Top Things to Do in Kings Canyon National Park
Last Updated on November 5, 2025 by Polly Dimitrova
Many travelers visiting Sequoia National Park often overlook its neighboring gem, Kings Canyon National Park. This hidden treasure offers dramatic canyons, pristine wilderness, and fewer crowds, making it a perfect destination for families and nature lovers alike.
If you are just planning your visit, this guide covers the best things to do in Kings Canyon National Park—from easy hikes and scenic viewpoints to waterfalls, meadows, and must-see spots along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. Whether you are exploring with toddlers or seeking a solo adventure, these must-see sights in Kings Canyon will help you plan an unforgettable adventure and make the most of your time in the park.
General Grant Tree
Distance: 1 mile round trip
Difficulty: Easy
No visit to Kings Canyon National Park would be complete without seeing the marvelous General Grant Tree. Widely known as the “Nation’s Christmas Tree”, it is also the world’s second-largest tree by volume and one of the most famous sequoias in both the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
The tree stands at an astonishing 267 feet tall and 29 feet wide at its base, making it nearly impossible to take in all at once. What makes this spot especially appealing is its accessibility. You can find the General Grant Tree in the Grant Grove section of Kings Canyon National Park. The tree sits along a gentle, paved loop that meanders through an impressive stand of ancient sequoias, making the walk both easy and breathtaking. The General Grant Tree is among the most popular sights and one of the best things to see in Kings Canyon National Park.
Note: Do not miss the Fallen Monarch – one of the spots along the trail. This massive hollow sequoia log allows visitors to walk through a sequoia. Kids especially love exploring it, and it is a fascinating reminder of just how enormous these trees truly are.
Big Stump Loop Trail
Distance: 1.5-mile loop
Difficulty: moderate
The Big Stump Loop Trail is a walk through both beauty and history. This 2-mile loop passes through a meadow filled with the remains of massive sequoia stumps, left behind from logging in the late 1800s before the area was protected. It was a bittersweet experience for me personally— standing among the remains, you can’t help but reflect on how close these incredible trees came to extinction. At the same time, the trail is peaceful, scenic, and far less crowded than many of the park’s other highlights.
Our 2-year-old actually loved this trail. The mostly flat path (with a few downhill sections) made it manageable, and he especially enjoyed climbing on top of the stumps where possible and using some of the hollow ones as tunnels to play peek-a-boo. It could be surprisingly fun trail for families balancing history with a chance to let kids explore freely.
Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
Many visitors who decide to plan a visit to both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in one trip, do not even realize that Kings Canyon is actually divided into two different areas – smaller Grant Grove region and the vast, largely untouched wilderness around Cedar Grove.
The two areas are connected by one of the most stunning drives I have ever experienced in my life – the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (Highway 180). While much of the route technically passes through Sequoia National Forest (and is not part of any national park), the scenery along the way makes it one of the most unforgettable experiences in the park and an absolute must-do. For us, this drive was what truly made Kings Canyon National Park unforgettable.
Stretches about 30 miles one way along winding roads, Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is not always the easiest drive — especially with an always active toddler in the back seat. Despite the challenges, every twist and turn is rewarded with breathtaking scenery. Towering cliffs, sparkling rivers, and deep canyon vistas make the drive absolutely worth it. On the bright side there are multiple overlooks and pull-off spots where you can stop, let the little ones run around, and stretch your legs while taking in the incredible scenery.
Grizzly Falls
Distance: 80 Feet
Difficulty: Easy
Right off the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, Grizzly Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Kings Canyon National Park. The waterfall drops about 80 feet, and the best part is how close it is to the parking area—you can reach it in just a few steps along a flat path.
For many visitors, Grizzly Falls is a quick stop to stretch their legs before continuing the drive. But for us, it turned into a highlight, especially with our 2-year-old. Since the path is short and flat, he was able to walk all the way to the falls by himself, which he absolutely loved. At the base, he had fun splashing around the shallow river area and dipping his hands into the cool water. It is a simple stop, but if you are traveling with little ones, it is the perfect spot to let them explore safely while you soak in the beauty of the falls.
Roaring River Falls
Distance: 0.3-miles
Difficulty: Easy
Just a short drive past Grizzly Falls, you will find another top sight to see in Kings Canyon National Park – Roaring River Falls. True to its name, this powerful waterfall gushes through a narrow granite chute before spilling into a calm pool at the base.
The walk to the falls is very short—only about 0.3-miles, mostly flat trail—making it another easy and rewarding stop, especially with kids. Our toddler had no trouble walking to the viewing area on his own, and he loved standing close enough to feel the mist from the rushing water. The sound of the falls is thunderous in spring and early summer, and the pool below makes for a beautiful photo spot.
We actually ended up doing this trail three or four times in a row. The first time, we realized as we were heading back that we had left our camera sitting on the rocks near the falls. Our son was thrilled to walk back up for another look, and after climbing around the rocks, he turned the whole thing into a game—running up and down the trail again and again. Compared to most visitors, we probably spent way too much time here, but for him, this ended up being the highlight of the day.
Boyden Cavern
Did you know that Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are home to more than 200 caves? While most of them are not open to the public, Boyden Cavern is one you can actually explore. Located right off the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, this marble cave sits beneath dramatic cliffs and offers a guided 45-minute tour through incredible formations.
It could be a fun stop if you are looking to break up your day of waterfalls and meadows with something totally different. We didn’t think it is appropriate for our 2-year-old son at the time of our visit, so we actually did not get to see it. Definitely adding it to my list for a future visit. While it could be a very memorable experience for older kids and adults alike, keep in mind it operates seasonally. Click here for more information on working hours and entrance fees.
Zumwalt Meadow
One of the most beautiful spots and one of the best things to do in Kings Canyon is visit Zumwalt Meadow, located deep along the Scenic Byway near the end of the road at Cedar Grove. This serene meadow is surrounded by towering granite cliffs, lush forest, and the Kings River winding through the valley floor—almost like a miniature Yosemite Valley, but without the heavy crowds.
The Zumwalt Meadow Trail is a relatively easy 1.5-mile loop, mostly flat, that takes you through the meadow and along boardwalks with incredible views of the surrounding canyon walls. Depending on the season, you might find wildflowers, golden grasses, or snow-dusted peaks in the background, making this trail gorgeous year-round.
What makes Zumwalt Meadow especially great for families is its flexibility—you do not have to complete the full loop to enjoy it. Even a short stroll into the meadow gives you a chance to let the kids run around, skip rocks by the river, or simply enjoy the peaceful scenery. The wide-open spaces here are a perfect spot to slow down and take in the grandeur of Kings Canyon at a relaxed pace – an absolute must-visit in Kings Canyon National Park.
Panoramic Point
Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
For those of you who have decided to only visit the Grant Grove area of the park, then Panoramic Point is one of the best things to do in Kings Canyon National Park for its remarkable views. Just a short drive uphill from the village, this overlook rewards you with sweeping vistas of the high Sierra, the vast expanse of Kings Canyon and even Hume Lake.
The walk to the viewpoint is quick and easy—only about 0.25 miles along a paved trail—making it family-friendly and stroller accessible. It is the perfect mix of convenience and wow-factor. For those early morning risers, sunrise is absolutely magical here. The soft morning light over the canyon and peaks transforms the landscape into a golden panorama that is perfect for photos—or just quietly enjoying the tranquility before the crowds arrive.
Buena Vista Trail
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
The Buena Vista Trail is perhaps the most underrated and rarely mentioned hike in Kings Canyon National Park, but it might just be my personal favorite. Starting near the Grant Grove Village area, this one-mile trail gently winds through the peaceful forest, giving a true sense of the park’s quiet beauty.
Since some sections were a bit steeper, we had our toddler in a backpack carrier as we gradually climbed uphill before we were rewarding a sweeping 360-degree view. Once we reached the summit, our son loved walking on the rocks and trying to climb after “dada” for an even higher viewpoint. We did this hike in the late afternoon right before sunset and absolutely loved it. Being the only people on the trail, it felt like we had the entire park to ourselves. The panoramic views from the top are truly incredible, making every step of the climb worthwhile.
I highly recommend the Buena Vista Trail and I believe it is one of the best things to do in Kings Canyon National Park for those looking for a real feeling of peace and quiet. A truly memorable experience without committing to a full-day adventure.
Visit Sequoia National Park
If you are exploring Kings Canyon National Park, a visit to nearby Sequoia National Park is an easy and highly rewarding addition. Just a short drive from Grant Grove, Sequoia offers iconic sights like the General Sherman Tree, Giant Forest, and family-friendly trails among some of the world’s largest trees. Many visitors combine both parks in one trip to experience the unique landscapes and towering sequoias that California is famous for.
Kings Canyon National Park is a real hidden gem offers something for every type of traveler. From towering sequoias in Grant Grove to the dramatic wilderness of Cedar Grove, the park is filled with unforgettable sights, hikes, and scenic drives. Whether you are stretching your legs at Grizzly Falls, exploring Zumwalt Meadow, or enjoying the sweeping views along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, there is no shortage of things to do in Kings Canyon National Park.
No matter how long you spend here, you will leave with memories of incredible waterfalls and peaceful hikes – and that is what makes Kings Canyon National Park so special – truly one of my favorite national parks in the USA.
Let us know in the comments section below – have you been to Kings Canyon – if so which are your favorite waterfalls in Kings Canyon National Park? What about your favorite hikes in Kings Canyon? And if this will be your first visit – which are the things to do in Kings Canyon National Park you are looking forward to the most?
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