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  • Kings Canyon National Park
  • Kings Canyon National Park, California

    Top Spots in and near Kings Canyon National Park

    • Seven Pines, California

      Mt. Williamson via Shepherd Pass

      5.0
      26.66 mi / 10653 ft gain
      This trail starts at the lowest, and generally regarded hardest, trailhead in the Southern Sierras. You quickly gain elevation in what many describe as manageable but relentless. The first section of the hike has nice shade and adequate water access. Very enjoyable company to boot! Once you cros...
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    • Tulare County, California

      Jennie Lake via Fox Meadows

      4.5
      10.71 mi / 1929 ft gain
      Jennie Lake is a beautiful subalpine lake located in the Jennie Lakes Wilderness just outside of Sequoia National Park. There are no backpacking quota restrictions making this a perfect trip that requires little planning. Your journey starts at the Fox Meadows trailhead on paved Forest Service R...
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    • Bishop, California

      Evolution Basin via South Lake

      35.66 mi / 7769 ft gain
      It’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 ...
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    • Bishop, California

      Bishop Pass Trail

      5.0
      11.13 mi / 2165 ft gain
      To 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 ...
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    • Bishop, California

      Treasure Lakes Trail

      5.0
      5.79 mi / 1375 ft gain
      The 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...
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    • Bishop, California

      Bishop Pass Trail to John Muir Trail to Piute Trail

      52.67 mi / 9173 ft gain
      Bishop 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.
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    • Bishop, California

      Backpack into the Palisades from Bishop Pass

      18 mi / 4000 ft gain
      Drive up to the trailhead near South Lake from the town of Bishop (you can get directions at the Ranger Station when you get a permit). The hike goes from approximately 9,000 ft. to 13,000 ft. over the course of 9 miles.The first approximately 6 miles are on trail to the top of Bishop Pass. From ...
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    • Bishop, California

      Long Lake via Bishop Pass

      5.51 mi / 991 ft gain
      Directions 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...
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    • Bishop, California

      Climb Columbine Peak's NE Ridge

      15 mi / 5000 ft gain
      Directions 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 ...
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    • Hume, California

      Hike and Fish Hume Lake

      2.7
      3.5 mi / 100 ft gain
      This 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...
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    • Tulare County, California

      John Muir Trail: Camping at Bighorn Plateau

      Another rare but welcomed flat open space along the JMT. The night sky here will blow you away so if you're a photographer this is a great opportunity to capture the incredibel Sierra night sky. Do be careful about camping in the open space in regards to weather. A thunderstorm in this area could...
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    • Tulare County, California

      Tokopah Falls

      4.2
      3.77 mi / 617 ft gain
      This 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...
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    • Sequoia National Park, California

      Mount Silliman, Sequoia NP

      5.0
      11.24 mi / 4449 ft gain
      There 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...
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    • Hume, California

      Camp at Princess Campground

      Situated just off the stretch of road that connects the two sections of Kings Canyon, Princess Campground is the perfect home base for exploring both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. In addition to its central location, it takes reservations, so you can book a roomy spot well in advance o...
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    • Tulare County, California

      Hike to the Summit of Big Baldy, Kings Canyon National Park

      4.5
      5 mi / 650 ft gain
      This 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...
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    • Sequoia National Park, California

      Hike to Emerald Lake, Sequoia National Park

      4.5
      10.4 mi / 2200 ft gain
      Begin 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...
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