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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

  • Bishop, California

    Hike to Emerald Lakes

    7.2 mi / 1719 ft gain
    If you are considering this hike, then I am sure you are already familiar with the undeniable beauty that the Eastern Sierra radiates. Any season, any time- it is there. One of my particular favorites for a day hike to experience this beauty is the trek to Emerald Lake outside of Bishop.From Bish...
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  • Three Rivers, California

    Hike Little Baldy

    5.0
    3.5 mi / 700 ft gain
    A short hike with impressive views of Sequoia National Park, the Little Baldy trail is the less touristy version of Moro Rock.  When we hiked it on a beautiful Sunday morning in the summer, we had the entire summit to ourselves.  Even if other hikers had been up there, it would have still felt em...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Hike the Congress Trail

    5.0
    3.1 mi / 500 ft gain
    While the General Sherman Tree is the main attraction in this area, the Congress Trail allows you to get away from the majority of the crowd and explore the giant sequoias at your leisure. The vast majority of visitors only walk to and from the General Sherman Tree. The trail starts out from the ...
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  • Tulare County, California

    Hike the Sugar Bowl Loop in Kings Canyon NP

    4.5
    6.5 mi / 1480 ft gain
    First and foremost, to get to this trailhead you need to drive down a 2-mile, one lane dirt road that is quite steep. It is highly recommended you do this in an AWD or 4WD vehicle, especially since the road can be muddy from snowmelt or after a recent rain. We have a 2WD car but used chains for e...
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  • Bishop, California

    Backpack Across Mt. Humphreys Basin

    30 mi / 3375 ft gain
    Before heading out, you will need to get a backpacking permit to stay overnight in this area. You can buy one here to pick up in town at the Bishop, CA Ranger Station, in the morning.The trailhead begins at North Lake campground (9,345'), in a beautiful lush area, with streams and aspen groves. A...
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  • Bishop, California

    Backpack to Upper Lamarck Lake

    5.0
    5.8 mi / 1562 ft gain
    Starting out at North Lake Campground, the trail to Lamarck Lakes is a fairly gradual ascent. After climbing out of the meadows near the trailhead, you will find yourself on a ridge with few trees to block the great views of Grass Lake and the valley below. Lake Sabrina is on the other side of ...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Hike through the Giant Forest in Sequoia NP

    5.0
    2 mi / 154 ft gain
    Take a drive to Sequoia National Park and take in the beautiful views of the second oldest national park. If you go in the winter or early spring time, be sure to check the weather beforehand and be prepared for the cold.If you are an avid traveler to national parks, I'd recommend that 2 weeks b...
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  • Hume, California

    General Grant Loop Trail

    0.58 mi / 171 ft gain
    General Grant Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Cedar Grove, California.
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  • Hume, California

    Walk the General Grant Tree Trail

    5.0
    0.5 mi
    The trailhead starts at the back of the parking area, a sign will direct you.This short yet beautiful walk will lead you past amazing sights.  Starting counter clockwise you will quickly pass the Fallen Monarch.  Feel free to walk inside this massive fallen tree.  As you continue you soon reach G...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Backpack the High Sierra Trail

    5.0
    71 mi
    The High Sierra Trail begins at Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park, on the West side of the Sierra Nevada range, and ends at Whitney Portal on the East, traversing the highest and most beautiful part of the Sierras. From deep river canyons to high alpine peaks, lakes, and meadows, this hike...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Hike Crescent Meadow

    4.5
    1.6 mi
    Crescent Meadow is a collection of loops in the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park. The trailhead is located just past the tunnel log east of General's Highway 198. The main loop is 1.6mi total. However you can take any of the loops to the General Sherman tree 3mi, Tharp's Log trail 0.5mi, or ...
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  • Hume, California

    Big Stump Loop Trail

    5.0
    1.71 mi / 305 ft gain
    Big Stump Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Dunlap, California.
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Hike Moro Rock

    5.0
    Moro Rock is a granite dome with a staircase leading to the 6,725 foot summit, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Great Western Divide. From Generals Hwy, you can drive up Crescent Meadow Road to the parking lot at the base of Moro Rock (summer weekends the road is closed for shuttles ...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Summit of Mt. Whitney

    5.0
    20.85 mi / 6100 ft gain
    Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the contiguous United States. It stands over 14,500ft high at its peak (elevation gain of 6100') and it sure feels like it when you are up there. Getting There Located just West of Lone Pine, CA you take Whitney Portal Road West for 13 miles all the way to its...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Lone Pine Lake via Mount Whitney Trail

    5.0
    5.88 mi / 1883 ft gain
    From the parking lot at the end of Whitney Portal Road, look for the trailhead, which is marked with a wooden "gate" that shows the map and description of the trail. Starting out at 8,350 ft in elevation, the trail begins a series of switchbacks that lead you into the Sierra Nevada. Take more br...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Summit Mount Whitney via the Mountaineers Route

    5.0
    5 mi / 6600 ft gain
    With over 6,600 feet of elevation gain and class 4 climbing, this is not for the casual hiker, but can provide an excellent challenge to a budding mountaineer.Park your car at Whitney Portal, 12 miles west of the town of Lone Pine, and start up the main Whitney Trail. After 1 mile you will encou...
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