Reviews

MrMeowNow

Kings Canyon National Park is a true hidden gem of the Sierra Nevada, offering dramatic landscapes, deep valleys, and towering mountains that feel almost untouched by time. The park’s centerpiece, Kings Canyon itself, is a breathtaking gorge—one of the deepest in North America—flanked by cliffs that soar thousands of feet above the valley floor. Standing in the canyon, you get a real sense of scale and the raw power of nature. The park is perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Trails like Mist Falls, Rae Lakes Loop, and Zumwalt Meadow showcase a mix of rugged terrain, lush forests, sparkling rivers, and serene meadows. The towering sequoias in the Cedar Grove area are equally impressive, offering a quieter, less crowded experience than neighboring Sequoia National Park while still showcasing these ancient giants. Wildlife is abundant, from deer and black bears to a variety of birds, making every hike feel alive and dynamic. The scenery changes with the seasons—spring brings wildflowers and rushing waterfalls, summer offers hiking and camping opportunities, and fall adds a splash of color to the forests. Kings Canyon feels vast, peaceful, and largely untouched, offering a sense of solitude that’s increasingly rare in popular parks. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the grandeur of the Sierra Nevada, whether you’re hiking, photographing, or simply soaking in the majestic landscapes.

Sneha Patil

Visiting Kings Canyon National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The towering canyon walls, massive boulders scattered along the roadside, and the serene stillness of nature create an atmosphere that’s both humbling and awe-inspiring. As you wind through the mountains, every turn reveals breathtaking views—rugged cliffs, lush forests, and dramatic drops that showcase the raw beauty of the canyon landscape. It’s a place that leaves you amazed at every moment.

Marta Stashevska

We paired it with Sequoia, Kings Canyon offers deep glacial valleys, massive sequoias, and roaring rivers. Drive the scenic byway into Kings Canyon for cliff-lined views and waterfalls. Hike Zumwalt Meadow (1.5 mi)- it’s the most popular hike to see the beautiful park- the road that takes you there is amazing as well. Less crowded than Yosemite, but just as beautiful. Fall colours were here already early October.

Phạm Mi

We had the most beautiful drive through Kings Canyon — it absolutely blew my mind! 🌲 Definitely one of California’s most underrated national parks. If you plan to drive all the way to the end of the route, give yourself at least 4 hours — there are so many gorgeous stops along the way. Slow down, soak in the nature, and don’t miss the glowing red sunsets. ❤️

lesley Galloway

Breathtaking start to finish. We loved the ease of driving through the park and seeing everything it had to offer. Visitor centres were closed due to the government shut down but we were still able to find our way to the spots we wanted to see most. I would highly recommend visiting and it’s so easy to get to kings canyon in one day. Dress in layers as it’s such a mixed climate up there. Good walking shoes advised. Pack a picnic and bring plenty water there are so may nice spots to stop. Wear had binoculars to spot wild life and check out cool rock features.

Karla Mendez

Such an awesome park and would recommend for the diversity of it. Loved the redwoods and then the drive to the valley. The whole thing is really beautiful.

Lindsay L

We went to Sequoia National park and Kings Canyon Park since they are very close to each other. Both are very beautiful places to visit. You can see sequoia forest, canyons and lake in there . there are multiple rest areas with restrooms along the roads. however it’s hard to drive on some of the winding mountain roads because they are very narrow.

Dana Velez

Such an underrated national park!! I actually think I prefer KC over Sequoia. Not as packed, and fantastic views throughout the park of the mountains and Kings River. This can be a haul to get to the actual national park so be aware if you do not like driving at night. The Muir Rock is also located in the park, which made this a must do for me.

Tiffani George

This place is incredible and will forever hold a special place in my heart. Came end of July and spent 4-days hiking the Rae Lakes Loop with our group of 4 friends. Park Service personnel we encountered were all super knowledgeable and friendly and willing to give helpful information. The views and scenery are incredible. We visited Sequoia ahead of our hike and you can feel the tone change between the two parks. Sequoia was beautiful in its own respect but the visitors in Kings Canyon had a much more "serious" outdoor enthusiast attitude and feel which I will always appreciate.

Ana Hernandez

Love this park! Have come here since I was a child. To be fair though, most national parks are just as beautiful and breathtaking. I am so grateful they have been preserved and wish more of the country had been.

Vy T. Zunker

The prettiest, deepest & most underrated canyon! If you’re going to Sequoia, Kings Canyon is a must stop, it has a whole different scenery. Driving to Road’s End is a must to see the whole canyon, gushing rivers, junction overlook with the high sierra as backdrop, and many waterfalls that is just right off the road!! Only one visitor center and one campground is open during this time. Zero service in the park and wifi at the Grant Grove Visitor Center was not reliable at all. To book the campground you must get on Recreation.gov and it was impossible for us with their wifi, however the staff at the entrance station was able to help us out. Mist Falls trail is beautiful where you can see the iconic Kings Canyon overlook. Grant Grove trail was nice as well although can get a bit crowded. Big Stumps Grove trail was definitely an underrated trail with many cool spots. If you have extra time, make the drive to Hume Lake, no crowd with beautiful views!

Daniel Druker

We visited in April 2025. We stayed in Three Rivers near the entrance to Sequoia national Park, so we visited Kings canyon via the local route through Pinehurst which took about 75 minutes driving through beautiful farm country. Visiting this park involves a lot of driving no matter what you do. The scenic driveway to the Cedar Grove area in the East of the park is beautiful and well worth it. We also stopped at Hume Lake for a picnic lunch on the way and this was a great stop. There's a gas station and snack shop at Hume Lake and it's just lovely and it's just lovely Our favorite part of Kings Canyon national Park were the waterfalls in the far East section of the park. Grizzly falls was spectacular and just a short hundred yard walk from the road. Roaring River falls was really gushing this time of year as well. The Kings River was full and flowing fast and just spectacular the whole way. We returned to Sequoia National Park via the Generals Highway which took about 2 hours. This means we visited Kings canyon in a loop which I think was the best way to do it. We visited with our Labrador retriever and like many national parks, Kings Canyon is not very dog friendly. However, dogs are allowed on any paved surfaces and within 100 yards of developed areas - this time of year there are many closed roads and all of these are paved and as such great for walking your dog. You'll also be visiting plenty of national forest lands when you're here and all national Forest trails are fully open to dogs. There are also many backpacking opportunities in Kings Canyon - it's a gateway park to the Eastern Sierra.

dorwin T

Finally made it to Kings Canyon National Park! Having been to Yosemite before, so I chose here this year. It’s truly awe-inspiring! Unfortunately, some areas were closed off and I didn’t get to see everything. No worries though—leaving some things for next time! 🌲✨

lottdance

Gorgeous. Easy to navigate. Many roads & were closed making some trails inaccessible ( mid-April) but the General Grant Trail & surroundings were fully open worth the entire trip.

Robert Gailie

Kings canyon was closed half way through at the end of march. There was another road that goes to kings canyon and the views are spectacular. The canyon is massive and absolutely stunning. The general grant tree is another really good stop with an easy walk. The fallen tunnel tree is in the same location as general grant tree. The visitor center and gift shop are nice as well and there is a lot of information in the visitor center. If you are going through sequoia do not miss out on kings canyon as well. Absolutely beautiful area to visit.