Kings Canyon National Park, California
Looking for the best hiking in Kings Canyon National Park? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Kings Canyon National Park. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Kings Canyon National Park
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Bishop, California
Evolution Basin via South Lake
35.66 mi / 7769 ft gainIt’s been called the crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada, the highlight of the entire 211-mile John Muir Trail. Whatever superlatives are used to describe it, Evolution Basin is undoubtedly one of the most incredible landscapes you’ll ever explore. There is a small catch, though: There is no easy ...Read more -
Bishop, California
Bishop Pass Trail
5.011.13 mi / 2165 ft gainTo get to the hike drive twenty miles west from the town of Bishop, California up Hwy 168 to South Lake. There are two parking lots but make sure to get there early because later in the day it's harder to get a spot. The trail starts from South Lake at an an elevation of 9,750 feet. Initially ...Read more -
Bishop, California
Treasure Lakes Trail
5.05.79 mi / 1375 ft gainThe Treasure Lakes Trail is dog and kid friendly, just make sure all parties can handle the elevation gain. The scenery throughout the entire hike is amazing, and early in the summer, the creeks roar. The lake is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. The trail is best used in the summer an...Read more -
Bishop, California
Bishop Pass Trail to John Muir Trail to Piute Trail
52.67 mi / 9173 ft gainBishop Pass Trail to John Muir Trail to Piute Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Bishop, California.Read more -
Bishop, California
Long Lake via Bishop Pass
5.51 mi / 991 ft gainDirections The trailhead for Long Lake starts by South Lake outside Bishop, CA. You'll want to take Line Street, which is the 168, West out of Bishop. Approximately 14 miles up, you'll want to merge left towards South Lake. This junction is well-signed if you keep an eye out for it. Head th...Read more -
Bishop, California
Climb Columbine Peak's NE Ridge
15 mi / 5000 ft gainDirections This Bishop Pass Trail starts by South Lake outside Bishop, CA. You'll want to take Line Street, which is the 168, West out of Bishop. Approximately 14 miles up, you'll want to merge left towards South Lake. This junction is well-signed if you keep an eye out for it. Head the rest ...Read more -
Hume, California
Hike and Fish Hume Lake
2.73.5 mi / 100 ft gainThis spot is less than four hours from the Bay Area and offers everything you would ever want to do in the outdoors. The interesting thing about Hume Lake is that it is actually a Middle School and High School camp in the Summer and Winter. That being said, it is not the place to go if you are lo...Read more -
Tulare County, California
Tokopah Falls
4.23.77 mi / 617 ft gainThis hike starts from the Lodgepole area of Sequoia National Park. Parking is easy at the easternmost end of the paved road prior to entering the campground. From the south side, the trail starts off by crossing the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River to the north side. It then loosely follows the r...Read more -
Sequoia National Park, California
Mount Silliman, Sequoia NP
5.011.24 mi / 4449 ft gainThere is available parking at the campgrounds at the Lodgepole Visitor Center. Lodgepole's elevation starts at 6720 ft. Twin Lakes Trailhead starts right at the base, which you will be following to get to Mount Silliman. Along Twin Lakes Trail are several campgrounds for your journey, you can go...Read more -
Tulare County, California
Hike to the Summit of Big Baldy, Kings Canyon National Park
4.55 mi / 650 ft gainThis short and easy trail to the summit of Big Baldy in Kings Canyon National Park is not to be missed if you are in the area.The trail winds through forest and boulders as it climbs the north shoulder of Big Baldy. When you think you have reached the end, and you see people sitting down with the...Read more -
Sequoia National Park, California
Hike to Emerald Lake, Sequoia National Park
4.510.4 mi / 2200 ft gainBegin this hike at the Alta Peak Trailhead in the Sequoia National Park. The trail initially takes you east-southeast through a loosely forested area that is stark and arid. Around 1.5 miles in you'll cross a small creek, but this creek may dry up in the late spring/summer. Shortly after the cree...Read more -
Sequoia National Park, California
Hike to Pear Lake via the Lakes Trail
5.012.4 mi / 2300 ft gainThe Lakes Trail to Pear Lake can be done as either an overnight stay or a day hike. For overnight, you'll need to get a permit but there are beautiful camping spots available at both Emerald Lake and Pear Lake. As a day hike, plan to spend all day since you'll undoubtedly pause at each lake for...Read more -
Sequoia National Park, California
Backpack to Big Bird Lake & Moose Lake
30 mi / 8000 ft gainThis trip requires a wilderness permit. You can get one at the Lodgepole Visitor Center where you can also rent a bear canister or use the bathroom before heading out.Wolverton Trailhead -> Big Bird Lake (~12 miles)The start of the trail is on the left side of the parking lot and towards the m...Read more -
Bishop, California
Sailor Lake Backpack & Climb of Mt. Haeckel
5.013 mi / 2500 ft gainThe basic part of this adventure is a backpack to Sailor Lake. From there you can enjoy small dayhikes to the nearby lakes or waterfalls, go fishing, enjoy some photography or just lounge in camp and gaze at the beautiful scenery. Although Sailor Lake looks smaller than the nearby lakes it stil...Read more -
Bishop, California
Backpack the Piute Pass Trail in the John Muir Wilderness
21 mi / 2000 ft gainWith so many famous hiking trails in the Sierras, its hard to find a trail as isolated as the Piute Pass Trail. This trail allows you to hike in the John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, and Sierra National Forest in one 20 mile section of trail. You will encounter amazing wilderness, spect...Read more -
Bishop, California
Baboon Lakes via Sabrina Basin
8.52 mi / 2205 ft gainGorgeous and sizable alpine lakes beyond Blue Lake via Sabrina Basin trail. There are some very confusing descriptions on the internet for this so hopefully this can help. Hike for 3 miles to get to Blue Lake, which is huge and a popular camping spot for backpackers. Continue past the lake (it ...Read more