Three spectacular sisters of the National Park System: Part II – Kings Canyon National Park
Posted on June 10,2019 By John Compisi
John Muir once called Kings Canyon National Park “a rival to Yosemite.” It is home to the deepest canyon in America, deeper even than the Grand Canyon as well as Redwood Canyon, the largest grove of sequoia trees in the world. Add in its miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, panoramic views and camping and you have the perfect location for enjoying outdoor activities.
Located a mere 45 minutes drive from the Wuksachi Village in Sequoia is the National Parks Service’s Visitor’s Center at Grant’s Grove Village and Kings Canyon National Park. Although the parks were established at different times (Sequoia 1890 and Kings Canyon 1940) and were administered separately, they have been jointly-administered since 1943 by the 100+ year old National Park Service. The two parks are roughly the same size totaling nearly 900,000 acres. Sequoia has higher elevations and most of the Giant Sequoias, while Kings Canyon has its namesake Kings Canyon and its own giant sequoias, the General Grant, in Grant’s Grove, and nearly 60,000 more acres. Both celebrated significant anniversaries (Sequoia 125 years and kings Canyon 75 years) in 2015. This article is Part II in a series highlighting the three spectacular sisters of the Sierra’s. Part I in the series described the amazing Sequoia National Park. Part III will follow addressing Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite.
We were overwhelmed by the immense beauty, spectacular vistas and enormous opportunities to enjoy outdoors activities at Kings Canyon National Park. Think of the most awe-inspiring sense of wonderment that you can. Some of the oldest and tallest of trees and the deepest of canyons known to man and you are in the middle of them. That is what Kings Canyon will elicit in your minds eye!
Arriving at the National Park Service (NPS) Grant’s Grove visitors Center, we received a sincere and welcoming ‘hello’ from the park ranger who greeted us. She pointed out the location of the lodging, the restaurant, the hiking trails nearby, the drive to Roads’ End and Kings Canyon as well as the location of General Grant’s Grove. Co-located in Grant Grove are the Grant Grove Market and a gift shop (located in an historic building). The Grant Grove Village Restaurant underwent a ground up renovation so check with Park information for current dining options. There is also a post office, ATMs, and Wi-Fi is available in the lobby of the John Muir Lodge.
Like the General Sherman, the General Grant giant sequoia is a behemoth. General Grant was named in 1867 after Ulysses S. Grant, Union Army general and the 18th President of the United States (1869–1877) and was proclaimed the “Nation’s Christmas Tree” by President Calvin Coolidge on April 28, 1926. Although earlier estimates suggested that the General Grant was older and taller than the General Sherman it is now recognized as shorter and younger. Despite these diminished estimates, on March 29, 1956, President Eisenhower declared the tree a “National Shrine”, a memorial to those who died in war. It is the only living object to be so declared. The cabins and cottages at Grant Grover Village are rustic but comfortable and very conveniently located within walking distance of the market, post office, gift ship, visitor’s center and restaurant.
Aside from the numerous breathtaking panoramas’ (Panoramic Point is a short 5-minute drive from the village) and the hikes near Grants Grove (walking distance from the village) the Kings Canyon drive is both intimidating and irresistible. Set aside 2-4 hours for this auto adventure of stomach kicking drop offs, snake like curves and gasoline free coasting (don’t try this) to the Kings River. The vistas are indescribable and the uphill return trip is daunting. We are so happy we did this in early May before the inevitable summer crowds could add to the adventurer. Whew!!
Lodging in Kings Canyon is a mix of modern comfort and rustic to austere. The top end is the 34 room John Muir Lodge, recently constructed and quite comfortable followed by the, approximately, 50 cabins at Grants Grove Village. The cabins include the Meadow Camp with no bathrooms as well as numerous tent sided cabins and ensuite cabins. Seasonal lodging is also available at Cedar Grove Village, located 35 miles East of Grant Grove near Roads End along the Kings River and surrounded by the towering cliffs of Kings Canyon which soar 3,500 feet above the river. Many backcountry trails originate in the area. Cedar Grove Lodge (open May – mid-October) has 21 rooms with 2 Queen beds, private bath, telephone and air conditioning. The front office at Cedar Grove Lodge closes daily at 9:00pm so guests are advised to arrive early and check in before 9.
Our recommendation, if possible, is to visit Kings Canyon in late April-early May (we were there 5-6 May) or late October. The crowds are a lighter and the weather can be more cooperative, thereby making everything more enjoyable. Like Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon is a very unique jewel and a must see!
Next up, Part III – Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite National Park.
Kings Canyon National Park is nearly equidistant from LA or SF. San Francisco to Kings is 244 miles and 3 hr 57 minutes while Los Angeles is 242 miles and 3 hrs and 57 minutes from Kings.