Home to some of the deepest canyons in the U.S. and giant sequoia groves, managed jointly with neighboring Sequoia National Park.

Park Pass

Join the National Parks Club

A single day covers the Grant Grove sequoias, while 2 to 3 lets you add the dramatic canyon drive.

No special permit is required for general park entry.

Three Rivers is the main gateway town, shared with neighboring Sequoia National Park.

The entrance fee is $35/vehicle (7-day) — a $100/person nonresident surcharge applies (2026) — or purchase a National Parks Yearly Pass.

Why Visit?:

Kings Canyon is managed jointly with neighboring Sequoia National Park, and together they protect some of the deepest canyons in the country alongside towering giant sequoia groves. The canyon itself, carved by the Kings River, rivals the Grand Canyon in depth in places, though it sees a fraction of the visitors.

Because it's paired administratively with Sequoia, a single park pass covers both — making it easy and natural to visit them together rather than choosing one.

Things to Do:

Walking among the giant sequoias at Grant Grove, including the General Grant Tree (the nation's official Christmas tree), is the essential, easy stop. Driving the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway takes you deep into the canyon itself, with dramatic granite walls rising on either side of the Kings River.

For a longer hike, the trails around Zumwalt Meadow offer an easy, scenic loop right at the canyon floor — a good option if you want canyon views without a strenuous climb.

Get the Full Itinerary

Closest airports: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is closest, about 1.5 to 2 hours away, with a reasonable range of domestic flights.

Nearby Attractions:

Sequoia National Park sits right next door, about 30 minutes away, and the two are almost always visited together given their shared entrance and administration.