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Kings Canyon NP - Cedar Grove

North Side Drive, Fresno County, California

Description

Kings Canyon National Park is located in the southern Sierra Nevada, just north and contiguous with Sequoia NP (both are administered together by the NPS). The majority of the park is designated wilderness with the only tourist facilities concentrated in Grant Grove and Cedar Grove. Cedar Grove is in the heart of Kings Canyon, there are several trails leaving from there, small creeks and the park's visitors center.

Access & Transport

The area can be reached only via CA-180 from Grant Grove Village. There are 3 ways to GGV: the General Highway that crosses Sequoia NP, the CA-245 coming from the south (Exeter) and the CA-180 from the west (Fresno, 2h drive away)

Instructions & Recommendations

Note that in winter the CA-180 to Cedar Grove is closed. Tire chains can be compulsory to drive into the park (and Sequoia NP), depending on snowfalls (these can be rented near the park entrance). Info here: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/winter_driving.htm

Meta review

The area is less well-known than the adjacent Sequoia NP but it receives equally good reviews pointing out that the views heading toward Cedar Grove are both breath-taking and very different from Sequoia's. Visitors there enjoy the different pace and vibe than on the eastern and southern parts (around Grant Grove and Wuksachi) and the multiple trails to explore - the Mist Falls trail is a favourite for many.

Environmental & Social

Green activity and park entrance fees are mostly used to maintain and improve the park. Details here: https://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/management/your-fee-dollars-at-work.htm

Conclusion

Peaceful and beautiful natural environment that can be enjoyed first from a car and then along various trails and creeks for all fitness levels. Difficult to beat for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts and road trippers.

Key positive

Gorgeous scenery

Not busy at all

Key negative

Time consuming to get to

Closed road in winter

Suitability

The trails are not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, but it is possible to get excellent views just driving around.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h 15m

est. visit time:2h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
$20 for one person and $35 per vehicle. Captured under 'Sequoia NP - Congress' activity
Free

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