North Sentinel

North Dome

Zumwalt Meadow

Boyden Cavern Area

Kings Canyon Samples

Intro

Kings Canyon is one of the beautiful glacially carved valleys of the Sierra Nevada.  While Yosemite and Hetch Hetchy get most of the attention, and it's not as remote as Tehipite Valley, the fourth of the major valleys in the range retains a wonderful balance of solitude and access.  Visitors can expect to be the only climbers in the area on any given day with access to bouldering, slab, cracks, bigwall and even some sport climbing.  The vast majority of the rock is granite in all of its forms but there are a few pockets of marble as well.  Information on the climbs is sparse, leaving plenty of room for climbers seeking an adventure with the potential to discover a forgotten classic or an unclimbed line.  Check Summitpost, Mountain Project, the out of print Sequoia and Kings Canyon Climbing guidebook or email me if you're planning a trip and would like more info or have specific questions.

Many campsites, a lodge, a restaurant and a store are available to visitors but be sure to check ahead as they may or may not be open during your visit.  Hiking trails, horseback rides, cave tours, fishing and swimming are options for rest days or if you simply want to visit and get to know the area from the valley floor.  Most of the floor of Kings Canyon lies just under 5,000 feet in elevation so it can be warm on summer days and closes in the winter. 

Directions

To reach Kings Canyon from anywhere it is best to take Highway 180 into the park.  After the entrance booth stay left at the wye and follow signs to Kings Canyon and Cedar Grove.  From Sequoia you can follow the General's Highway north to reach the 180.  After passing Grant Grove there are no services for about 26 winding miles and there is no gas in Kings Canyon.  Highway 180 is usually closed from November to April depending on conditions so check the NPS website before visiting.

Kings Canyon