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HIKING

You can enjoy many of Kings Canyon’s sights from your car, but the giant gorge of the Kings River Canyon and the sweeping vistas of some of the highest mountains in the United States are best seen on foot. Carry a hiking map—available at any visitor center—and plenty of water. Check with rangers for current trail conditions, and be aware of rapidly changing weather.

If you’re planning to hike the backcountry, you can pick up a permit and information on the backcountry at Road’s End Permit Station (5 mi east of Cedar Grove Visitor Center, at the end of Kings Canyon Scenic Byway 93633 | No phone | Late May–late Sept., daily 7–3:30). You can also rent or buy bear canisters, a must for campers. When the station is closed, you can still complete a self-service permit form.

EASY

Big Stump Trail.

From 1883 until 1890, logging was done here, complete with a mill. The 1-mi loop trail, whose unmarked beginning is a few yards west of the Big Stump entrance, passes by many enormous stumps. | Trailhead near Rte. 180, Big Stump Entrance 93633.

General Grant Tree Trail.

Though General Grant Grove is rather small, at 128 acres, it’s a big deal. More than 120 sequoias here have a base diameter that exceeds 10 feet, and the grove’s signature tree is the world’s second- or third-largest (by volume). Nearby, the vanquished Confederacy is represented by the Robert E. Lee Tree, recognized as the world’s 11th-largest sequoia. | Trailhead off Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198), 1 mi northwest of Grant Grove Visitor Center 93633.

Hiking in the Sierra mountains is a thrilling experience, putting you amid some of the world’s highest trees.

Roaring River Falls Walk.

Take a shady five-minute walk to this forceful waterfall that rushes through a narrow granite chute. The trail is paved and mostly accessible. | Trailhead 3 mi east of Cedar Grove Village turnoff from Kings Canyon Scenic Byway 93633.

Fodor’s Choice | Zumwalt Meadow Trail.

Rangers say this is the best (and most popular) day hike in the Cedar Grove area. Just 1.5 mi long, it offers three visual treats: the South Fork of the Kings River, the lush meadow, and the high granite walls above, including those of Grand Sentinel and North Dome. | Trailhead 4½ mi east of Cedar Grove Village turnoff from Kings Canyon Scenic Byway 93633.

MODERATE

Big Baldy.

This hike climbs 600 feet and 2 mi up to the 8,209-feet summit of Big Baldy. Your reward is the view of Redwood Canyon. The round-trip hike is 4 mi. | Trailhead 8 mi south of Grant Grove on Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198) 93633.

Mist Falls Trail.

This sandy trail follows the glaciated South Fork Canyon through forest and chaparral, past several rapids and cascades, to one of the largest waterfalls in the two parks. Nine miles round-trip, the hike is relatively flat, but climbs 600 feet in the last mile. It takes four to five hours to complete. | Trailhead at end of Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, 5½ mi east of Cedar Grove Village 93633.

Panoramic Point Trail.

You’ll get a nice view of whale-shaped Hume Lake from the top of this Grant Grove path, which is paved and only 300 feet long. It’s fairly steep—strollers might work here, but not wheelchairs. Trailers and RVs are not permitted on the steep and narrow road that leads to the trailhead parking lot. | Trial begins at end of Panoramic Point Rd., 2.3 mi from Grant Grove Village 93633.

Redwood Canyon Trail.

Avoid the hubbub of Giant Forest and its General Sherman Tree by hiking down to Redwood Canyon, the world’s largest grove of sequoias. Opt for the trail toward Hart Tree, and you’ll soon lose track of how many humongous trees you pass along the 6-mi loop. Count on spending four to six peaceful hours here—although some backpackers linger overnight (wilderness permit required). | Trail begins off Quail Flat | Drive 5 mi south of Grant Grove on Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198), then turn right at Quail Flat; follow it 1½ mi to the Redwood Canyon trailhead 93633.

DIFFICULT

Buena Vista Peak.

For a 360-degree view of Redwood Canyon and the High Sierra, make the 2-mi ascent to Buena Vista. | Trailhead