Kings Canyon National Park in Central Sierra Nevada Mountains is in a slightly remote location. This very aspect makes it more charming and less spoilt than other more frequented National Parks. You will find yourself among the mountains that has deep glaciers and canyons, innumerable lakes, rumbling waterfalls, vast green meadows and more than 20 peaks with all of them exceeding 13,000 feet. There are also six groves of giant sequoia trees towards the south of the park which the park shares with Sequoia National Park. Both are under the same administration and have similar terrain. The only point of distinction is that Sequoia National Park has more number of huge trees.

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With all the natural landscape waiting to be explored, just hoist your backpack and get, set, go. A few things you most definitely should do in Kings Canyon National Park are listed below:

Vehicular access is limited but that could turn out to be a blessing in disguise as you can embrace the geography of the place at close quarters. The granite walls around Kings Canyon that are characteristic of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, close views of the rivers and the many captivating trails do merit a look, not from a car but on your own two legs.

Some of these trails are-

Big Baldy Trail:

Along with the giant sequoia trees that are the primary attraction of Kings Canyon National Park, the park has a number of enchanting granite peaks. The highest point is at Big Baldy at a height of 8.209 feet. The hiking trail runs for about two miles, beginning from Generals Highway and leading through a scattering of pine land. The trail is easy to follow and the climb is very rewarding as you get to see views of the spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountains, the lowlands in the west and in the east, the snowy peaks of the Great Western Divide.

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Mist Falls Trail:

Mist Falls is a short series of torrents dropping from 100 feet over a steep, granite incline just where the Kings River forks south. The trail is a beaten one and it runs through two miles of meadows and woodlands gaining about 800 feet before reaching the falls. The path is bordered by lovely falls and pools.

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Big Stump Trail:

The trail starts right beside the main entrance of Kings Canyon National Park on Highway 180. It passes by wildflowers, green meadows, sequoia trees and huge stumps of old trees. It dips and gains and the loop trail is all of two miles long.

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Roaring River Falls Trail:

This trail is a short one, the only other one, besides the loop trail of Zumwait Meadows, to be so in the Cedar grove part of Kings Canyon. A five minute stroll will take you to the Roaring River Falls where the river cascades down 200 feet.

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Park Ridge Trail:

This is a parallel trail to get to the Panoramic Point which runs along a crest of a ridge awarding hikers magnificent views of the central valley and high Sierra in the west. The coastal mountains which are about 100 miles away can also be seen on a clear day. The Panoramic Point is just the place to look over miles of Grant Grove Village, a section of the Sierra Nevada and the surrounding mountains.

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Sunset and Dead Giant Trail:

This five mile trail is through thick forest areas which remain less frequented. It is to the west of Highway 180 and has many large sequoia trees and stumps of the dead ones. It leads to two lovely waterfalls, Ella Falls and Viola Falls, and you get to view the Sequoia Lake. The route is quite challenging by dipping in some places and then climbing about 900 feet.

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Hiking can also take you to paths that lead you to many waterfalls. There are seasonal as well as year around waterfalls like Roaring River Falls and Grizzly Falls, which are not to be missed. You can also check out the park’s history and other information at the Cedar Grove Visitor Center and Knapp’s Cabin. And if you get lucky you may be able to spot wildlife among the enchanting sequoia trees.