Introduction:

What? :

A high Panoramic Point overlooking to the northeast side of Kings Canyon Nation Park and national forest. From this point you can see the large forest area covering the mountain, Hume Lake below you, to the north the deep Kings Canyon gorge and the high Sierra Mountain far to the east.

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.

The Panoramic Point trailhead is at the end of Panoramic Point Road, which is off Generals Highway.

From Kings Canyon Visitor Center drive on Panoramic Point Road east, pass John Muir Lodge and turn right following the signs. From the visitor center it is about 2.3 miles into the forest and up the hills and you will reach the parking lot at the end of the road after about 5-10 minutes’ drive.

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.

Links to my Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Blogs:

Due note 1:

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.

This is only a short hike from the parking lot to the viewing point.

The half mile long trail from the car parking to Panoramic Point is paved and accessible, although somewhat steep.

This is family friendly walk and can be done by small kids.

Due note 2:

The road to Panoramic Point from the Grant Grove Visitor Center is narrow, steep, and winding, be prepared for incoming cars and use caution on corners with low visibility.

Due note 3:

In the parking under the shade of the large trees you can find an accessible parking stall, restrooms, and picnic tables.

Due note 4:

Please note that as in any other trail in the park pets are not allowed on the trail.

Due note 5:

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

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:

Although this is a very short and easy hike you may encounter high temperatures during the summer and early fall months. Please carry and drink plenty of water. Bring hats and use sunscreen.

My thoughts:

Sunrise is great time to visit here where the sun is rising from the far Sierra Mountains. Sunset and the golden hour is another good time to visit here, when the sun slowly setting behind you, and the light illuminates the landscape. The views from this point are vast and it is worth the short drive from the visitor center.

The visit:

From the parking at the end of the road the easy and paved half-mile trail will take you to the viewing area at the top of the ridge.

From the Panoramic Point you will have the vast landscape view to the east and north.

Tens of miles of Kings Canyon National Park and neighboring national forest lands. Below you can see Hume Lake, a small lake in Sequoia National Forest that was created in 1908 by a dam. To the north you can see the deep glacial gorge of the Kings Canyon River and far to the east you can see the High Sierra's peaks.

If you look to the east forested ridge, you can see Buck Rock Lookout located on the top of a pointy exposed rock, towering the forest below it.

After enjoying the view you will walk down back to the parking lot.

www:

https://www.nps.gov/places/000/panoramic-point-overlook.htm

Additional Pictures:

Kings Canyon National Park – Panoramic Point Overlook

What? :

A high Panoramic Point overlooking to the northeast side of Kings Canyon Nation Park and national forest. From this point you can see the large forest area covering the mountain, Hume Lake below you, to the north the deep Kings Canyon gorge and the high Sierra Mountain far to the east.

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.

The Panoramic Point trailhead is at the end of Panoramic Point Road, which is off Generals Highway.

From Kings Canyon Visitor Center drive on Panoramic Point Road east, pass John Muir Lodge and turn right following the signs. From the visitor center it is about 2.3 miles into the forest and up the hills and you will reach the parking lot at the end of the road after about 5-10 minutes’ drive.

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.

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:

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.

This is only a short hike from the parking lot to the viewing point.

The half mile long trail from the car parking to Panoramic Point is paved and accessible, although somewhat steep.

This is family friendly walk and can be done by small kids.

Due note 2:

The road to Panoramic Point from the Grant Grove Visitor Center is narrow, steep, and winding, be prepared for incoming cars and use caution on corners with low visibility.

Due note 3:

In the parking under the shade of the large trees you can find an accessible parking stall, restrooms, and picnic tables.

Due note 4:

Please note that as in any other trail in the park pets are not allowed on the trail.

Due note 5:

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

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:

Although this is a very short and easy hike you may encounter high temperatures during the summer and early fall months. Please carry and drink plenty of water. Bring hats and use sunscreen.

My thoughts:

The visit:

From the parking at the end of the road the easy and paved half-mile trail will take you to the viewing area at the top of the ridge.

From the Panoramic Point you will have the vast landscape view to the east and north.

If you look to the east forested ridge, you can see Buck Rock Lookout located on the top of a pointy exposed rock, towering the forest below it.

After enjoying the view you will walk down back to the parking lot.

www:

https://www.nps.gov/places/000/panoramic-point-overlook.htm

Additional Pictures:

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