Swimming at Muir Rock in Kings Canyon National Park

Looking for more great places to explore in Kings Canyon National Park?
Check out my guide to One Amazing Day in Kings Canyon. Muir Rock is also the perfect way to end the day after a hike to Mist Falls.

SWIM

First, an important safety reminder: there are always risks associated with swimming in rivers and cliff jumping. Always take the water level and currents into account, which can alter dramatically throughout the year. Before jumping, assess the water for any potential obstacles and make sure to choose a safe spot to jump. Keep a watch on all children, even good swimmers. During our visit in June, we found Muir Rock to be a safe, calm area for swimming, but as with any swimming hole, conditions are subject to change.

The Kings River at Muir Rock is very cold, very clear, and feels just perfect when the temperatures soar to 100 degrees Fahrenheit in Kings Canyon National Park. In many places, the water is shallow, but it deepens to a beautiful emerald green below Muir Rock.

Muir Rock is, of course, the star here, giving swimmers a platform to jump 15 feet into the Kings River below. It’s easy to access; just walk out onto the broad, flat surface of the rock directly from the trail. For those who find a 15-foot jump a little too high, there are a few other rocks around that offer a lower entry point into the water.

Around Muir Rock and further upstream are sandy, pebbly beaches, ideal for pulling out a beach blanket or getting out the sand toys. Our family had one area all to ourselves, and the kids loved playing in the sand and wading in the shallow water near shore. Part of the reason the river is so clear is due to the rocky and sandy bottom. There’s no mud here, but the pebbles and sand can be rough, so water sandals or shoes are recommended.

In the middle of the day, the river gets a lot of sun, but fortunately it’s easy to find a shady spot on the banks. This is a canyon, so by late afternoon in summer, much of the river is in the shade, although the air temperature may still be high.

PADDLE

Muir Rock isn’t ideal for paddling, as the Kings River can be quite shallow. In fact, boats and paddle boards may not even be allowed. Inflatable water toys are prohibited. If you’re looking for a place to paddle nearby, Hume Lake, located just outside Kings Canyon National Park off Highway 180, is a fun option.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Since Muir Rock lies within Kings Canyon National Park, 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.
• There is a large parking lot at Roads End. You’ll head right upon entering the lot, which is just where you want to be to reach Muir Rock. Shortly after entering, look for a trail branching off from the righthand side of the parking lot. This leads directly to Muir Rock. Continue further down the trail as it follows the river upstream to find a pebbly beach next to a quiet, shallow stretch of river. This area is ideal for families with young children, and typically less crowded than Muir Rock itself.
• Vault toilets are available in the parking lot.
• Fresh, potable water is found near the small ranger station at the far end of the lot. You may find a ranger on duty here to answer questions.
• Many fantastic hikes in Kings Canyon begin from this point, including Mist Falls, one of the area’s most popular day hikes.
• Pets are not allowed on trails in Kings Canyon National Park. While they are allowed in the parking lot, I don’t recommend bringing them to Muir Rock.
• Always follow Leave No Trace principles.

WHAT TO BRING

Bring your beach basics to Muir Rock: swimsuits, towels, a picnic blanket and/or chairs, sunscreen, bug spray, water, snacks, sand toys, and water shoes or sandals. Life jackets or swim vests for young kids are a good idea, but please note that inflatable toys are not allowed. You can refill water bottles at the spigot near the Roads End ranger station. As always, be sure to pack up everything at the end of your visit, keeping the beach clean and pristine for all to enjoy.

HIGHLIGHTS

The dazzling translucent jade water of the Kings River soothes the soul on a hot day. It’s no surprise to learn that John Muir himself used this very rock as a pulpit where he would expound upon his passion for the Sierras, surrounded by the forests and towering granite cliffs of Kings Canyon. Even if you don’t plan to swim, it’s well worth coming down to the river to take in the breathtaking scenery.

THE KIDS’ TAKE

Muir Rock is a wonderful place for kids. If they’re too young to jump from the rock, the sandy beach upriver is sure to be a hit. J loved jumping from a shorter rock nearby, and the kids could have easily spent hours more just playing on the beach. The only downside was that the water was too cold for them to stay in for long (they have so little body fat!), but that didn’t dampen their spirits.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

Muir Rock is the perfect way to end a day spent exploring Kings Canyon National Park. We started our day with a tour of Boyden Cavern, enjoyed a picnic at Grizzly Falls, walked to Roaring River Falls, and hiked around Zumwalt Meadow. Finally, we arrived at Roads End, where we spent a few hours playing and swimming before driving back to our campsite at Hume Lake.

Those looking for a longer hike will find great options starting at Roads End. We spent a second day in Kings Canyon hiking to Mist Falls, a gorgeous nine-mile day hike. Finish your trip to Mist Falls with a dip in the river at Muir Rock for another fantastic day in Kings Canyon!

There are few options for food in Kings Canyon National Park. Here in the canyon, you have just one choice: the Cedar Grove Grill. Located in Cedar Grove Lodge, it’s only a 15-minute drive west of Roads End. While it isn’t cheap, the prices are not bad by national park standards, and the sandwiches and burgers are good and filling. There is also a small market here that sells snacks and drinks. In the summer of 2021, they were only open for dinner, so be sure to check the hours ahead of time. Several campgrounds are also located at Cedar Grove.

We arrived at Muir Rock in the late afternoon, the finale to a busy day of cave tours, waterfalls, mini-hikes, and bobcat sightings. Here in the heart of Kings Canyon, the temperature soared to a scintillating 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and a swim in a cold mountain stream sounded like just the ticket.

Knowing that the Kings River lay just beyond, we walked along the edge of the parking lot, looking for the trail to Muir Rock. Down a sandy path, I caught my first glimpse of the rock through the trees. A group stood on its flat surface, some taking turns jumping into the sparkling water below, while others just watched. On the rocky beaches surrounding Muir Rock, people lounged near the river. We were far from alone, but the scene was relaxed and respectful. There was plenty of space for all to spread out and find their own spot on the shore.

Searching for a place to call our own, I followed the beach upstream. Beneath the placid, shallow water, the rocky riverbed was a pale, shimmering green, with every rock clearly visible. When I saw the quiet, sandy beach at the water’s edge, I knew we had found our spot.

The kids took to it immediately, dumping out the sand toys and wading into the water. Which, as it turns out, is cold. Really, really cold. Good thing it was a hot day! As it was, T spent most of his time on shore, while J alternated between the water and the sand. The Kings River, he discovered, is the perfect place for skipping rocks. Michael, as usual, whooped out loud when he felt the cold shock of the water, but soon adjusted. Not far from our beach, he found a smaller boulder that made an ideal jumping spot. Nothing too high or daring, just loads of fun. He and J made good use of it.

I went out for a swim, then took a break on the beach blanket. From here, I could both keep an eye on T and take in the sumptuous view:

It’s not every day you find a swimming hole with such spectacular surroundings! Not only that, but sitting here in the shade by the cool river, the heat of the day was barely noticeable. Time slowed. As the sun sank lower, the crowd at Muir Rock thinned. Eventually, we decided it was time to move on as well. The kids weren’t exactly happy to leave, but I convinced them to help pack up their toys so we could head to Cedar Grove for dinner.

As we carried our bags to the car, I realized that Muir Rock was now completely empty. Naturally, we couldn’t resist stopping for a few more minutes, staring into the dazzling green water below. Michael took the opportunity to jump in a few more times while we cheered him on.

I took a few more moments to soak in the view. It was difficult to want to leave this magical swimming hole. Indeed, our time at Muir Rock was the perfect end to a wonderful day exploring Kings Canyon National Park.