Visit this western national park to observe giant sequoias, forested canyons, marble caves and abundant and unusual wildlife.
California’s Kings Canyon National Park is nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains where giant sequoias reach to the sky. In addition to these amazing trees, visit the park to see fascinating geological features of glacial canyons, caves and mountains.
Be a spelunker and explore a few of the park’s 200 identified caves. Rather than having the limestone composition of caves in eastern states, these caves are composed of marble. Here you may find unusual species of fish, insects and reptiles that have adapted to the total darkness of life underground.
Sequoia National Park and Sequoia National Forest, both nearby, and Kings Canyon National Park all have high concentrations of giant evergreen trees. Come to Kings Canyon to see the second-largest known sequoia in the United States: General Grant, with a trunk volume of 46,608 cubic feet (1,320 cubic meters). Enjoy the park in any season. As spring weather warms the area, walk on damp trails among fresh green foliage and colorful wildflowers. In summer, enjoy the canyon at its most sparkling beauty. Look for butterflies and Native American pictographs.
Enjoy the autumn colors of the park’s deciduous trees without crowds in early fall. This is the best time to hike into Redwood Canyon or get a permit for wilderness hiking in the High Sierras. Snowshoe, cross-country ski or go winter camping near General Grant Grove.
While hiking, look for the park’s abundant wildlife; 260 mammalian species have been spotted here. Small animals include pocket gophers and spotted skunks. Larger species include bobcat and American black bear. Bighorn sheep dwell on the high cliffs. Watch for native birds, such as Clark’s nutcrackers and pileated woodpeckers.
Kings Canyon National Park and nearby Sequoia National Park are adjacent parks that operate jointly to provide visitors great value. The parks are open year-round. Purchase a daily pass that allows entry to both parks or buy an annual interagency pass for access to all U.S. national parks.
Across the country, U.S. national parks offer affordable adventure for all types of travelers. Enjoy your views of sequoias and canyons at Kings Canyon National Park.