Kings Canyon National Park – Grant Grove

on June 30, 2024

Introduction:

What? :

Like the Sequoia National Park, also the nearby Kings Canyon National Park is known for its massive Sequoia Tree Groves.

Take the General Grant Tree Trail to see the second largest tree on earth, by volume of wood. General Grant Grove, a section of the greater Kings Canyon National Park, was established by the U.S. Congress in 1890.

When visiting Kings Canyon National Park, you will have the opportunity to see the dramatic landscape of the Sierra high mountain peaks, the deep King River canyon, waterfalls, cavern, and the world's second largest tree, General Grant Sequoia tree.

Where? :

Kings Canyon National Park is in the heart of California central Sierra mountains, adjusted north of Sequoia National Park.

It is about six hours to drive from Los Angeles and six hours to drive from San Francisco.

Driving 60 miles east of Fresno on highway 180 up into the Sierra mountains will bring you to the park entrance. In Kings Canyon National Park additional 35 miles of scenic drive on highway 180 east (dead end drive) will take you from the high mountains at the park entrance to the deep canyon of the King River.

The Sequoia Grant Grove is located just near the park entrance, on highway 180 drive one mile after the Kings Canyon Visitor Center and Grant Grove Village and you will see the road leading to the grove on your left. A short drive down the side road will bring you to the parking lot.

Google Map Link

When? :

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National parks are open year-round although not all roads are clear of snow during winter (see below). The best time to visit here is during the summer months, from May to September.

Summer month can introduce hot days even in high elevation. At mid-late summer you can have forest fires and smoke that cover the view during that season.

During the summer month you may start your day with clear blue skies, but weather conditions can change quickly and by midday, you may find yourself in a strong summer storm with wind, rain and thunderstorm.

Lightning activity in the Sierra during summer months is common (can cause forest fire). Thunder clouds buildup seen far off in the distance can be an indicator of incoming lightning activity, you should evaluate your location and if you are in high and expose area you need to seek shelter or lower ground.

Winter months are very cold and stormy, and the area and trails are covered by snow. Tire chains may be required on park roads any time it snows, usually late fall, winter, and through spring.

The recommended and safe enter to the park during winter, when the roads are covered with snow and ice is via highway 180 coming up from Fresno.

Winter roads closer:

· General Highway coming from the south (coming from Visalia, CA) in it steep and narrow switchbacks section can be close.

· Highway 180 road in heading down into Kings Canyon is closed during winter month when deep snow covers the road, usually between Jan to March.

· Crescent Meadow Rd leading to Moro Rock is close during the winter months.

Due note 1:

Most people do not spend the time to really visit and explore Kings Canyon Park but rather visit the Grant Sequoia Grove section (General Grant Tree Trail) near the park entrance, from there most visitors keep driving to the nearby Sequoia National Park.

This is in a national park, so it requires an America the Beautiful yearly pass or paying the $35 entrance fee, which is valid for up to seven days.

Due note 2:

There are restrooms at the parking lot.

Due note 3:

This is a short, flat and paved trail and it is good for strollers and a wheelchair accessible.

Due note 4:

Please be aware that pets are not allowed on any trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Due note 5:

There is no shuttle operating in the Grant Grove area, despite websites that still mention the Big Trees Transit shuttle, which is no longer operational.

Due note 6:

There are no gas stations within the national parks. Be sure to fill your tanks before you enter the park or ensure that you have enough gas to reach one of the two gas stations in the neighboring national forest:

· You can find gas stations on highway 180 before entering the park

· Hume Lake (open year-round)

· On the road leading to Sequoia National Park at Stony Creek Resort & Gas Station (open summer only).

· In Three Rivers not so far from Visalia.

There are no charging stations for electric vehicles.

Due note 7:

You can find food, souvenir store at the Kings Kanyon Visitor center and also at Hume Lake gas station.

Due note 8:

Hikers may encounter high temperatures during the summer and early fall months. Please carry and drink plenty of water. Bring hats and use sunscreen.

Due note 9:

Do expect many other visitors on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Parking in some areas has also become crowded.

Links to my Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Blogs:

My thoughts:

If you are visiting this area to see the giant Sequoia than taking the short and easy General Grant Tree Trail at King Canyon Park entrance is your best option. This is a relatively short and easy paved trail that will take you to see the giant sequoia trees. From here you will probably keep driving and visit the nearby Sequoia National Park and the General Sherman Tree (largest tree by volume on earth).

The visit:

The trail parking lot is located near King canyon park entrance, pass the main visitor center and store area and after a short drive you will see the road to your left. Turn left and drive down the short road leading to the parking lot.

This is not a large parking lot and there is additional parking on your left.

This grove has numerous exceptionally large sequoias grouped in a 90-acre area and you can see the huge Sequoia trees right at the parking lot.

The short 1/3-mile paved loop trail start at the parking lot, it will lead you to the 1700 years old General Grant Tree.

The General Grant Tree was named after Ulysses S. Grant, Union Army General, and the 18th. President of the United States. Later, in 1926, it was named the Nation’s Christmas Tree by President Calvin Coolidge.

This is the world’s 2nd largest tree by volume of wood, the tree is huge. It is so big that it is difficult to take a picture of the entire tree.

There are many others huge Sequoia trees at this grove, walk and enjoy their size. Another trail attraction is a dead and hollow Sequoia tree trunk lying on the ground that you can walked through!

Along the trail you can see an old wooden cabin, Gamlin Cabin, that was in used buy people many years ago.

This is a short fun hike that take you to see up close the huge sequoia trees.

www:

https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm

Map:

https://pom-static-national-park-trips.s3.amazonaws.com/public/SequoiaKingsCanyon-detailMap_2015.pdf

Additional Pictures:

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