Driving the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is an unforgettable way to experience the Sierra Nevada. From Visalia, take Highway 63 north to Highway 180 for a smooth, scenic drive into the park. Along the way, you’ll see breathtaking vistas, towering granite cliffs, giant Sequoia trees, and the beautiful Kings River winding through the canyon. From lush forests to cascading waterfalls, every turn offers a new view and a reason to stop and explore this stunning mountain drive.
The best times to drive down into the canyon is spring, summer, and fall. The canyon road closes during the winter months and re-opens in spring.
The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway officially begins just outside of the national park, near the Hume Lake Ranger District office. Elevation here is about 1,800 feet above sea level. From here, head east toward the Big Stump Entrance to Kings Canyon National Parks then follow the road towards Kings Canyon. Here are some of the sites you will see along the way as you drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.
Big Stump Picnic Area
Just inside the park entrance you will find the Big Stump Picnic Area. Covered picnic tables, restrooms and plenty of parking are available. Follow the trailhead for the Big Stump Trail, often overlooked by visitors. Here you will see evidence of the logging that took place many years ago including the Mark Twain Stump. A small staircase on the stump lets visitors climb on top.
The General Grant Tree
Continue along the byway (highway 180) to the General Grant Tree, the second largest sequoia tree. This tree is a living shrine dedicated to the men and women of the armed forces. While standing in the parking lot, look around at the many giant sequoia trees that surround you!
The elevation near the General Grant is about 6,400 feet. But soon you will be descending into one of the deepest canyons in North America! The scenery will get pretty dramatic as you drive down as the road follows along the roaring Kings River.
Boyden Cavern
Make reservations ahead of time to visit Boyden Cavern, a limestone cavern 2,000’ beneath the walls of the canyon. You will see massive stalagmites, delicate hanging stalactites, beautiful flowstone, and unique pendant and shield formations.
Grizzly Falls and Zumwalt Meadow
A great spot for a picnic lunch is Grizzly Falls. From the picnic area, it is a very short walk to the 80’ falls.
The next stop before reaching Road’s End is Zumwalt Meadow. It offers great views of the meadow, the King’s River, and the soaring cliffs of the canyon. The trail crosses the river via an expansion bridge.
Road's End and the John Muir Rock
The final destination is Road’s End which is about 4,600 feet in elevation. Along the river here you will also find Muir Rock where it is said that John Muir gave speeches about the importance of protecting the beautiful natural places.
The allure of a place called Road’s End in a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon and some of the largest living things on earth, the giant sequoias, make the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway one of the best drives in California.
