Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
Giant Sequoia National Monument
Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is the only vehicle route into the Kings Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in North America. For 50 miles you will travel through many of the Southern Sierra life zones including several giant sequoia groves, and experience the spectacular geology of Kings Canyon. The route begins at the Hume Lake Ranger Station in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada and climbs 4,000 feet to Kings Canyon National Park where you can stop at the visitor center and take a short hike to the General Grant tree. The byway descends 2,700 feet to the wild and scenic Kings River. The section of the byway just below the turn off to Hume Lake closes for the winter so plan your tour mid May to mid October. The road ends at Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon National Park.
Converse Basin Grove. This grove is the largest contiguous grove in the world. It includes Boole Tree, one of the largest giant sequoia living, and Stump Meadow and Chicago Stump, all stark reminders of the late 1800s when the grove was privately owned. Among the stumps is the next generation of sequoias demonstrating the resilience of the species. Forest Roads 13S55 and 13S03 are dirt roads providing access to the Converse Basin. Visit in the summer when the road is dry or in winter visit the area by cross-country skis or snowshoes.
Hike the 3-mile trail to the Boole Tree. This tree was spared during the historic logging period because of its breath-taking size. This tree stands today as the largest sequoia in any National Forest and the 8th largest known sequoia in the world.
Indian Basin Grove. A paved, accessible interpretive trail leads the visitor through what was once a grove of ancient giants. The trail winds past enormous stumps left from an historic logging operation and the grove of young sequoias that have replaced the fallen giants. Princess campground is located next to the trail along Highway 180.
Millwood was once the location of a historic mill town. Today it serves as a staging area for Off Highway Vehicle enthusiasts. Remember not to disturb or remove historic and prehistoric artifacts. They are protected by law.
Boyden Cave. Take a guided tour of the magnificent limestone cavern which lies beneath the massive 2,000 foot high marble walls of the famous Portals of the Kings. The cavern is located on the scenic byway just before the road crosses the Kings River. Purchase tickets; tours run every hour during summer from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Spring and fall hours may vary.
Grizzly Falls. This beautiful waterfall is close to the road and is a great spot for a picnic lunch as you travel the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.
Monarch Wilderness is split by the scenic byway. Beautiful and dramatic, this wilderness rises from 2,000 feet elevation at the South Fork of the Kings River to over 11,000 feet. The vegetation ranges from chaparral to sub-alpine, with mountain meadows, lakes, and spectacular geological formations. Three trailheads access 30.5 miles of hiking trails within Monarch Wilderness. Several of these trails also connect to the National Park’s backcountry. Visitors can enjoy a two or three-day hike along steep trails accessing Grizzly Lakes in the north, and Boulder Creek in the south.
Kings Wild and Scenic River is one of the most powerful and beautiful features in the Monument. Entering the water is NOT safe or recommended. During the late summer and fall the river is very popular with fly-fishing enthusiasts. Check with the California Department of Fish and Game for special fishing regulations.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Year-round facilities are open to the public at Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park and include Kings Canyon Visitor Center, market, lodge and store on Highway 180. For 24-hour park information call 559-565-3341, or www.nps.gov/seki. Lodging: Kings Canyon Park Services (concessionaire) 866-KCANYON (552-6966), www.sequoia-kingscanyon.com
| Campgrounds |
Elevation |
Sites |
Season |
Max. Trailer |
Potable Water |
Remarks |
| Aspen Hollow Group |
5200 |
100 people |
May-Sept |
30’ |
Yes |
Reservations Required |
| Convict Flat |
3000 |
5 |
Apr-Nov |
25’ |
No |
Located in Kings Canyon |
| Eshom |
4800 |
24 |
May-Oct |
30’ |
Yes |
OHV Roads nearby |
| Hume Lake |
5200 |
73 |
May-Sept |
30’ |
Yes |
Reservations available |
| Landslide |
5800 |
9 |
May-Sept |
25’ |
Yes |
Stream nearby |
| Logger Flat Group |
5600 |
50 people |
May-Sept |
30’ |
Yes |
Reservations Required |
| Millwood Staging |
4000 |
2 |
Apr-Nov |
20’ |
No |
Dispersed Camping available nearby |
| Princess |
5900 |
88 |
May-Sept |
35’ |
Yes |
Reservations available, dump station (no trailers over 30 feet) |
| Tenmile |
5800 |
11 |
May-Sept |
30’ |
No |
Stream nearby |
| Day Use Areas |
Elevation |
Sites |
Season |
Potable Water |
Remarks |
| Hume Day Use |
5200 |
NA |
May-Nov |
No |
Parking near lake, toilet |
| Powdercan |
5200 |
8 |
May-Nov |
No |
Grills, tables, toilet |
| Sandy Cove |
5200 |
NA |
May-Nov |
Yes |
Parking, Toilets. No fires, barbeques or dogs on beach |
| Trails |
Trail # |
Elevation |
Miles |
Remarks |
| Boole Tree |
28E02 |
5900-6775 |
2.2 |
Loop trail, moderate to strenuous, located in Converse Grove, Canyon views |
| Chicago Stump |
28E07 |
6600-6600 |
¼ |
Hardened loop, easy, General Noble tree became Chicago Stump |
| Hume Lake Loop |
28E05 |
5200-5380 |
2.6 |
Loop trail, easy, portion accessible, goes around Hume Lake. Interpretive signs, benches |
| Indian Basin Grove |
28E04 |
5900-6100 |
1.5 |
2 loops, easy, first loop 1/2 mile,accessible,second loop 1 mile hardened. Interpretive signs, benches. |
| Yucca Point |
28E01 |
3800-2300 |
1.8 |
Steep, strenuous, leads down to Kings River, fishing access |
Hiking Handouts: Converse Basin Hiking Trails (PDF - 214k)
