Places to Visit: Kings Canyon National Park

Mammoth Lakes California
> Getting Here
> Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon National Park

Let Mammoth Lakes act as your base camp to all your explorations in the Sierra Nevada, including Kings Canyon National Park where you can experience beautiful waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and the world’s largest trees.

  • Visit the General Sherman Tree, the largest single trunked tree on earth.
  • Drive 50 miles on the Kings Canyon Scenic byway for a breathtaking tour of the park.
  • Stay at one of the parks 14 campgrounds.

Overview

Kings Canyon National Park’s 462,901 encompass some of the most diverse terrain in the world. Visit for a chance to experience the world’s largest trees, vast caverns, and limitless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Consider combining your visit with Sequoia National Park, the parks are jointly administered and your pass is valid at both parks.

Hours/Seasons

Kings Canyon NP is open year round. During winter, many roads, park areas, and facilities are closed due to heavy snowfall.

Summer is the most popular time of year to visit as all park areas, roads, and facilities are usually open.

Fees/Cost  

  • 7-Day Vehicle pass: $20.00
  • 7-Day Single Entry Pass: $10.00
  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon Annual Pass: $30.00
  • Camping Fees range from $12 to $20 per night.

Contact Information

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, California 93271-9700
559-565-3341

Activities 

Camping
Kings Canyon has 14 campgrounds. While Lodgepole, Dorst, and certain group campgrounds are available for reservations, most are available on a first-come first-served basis. Most campgrounds are open seasonally from  June until mid-October. A few remain open year-round.

Hiking
Kings Canyon has hundreds of options for hiking. Popular trails include The Big Trees Trail in Giant Forest, the walk to Tokopah Falls in Lodgepole Village, or the Little Baldy Trail west of Wuksachi Village.

Highlights

General Grant Grove
This large grove of Giant Sequoia Tree’s is home to the General Grant tree, the second largest tree in the world. The grove covers 154 acres and offers visitors numerous opportunities for guided walks and ranger programs.

Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
This scenic drive begins in the Sierra Nevada foothills and continues for 50 miles treating visitors to turn after turn of spectacular alpine scenery.

Wolverton Snowplay Area
For the hearty souls that visit Kings Canyon during winter months, make sure to stop here and sled, ski, or snowshoe.

Getting Here

There are no roads that enter Kings Canyon National Park from the east (US-395) so you’ll have to proceed around the park and enter from the west side. From Fresno, take CA – 180 W toward Kings Canyon and follow signs for the park entrance.