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
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Tulare County, California
Jennie Lake via Fox Meadows
4.510.71 mi / 1929 ft gainJennie 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...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 -
Lakeshore, California
John Muir Trail: McClure Meadows
The transition from mostly sheer granite slopes to open grassy space is a welcomed one. Set up along the creek meandering through Evolution Basin and explore the area. You won't tire your legs out because it's pretty flat. Whip out your camera to catch some amazing reflections of the Sierra in th...Read more -
Bishop, California
Baboon Lakes via Sabrina Basin
8.53 mi / 2165 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 -
Bishop, California
Backpack Across Mt. Humphreys Basin
30 mi / 3375 ft gainBefore 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...Read more -
Bishop, California
Backpack to Upper Lamarck Lake
5.05.8 mi / 1562 ft gainStarting 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 ...Read more -
Seven Pines, California
Mt. Williamson via Shepherd Pass
5.026.66 mi / 10653 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Tulare County, California
Hike the Sugar Bowl Loop in Kings Canyon NP
4.56.5 mi / 1480 ft gainFirst 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...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 -
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 -
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...Read more -
Bishop, California
Photography in the ButterMilks
5.0The Eastern Sierras have some of the most spectacular views in the world. This area in particular is known for its rock climbing. It also has amazing opportunities for photographers.The nights during a new moon are incredibly dark and create great astro photography shots. During the day, the l...Read more -
Sequoia National Park, California
Backpack the High Sierra Trail
5.071 miThe 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...Read more