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Kings Canyon, California

Looking for the best backpacking in Kings Canyon? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Kings Canyon. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Kings Canyon

  • Sierra, California

    Rae Lakes Loop

    5.0
    39.08 mi / 7316 ft gain
    Day one: After checking in with the park ranger and getting your required permits you will start your hike along a 1.8 mile stretch along the south fork of the Kings River. At this point, people typically go clockwise toward Paradise Valley but you can also go counterclockwise along Bubbs Creek. ...
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  • Fresno County, California

    John Muir Trail: Camping at Pinchot Pass

    After the mild, but not negligible, 1000 ft ascent into Pinchot Pass, you'll be ready to rinse off the grime and take a rest. There are a few options for lakeside camping along the trail like Twin Lakes and an unnamed lake on the west side of the trail just beyond.This is a cool area because the ...
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  • Fresno County, California

    John Muir Trail: Middle Rae Lake

    You'll have to deal with some crowds at Rae Lakes but that is because this is an amazing setting to spend the night. If sharing this place with others is the worst of your worries then you're doing pretty well. Hikers flock here for the incredible swimming, views of iconic peaks like Fin Dome and...
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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

    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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  • Big Pine, California

    Fourth Lake via Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail

    4.0
    12.6 mi / 3205 ft gain
    From Big Pine, you'll turn onto Crocker St. to head towards the mountains. Once you are about 11 miles down the road you will see a sign and a turnoff on the right for trailhead parking. That is where you are going to want to park if you are staying overnight but you can continue to where the roa...
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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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  • Big Pine, California

    Backpack Atop Sawmill Pass

    20 mi / 6700 ft gain
    At 11,347 ft., Sawmill Pass lies on the Sierra Crest and enters Kings Canyon National Park in the Woods Creek area. Both the John Muir Trail (JMT) and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) can be accessed through this pass. The Sawmill Pass trail is a steep and arduous climb, gaining over 6700 feet of e...
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  • Independence, California

    Charlotte Lake via Kearsarge Pass

    4.0
    16.38 mi / 4078 ft gain
    This adventure begins at Onion Valley Campground outside of Independence, CA. The parking is abundant and the road is snow dependent. Snow will be plowed as long as it is not currently being hit with a massive storm. Dogs are allowed on trail up to Kearsarge Pass (4.5 miles from the trailhead). H...
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  • Independence, California

    Rae Lakes via Glen and Kearsarge Passes

    5.0
    26.02 mi / 7106 ft gain
    The hike starts at Onion Valley campground and includes a good deal of elevation (two passes around 12,000 feet). You start climbing at the outset, and keep climbing for the first couple of hours before hitting Kearsarge Pass. Here you begin a long descent, then traverse above some beautiful lake...
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  • Independence, California

    Onion Valley to Mt. Whitney

    47.35 mi / 11745 ft gain
    Trip Guide ***Please note, all images after the first one are arranged in chronological order of the trip so you can easily follow along Day 1 Depending on where you are coming from your day one is most likely going to be setting up your car shuttle from Whitney Portal to Onion Valley.  Our fi...
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  • Independence, California

    Flower Lake from Onion Valley

    5.04 mi / 1352 ft gain
    Make sure to obtain an overnight permit up to 6 months in advance. You will have to pick up your permit at one of the Inyo National Forest Visitor Centers (here) before you begin. Once you have your permit in hand, drive to the Onion Valley Trailhead (see map), which is about 15 miles west of th...
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  • Tulare County, California

    Backpack to Weaver Lake, CA

    7 mi / 1075 ft gain
    The hike to Weaver Lake begins at the Big Meadows trailhead in Sequoia National Forest (elevation: 7,633 ft.). There is roadside parking at the beginning of the trailhead and more parking available just inside the gate. At the trailhead, there is a vault toilet, trash receptacle, and map of the a...
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