If you have only one day in Kings Canyon National Park, this is just about the perfect way to spend it.
In this guide, we’ll tour Boyden Carven, admire both Grizzly Falls and Roaring River Falls, hike around Zumwalt Meadow, and swim at Muir Rock. Want to switch things up a bit? I include some tips for that, too. Happy exploring!
Special note: Kings Canyon National Park was affected by the KNP Complex Wildfire in 2021. Please refer to the National Park Service website for information about how this may affect your visit to Kings Canyon.
HOW TO GET THERE
All the sights in this guide are located along Highway 180 as it travels east through Kings Canyon. To reach this section of the park, follow Highway 180 east of Fresno to the Big Stump Entrance Station for Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Past the entrance station, turn north and follow the highway through the Grant Grove section of Kings Canyon National Park. Continue on Highway 180 to start your tour of the canyon.
From the Big Stump Entrance Station, it’s about a 40-minute drive to reach Boyden Cavern. From the cavern, it’s another 25 minutes to reach Roads End, the literal terminus of Highway 180 near Muir Rock. This is, of course, if you don’t make additional stops.
Please note that the road is steep and winding in spots, particularly in the section leading down to Boyden Cavern. RVs are allowed, but use caution.
The road through Kings Canyon typically closes for the winter. Please check current conditions before traveling there in the off season.
WHAT TO BRING
As always, you’ll need to pack water, some food, and an emergency kit. Here are some additional items to add to your list:
- Tickets for Boyden Cavern — be sure to book your tour in advance
- Jackets — Boyden Cavern is 55 degrees F year round; no matter the summer heat, bring layers for the cave tour
- Flashlights — you may want your own for the cavern tour, although this isn’t required (of course, you should always travel with an emergency flashlight)
- Sturdy shoes — be sure to wear shoes you have not worn in other caves to help prevent the spread of white nose syndrome
- The Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park brochure with map — get one from the entrance station when you enter the park
- Junior Ranger booklets if you have kids — these are also typically available at the entrance station
- Sunscreen, shade hats & sunglasses — many places on this tour are fairly shady, but the sun blazes in the summer
- Dramamine — if you are prone to motion sickness on winding roads
- Bug repellant — you may not need it, but it’s better to have it
- Picnic supplies — don’t forget the hand sanitizer!
- Swim gear, including swimsuits, towels, and water shoes (optional)
- Sand toys for the kids — please note that inflatables are not allowed in the water at Muir Rock
CURRENT INFO
For information about Kings Canyon National Park, visit the National Park Service website. The National Park Service website also includes information about current conditions and visiting after the KNP Complex Fire, including weather alerts, road closures, and more.
Visit the Boyden Cavern website to book a cave tour in advance. Information about the Grizzly Falls picnic area is found on the Sequoia National Forest webpage.
GOOD TO KNOW
Since you will enter Kings Canyon National Park to reach Kings Canyon (including the sights located in the Sequoia National Forest), you must present an America the Beautiful pass (or other national parks pass) or pay the $35 entrance fee (valid for up to seven days) when you enter the park. You can also purchase an annual pass at the park entrance. Check ahead of time to see if you qualify for a free pass — fourth graders and active military do! Fourth graders must print a voucher ahead of time to qualify.
Once you pass the Big Stump Entrance Station, the only available gas station is at Hume Lake. This is good for those visiting the lake, but it’s a long, bumpy drive out of the way for everyone else. There are a couple of gas stations along Highway 180 about 16 to 20 miles west of the Big Stump Entrance Station. Fill up before you enter the park.
Vault toilets (and flush toilets at Cedar Grove Lodge) are available at all the main stops along this route. Water is also available for refilling bottles at some locations.
The only food available for purchase along this route is at Cedar Grove Lodge, which has a small store and cafe that is open seasonally. If you plan to eat here, please check the hours ahead of time. Since this is an all-day trip, be sure to bring some food, water, and snacks with you. Other food options are available at both Grant Grove Village and Hume Lake.
Pets are not allowed on trails in Kings Canyon National Park or in Boyden Cavern. I believe this includes Muir Rock. Honestly, this is not a very dog-friendly day trip unless you opt out of most of the sights. While pets on leash are allowed in parking lots, they may not be left unattended in cars, nor should they be, considering how hot Kings Canyon can be in summer.
There is a small visitor center at Cedar Grove and a wilderness permit station at Roads End. Rangers are sometimes on duty during the day, but even if no one is there, signs at each location post current information and updates.
Some sights in Kings Canyon are reasonably accessible, while others are definitely not. Good options for those with mobility restrictions include the paved trail to Roaring River Falls, the relatively flat path to the river near Muir Rock, and the picnic area at Grizzly Falls. The Boyden Cavern tour and hike around Zumwalt Meadow include rocky, irregular paths, narrow spaces, and steep steps.
HIGHLIGHTS
Stunning canyon vistas, a cave filled with tantalizing stalactites and stalagmites, mesmerizing waterfalls, and a crystal clear swimming hole — this day trip has it all! I really can’t pick just one highlight because each place was uniquely beautiful. But if I had to pick just one, swimming at Muir Rock would be it; the entire family loved our time here. For me personally, driving through the spectacular canyon scenery west of Boyden Cavern as the sun set was also truly amazing.
THE KIDS’ TAKE
This is a great day out with the kids! My kids especially enjoyed the tour of Boyden Cavern (it was their first real cave experience) and playing on the beach near Muir Rock. They weren’t as thrilled with the hike to Zumwalt Meadow (“another hike?!”), until we spied a local feline resident near the trail. And of course, everyone loves a waterfall. A summer day in Kings Canyon has something for everyone!
NEARBY & NOTABLE
For hikers and outdoors enthusiasts, there’s no shortage of things to do in and around Kings Canyon National Park. Avid hikers will enjoy the trail to Mist Falls, an eight to nine mile hike (depending on the specific route) through an enchanting canyon to a gorgeous waterfall.
We hiked to Mist Falls on our second day in Kings Canyon, but fast hikers may tie in this hike with the other activities listed below. If that’s your goal, head out early to the Mist Falls trailhead at Roads End for a morning hike. On your return, take the plunge into the Kings River at Muir Rock. From there, work your way back out of the canyon, stopping at the sights listed below in reverse order. You may not have time for everything, but you’ll have a fabulous day regardless.
The Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park is another great place to explore. The highlight here is a short, easy hike around General Grant Loop, featuring some of the world’s largest sequoias. The Big Stump Loop is another fun trail. There are several good campgrounds here, including beautiful Azalea Campground, where we stayed for five nights.
Between Grant Grove and Kings Canyon lies Hume Lake, a lovely little lake nestled in the mountains with a campground, swimming beaches, and more. There’s even a gas station available at Hume Lake Christian Camps, not to mention burgers, fries, and milkshakes. We spent another four nights at Hume Lake Campground, and used it as our base for exploring Kings Canyon.
Exploring Kings Canyon
Let the tour of Kings Canyon begin!
BOYDEN CAVERN
Boyden Cavern is located in the Sequoia National Forest, about eight miles east of Kings Canyon National Park. Rest assured, however, that Boyden Cavern is very much a part of Kings Canyon. Even if you don’t tour the cave, the surrounding scenery is jaw-dropping. If there is anyone in your party who is unable or uninterested in touring the cavern, they can relax at a shaded picnic table and enjoy the impressive view.
Advance reservations are required to tour Boyden Cavern (unless you luck out with a last-minute opening). Adult tickets in 2022 cost $19, youth ages five to 12 are $10, and those four and under are $6. The tour lasts up to one hour, and you should arrive at least half an hour prior to your scheduled tour time. We chose a morning tour so that we would be free to explore at our own pace for the remainder of the day. Depending on your schedule, an afternoon visit can also work well, as the cool cave provides a respite from the summer heat. Boyden Cavern remains a steady 55 degrees Fahrenheit year round, so don’t forget your jacket!
While Boyden Cavern is a small cave, it’s home to some impressive formations, including plentiful stalactites and stalagmites. The path through the cavern is narrow, rocky, and uneven. An optional “wild cave” exit gives visitors the chance to follow the natural creekbed through the canyon to an alternate exit. You may get your feet wet if you choose this route, although on our visit the creek was completely dry.
For some, the walk to the cavern entrance is the most strenuous part. A short yet steep trail leads from the parking lot to the entrance, offering gorgeous views across the canyon on the way. With a visit to Boyden Cavern, our tour of Kings Canyon is off to a great start!
GRIZZLY FALLS
Grizzly Falls is almost, but not quite, visible from Highway 180. Mere steps from the road, this graceful waterfall tumbles down the rocky cliff, creating a small shallow pool at its base. I figured we would take a quick look at the falls, break for a picnic lunch, and be on our way. After all, this is a popular stop that can get crowded, and no hiking is involved.
But despite the crowds, there was a real magic to Grizzly Falls. While you can see the waterfall from the parking lot, getting closer involves walking down rocky paths or wading through the stream. It was surprisingly fun to wade in the water and hop from stone to stone. The shallow pool at the base of the falls was also a wonderful place to explore. We probably spent half an hour doing just that — exploring and taking in the sights and sounds around us. Others were doing the same. One woman stood fully dressed at the base of the main cascade, letting the water pour over her, clearly relishing the experience.
After some time playing by the stream, we unpacked our picnic lunch at a table next to the parking lot. Grizzly Falls is an official picnic area, although there are only a couple of tables. It’s a convenient spot, if close to the road. A port-a-potty is available as well. Not ready for lunch yet? Picnic tables are also found further down the road near Cedar Grove Lodge and the Cedar Grove Visitor Center. But before you go, take a moment to cross the highway for a lovely view of the South Fork Kings River. We’ll visit it numerous times over the course of this tour, and each location offers a distinctly different view of the scenic river.
ROARING RIVER FALLS
Roaring River Falls lives up to its name. It may not appear so impressive in photos, but that’s largely because much of the waterfall is hidden from sight as it rips through the canyon above. The bare rock walls create a natural amphitheater, amplifying the sound of the rushing water. Regardless of its size, this is one stunning waterfall. We sat in silence on boulders above the pool, just taking it all in.
From the Roaring River Falls parking lot, a short, paved walkway leads to the waterfall. The paved path ends near the falls, but a dirt trail branches off from here. For those looking for a longer hike, this trail connects with the Zumwalt Meadow Trail.
As the photos below attest, Roaring River Falls is surrounded by rock. Getting down to the pool below the falls (or the second pool that lies downstream) involves clambering over a jumble of boulders. It isn’t easy, and we chose to enjoy the view from the top of the pile rather than try to maneuver down to the water with the kids. Kings Canyon National Park warns against swimming in the river here — strong currents, deep water, and rocks can be dangerous. The water level was relatively low during our visit, which meant the pool just downstream from the falls was calm. On a hot day, it’s an understandably popular place to hang out.
In any case, if you choose to swim here, use caution. I don’t recommend this area as a swimming hole for young children. Instead, head a few miles down the highway to Muir Rock, where shallow water and an easy beach entry create a more kid-friendly environment.
ZUMWALT MEADOW
Zumwalt Meadow is the classic Kings Canyon easy day hike. Well, easy is a relative term. The trail is less than two miles out and back, and there is no significant elevation gain. But while the first half is flat, the second half climbs up and down through rocky granite passageways, offering glimpses of lovely Zumwalt Meadow from above.
We enjoyed a short yet memorable hike at Zumwalt Meadow (including a surprise visitor). A full review of our hike is posted here. This trail has a little bit of everything — an accessible path that leads to a beautiful bridge spanning the Kings River, a rocky beach where you can relax, and incredible Kings Canyon views. The meadow itself is protected, so please stay on the trail and obey any trail closure signs. You can lengthen your hike by heading west to Roaring River Falls or east to Muir Rock and beyond.
And speaking of Muir Rock, that’s where we’re headed next…
MUIR ROCK
Oh, Muir Rock, how we love thee! We’d love you even more if your water wasn’t quite so freezing cold, but nobody’s perfect! Still, this spot is pretty close to perfection, and I can understand why John Muir favored it as a place to soak in the beauty of Kings Canyon. This was such a great swimming hole that I wrote a full review, which you can access here.
Muir Rock lies at the end of Highway 180, a place aptly called Roads End. A short path on the south side of the parking lot leads to the titular rock, which is ideally positioned for jumping into the clear emerald water below. This area is quite popular, but if you walk further along the river in either direction you’ll find pebbly beaches with easy water access and fewer people. We found a lovely spot upstream from Muir Rock where the kids could play in the sand and wade in the shallow water. Deeper water nearby gave the adults a chance to swim, too.
Even if you don’t plan to swim, Muir Rock is worth a stop. We spent nearly two hours here, both in and out of the water, and were the last to leave at the end of the day. It was hard to say goodbye, but our day in Kings Canyon was not yet over…
CEDAR GROVE LODGE
Cedar Grove Lodge is located 10 miles west of Roads End. We stopped here for dinner at the Cedar Grove Grill on our return trip. Maybe we were just hungry, but the Cedar Grove Grill did not disappoint. Like most national park restaurants, it’s pricey, but honestly, can you imagine the expense of transporting fresh food to this remote location? The small menu focuses on burgers and sandwiches, and makes good use of fresh, local ingredients when possible. My trout sandwich was delicious, as were the burgers. The view of the Kings River from the outdoor deck wasn’t bad, either.
Cedar Grove Lodge offers more than just a restaurant. As the name suggests, you can stay overnight here. Not far from the lodge are four campgrounds: Sheep Creek, Sentinel, Canyon View, and Moraine. While we chose to stay at Hume Lake, we were impressed with these shady campgrounds near the Kings River. Their remote location means they also receive fewer overnight guests than most other campgrounds in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
In the past, Cedar Grove also offered coin-op showers. Unfortunately, those were out of commission in 2021. In fact, no showers were available to campers in the entire Kings Canyon Sequoia National Park complex that year. Will they return? I don’t know, but I sure hope so!
Not far from the lodge, a small visitor center offers information and a bookstore during peak season. Stop here for weather and hiking information, or to use the restroom. There’s even an actual payphone (helpful in an area that receives little or no cellphone coverage)! There are numerous picnic spots here, too, including some prime picnic tables near the river.
SUNSET IN KINGS CANYON
It may have been sheer luck (OK, it was definitely sheer luck), but we could not have timed our drive back through Kings Canyon better than this. We hit the most scenic part of the drive, the section of Highway 180 west of Boyden Cavern, at golden hour. There are numerous pullouts along the road here, and Michael obliged me by making several photo stops so I could capture the moment. It was glorious!
Now, you may not be able to time your drive back with sunset, but if you can, I highly recommend it. If you can’t, be sure to visit one of the many viewpoints near Kings Canyon to appreciate the dramatic evening light. Another good option is Panoramic Point in Grant Grove.
Take your time on the winding drive to savor the experience. Pull over to watch the sun set, the grand finale to a wonderful day in Kings Canyon.
Here ends our one amazing day in Kings Canyon!
If you’re spending more time here, be sure to check out some of the many other incredible places to visit, including General Grant Grove, Hume Lake, and Mist Falls.
Happy exploring, from my backyard to yours!
