Things to Do in Kings Canyon

Sequoia and Kings Canyon boast some of the best camping in the national park system. Three of the campgrounds--Lodgepole, Azalea and Potwisha--are open year-round. All but Lodgepole and Dorst Creek, which take reservations, are first-come, first-served. Several are large enough to accommodate trailers and RVs, and some are situated alongside creeks and streams. All campgrounds include bear boxes for food storage because black bears are prevalent in the area. Most Kings Canyon campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends.

Kings Canyon also features rock climbing similar in quality to that found at Yosemite, where El Capitan is a favorite. The best climbs in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon area are the Obelisk, Grand Sentinel and Chimney Rock. Charlito Dome and Charlotte Dome can be found on the north side of the Bubbs Creek Trail. Additionally, the Mineral King area of Sequoia National Park features more than 30 caves, a dozen natural springs and several large sinkholes and blind valleys.

The half-mile walk to the mouth of Crystal Cave in nearby Sequoia National Park takes you past picturesque waterfalls to a world below the surface of the Earth. The 45-minute guided tour of the cave is guaranteed to come across intricate stalactites, polished marble curtains, large underground rooms, an unforgettable subterranean stream and, of course, bats. The tour covers a vertical distance of 320 feet, so it can be strenuous at times, but it is a must see for the budding spelunker.

Of course, Kings Canyon features miles and miles of hiking trails in some of the most highly appreciated natural wilderness in America. Replete with representatives of the lofty coastal redwood and the mammoth giant sequoia, Kings Canyon offers superior backcountry hiking for both the beginner and advanced backpacker. Mount Whitney, in the alpine country of the High Sierra, is one of the most rugged terrains in the country. A permit is required for all overnight camping in the designated wilderness areas.

For those who prefer not to go too far off the beaten path, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park also offers a variety of visitor centers, nature centers and information stations. One of the most rewarding is the Giant Forest Museum, located in a historic market building near the Giant Forest. While you're there, visit the Beetle Rock Family Nature Center, also in the Giant Forest, and see the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world by volume.