By some measures, this is the deepest canyon in the United States by over a mile and a half. With its distinctive rock outcroppings, skyscraping trees and deep valleys, this is the place where John Muir once called "a rival to Yosemite." Located right next to Sequoia National Park, this park has rivers to play in, long hikes in the Sierra Nevadas, and caves to explore, along with a touch of Sequoia trees to boot!
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
The parks are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Some park roads and roads that access more remote parts of the parks close in the winter due to snow accumulation. Rarely, extreme weather conditions may cause roads into the parks to be closed.
Entrance Fees
- $35 – Entrance - Private Vehicle
- $20 – Entrance - Per Person
- $30 – Entrance - Motorcycle
- $100 – Nonresident
Weather
Because of the extreme elevation range in the parks, weather conditions vary widely between areas. In summer, the sequoia groves have comfortable temperatures and the foothills are hot and dry. Snow lingers on high-mountain passes well into summer. In fall, conditions can range from summer-like to winter-like. Winter brings snow to sequoia groves and rain to the foothills. Be prepared for tire chain requirements. Spring is a great time to hike in the foothills and snow begins to melt at higher elevations.
Things to Do
Monarch Lake
Upper and Lower Monarch Lakes are gorgeous alpine lakes that lie at the base of Sawtooth Peak. You can hike this 10-mile route as a day hike or an as an overnight backpacking trip, but be aware that camping is only allowed several miles into your route. There is an elevation gain of 2,867 feet.
Eagle and Mosquito Lakes
Both Eagle and Mosquito lakes offer beautiful views of Mineral Kings alpine landscape. Eagle and Mosquito Lakes trails share the same route for the first 2 miles. The trail for both is 10 miles out and back with over 3,000 feet of elevation change.
Cold Springs Nature Trail
The Cold Springs Nature Trail is a great option for visitors looking for an easier trail and staying at the Cold Springs Campground. Many of the hikes in the Mineral King area are long and steep. This route is a gentle hike 3 mile (4.8 km) hike with a 500-foot elevation gain and offers a taste of the Mineral King area.
Roaring River Falls
This is a short, paved walk to a cool waterfall (literally and figuratively!) On a hot day, it’s a great place to stop because the powerful falling water creates its own wind! Watch the mist swirl through the treetops as you take a moment to relax and cool off.
Road's End
Road's End is the last stop in the Cedar Grove area, at the literal end of Highway 180. This area is the jumping off point for many high Sierra hiking trails, but also is an access point for easy trails in the valley.
Mist Falls
An 8-mile round-trip walk to this spectacular cascade makes a great all-day walk. The first miles are relatively flat and open; in the last mile the wooded trail gains 600' in elevation. Be careful once there: Mist and spray make the surrounding rocks slippery and treacherous. Too often people have slipped and fallen in here.
Getting There
Address: 47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers CA 93271
Two highways enter the parks. Hwy 180 from Fresno leads east to Kings Canyon National Park, then continues 30 miles east to Cedar Grove. Hwy 198 from Visalia leads east to Sequoia National Park via Three Rivers. Inside the parks, Highway 198 becomes the Generals Highway, which connects 198 to 180. Vehicles over 22-feet long should enter the parks via Highway 180. In winter, the Generals Highway between the parks often closes. Chains may be required on park roads. No roads cross the parks east to west.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Atwell Mill Campground
21 sites · $32/night
The campground is typically open May through October. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance. All sites are reservation only. The campground is si…
Azalea Campground
110 sites · $32/night
The campground is open year-round but has seasonal restrictions during the winter. May through October: Reservations can be made up to four months in advance. …
Buckeye Flat Campground
27 sites · $32/night
Not currently taking reservations due to past winter storm damage. Open year-round except when weather or safety conditions require a closure. Reservations can…
Canyon View Group Campground
16 sites · $50/night
The campground is typically open May through October. All sites are reservation only. Canyon View campground is located on Highway 180, 0.25 miles (400 m) from…
Cold Springs Campground
40 sites · $32/night
The campground is typically open May through October. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance. All sites are reservation only. Nestled among aspen …
Crystal Springs Campground
35 sites · $32/night
The campground is typically open May through September. Reservations can be made up to two days in advance. All sites are reservation only. Crystal Springs cam…
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Kings Canyon National Park?
The entrance fee for Kings Canyon National Park is $35. See Plan Your Visit above for vehicle, per-person, and annual-pass rates.
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Kings Canyon National Park?
Some entry windows or activities at Kings Canyon National Park require a reservation or permit. Check the Current Park Alerts and Things to Do sections above, and confirm on the official NPS site before you go.
When is Kings Canyon National Park open?
The parks are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Some park roads and roads that access more remote parts of the parks close in the winter due to snow accumulation. Rarely, extreme weather conditions may cause roads into the parks to be closed.
What are the best things to do in Kings Canyon National Park?
Popular things to do in Kings Canyon National Park include Monarch Lake, Eagle and Mosquito Lakes, Cold Springs Nature Trail, Roaring River Falls. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in Kings Canyon National Park?
Yes — Kings Canyon National Park has 15 campgrounds, including Atwell Mill Campground, Azalea Campground, Buckeye Flat Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.