous canyon and one of our most iconic landmarks. It reaches a depth of about 6,000 feet. Kings Canyon seems to be a secret, but its canyon plunges to 8,200 feet. And, best of all, you can drive to the bottom along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. The road is full of twists and turns as you wind down into the canyon, but you will never forget the breathtaking views and the exhilarating ride.
Kings Canyon Has Small Crowds
According to National Park Service visitation statistics, Yosemite National Park receives roughly 4 million visitors annually, and Sequoia welcomes approximately 1 million. Kings Canyon, overshadowed by its neighbors, typically draws between 600,000 to 700,000 visitors per year. Imagine walking under giant sequoias and admiring massive granite cliffs with fewer people.
See the World’s 2nd Largest Tree
Located near the front of the park, the General Grant Tree is the world’s second-largest tree by volume. An easy 0.5-mile loop takes you around the tree, where you can see its fire scar and appreciate its size and durability. One of America’s most peaceful forests provides you with unique opportunities. In and near the General Grant Grove, you can walk through a fallen tree tunnel and climb atop massive tree stumps.
Kings Canyon Has Dark Skies
Many overlook the fact that Kings Canyon has dark skies. It is an excellent place for stargazing. Each year, Kings Canyon and Sequoia jointly host a weekend-long Dark Sky Festival with various activities in each park. As beautiful as Kings Canyon is during the day, its night skies are just as alluring.
Two Parks for the Price of One
Although two separate parks, the National Park Service manages Kings Canyon and Sequoia jointly. You gain entrance to the other when you pay the admission fee for one park. The standard entrance fee is $35 per vehicle and is valid for 7 days. It gives you the perfect opportunity to explore Sequoia National Park, a stone’s throw away.
You can expand your national park adventures by driving the Majestic Mountain Loop. That way, you can visit Yosemite, a third park, in a trip lasting a few days to a week.
Where to Stay for your Kings Canyon Visit
Julie and I stayed in Visalia, the perfect gateway community for Kings Canyon and Sequoia. Visalia’s walkable downtown area features lovely murals and pays homage to the city’s relationship with Sequoia National Park. Many restaurants are nearby, and Fox Theatre is a unique landmark movie place and theater. The drive to Kings Canyon is a little over an hour, and it takes about 45 minutes to Sequoia National Park.
Tips for Visiting Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon has two primary sections: Grant Grove and Zumwalt Meadow/Cedar Grove. Grant Grove is at the front of the park, and Zumwalt Meadow is near Roads End at the bottom of the park’s namesake canyon.
Both areas offer natural beauty and excellent hiking trails. The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is a thrilling drive with side adventures between the two exploration areas. You can easily explore all that Kings Canyon offers in one day.
While Kings Canyon is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, some park sections often close in winter. The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is typically open from mid-May through mid-October. Visit the official Kings Canyon National Park site to verify conditions before your trip.
We recommend staying in Visalia, the perfect gateway town for Kings Canyon and Sequoia. There, you will find plenty of delicious food and entertainment.
Plan Your Kings Canyon National Park Adventure
Kings Canyon offers breathtaking scenery with its giant sequoias, rugged granite mountains, and the Kings River rushing over boulders into the deep canyon. Imagine walking under some of the planet’s biggest trees and driving into a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon. The underrated park is calling your name, offering the adventure of a lifetime.
Featured image credit: Miles with McConkey
