Kings Canyon National Park borders Sequoia National Park and even though they are recognized as separate, the ticket to one of them grants access to both.
Driving out of Sequoia on Generals Highway, the first stop is at Grant Grove Village. From here one can visit the Visitor Center and General Grant Grove, the most visited spot of Kings Canyon.
Grant Grove is home the National Christmas Tree and also to the world’s three largest trees (sequoias). There is a paved road which loops around these giant beauties. Expect crowds!
The tree bellow ↓ is The Fallen Monarch, as you can see it is still alive even though it fell more than 200 years ago. In the 19th century this tree provided shelter for construction crews and passing cavalry.
Most people see only this part of the park and drive out from here on 180 West, however if you are already here I’d say take a drive on 180 East (or Kings Canyon Scenic Byway), which offers spectacular mountain vistas and ends at the serene Zumwalt Meadow.
Zumwalt Meadow ↓
I named this tree ↓ Resilience
During spring you will want to make time for Grizzly Falls and Roaring River Falls which requires a short walk on a paved road.
About half way on Kings Canyon Byway, there is Boyden Cavern. I was told it was very similar to Crystal Caves, so if you were not able to get tickets in Sequoia, you might have better luck at Boyden. Keep in mind there are lots of stairs going up on the side of the mountain to the cave entrance!
Along the way if you have extra time, you can go off of 180 East and head south to Hume Lake, it is a lovely spot for a stroll and a meal.
There are several campsites within Kings Canyon both around Grant Grove Village and on the other end of the road at Cedar Grove, after all Kings Canyon is a hikers/backpackers land, as most of the park is only accessible on foot.
