Discover a Land of Giants
Nestled in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, Kings Canyon National Park humbles visitors with its rugged mountains, roaring waterfalls and towering forests. It's adjacent to Sequoia National Park, which is home to some of the oldest and largest trees on the planet. Whether you're gazing up at the canopy or hiking in the backcountry, it's easy to see why this slice of California is known as the Land of Giants. Planning on visiting the Sierras? From romantic riverside cabins to luxury family-style lodges, Kings Canyon National Park vacation rentals unlock access to a host of luxury properties.
Gaze up at General Grant
Kings Canyon National Park is famous for its enormous sequoia trees. The mighty General Grant Tree steals the spotlight, rising over 265-feet above the forest floor. With a girth of more than 100-feet it's classed as the second largest living tree on earth. Want to tick off number one? Head to Sequoia National Park, home to the gargantuan General Sherman Tree. For a glimpse at the incredible lifespans of sequoias, head to the Giant Forest Museum, which features a handful of interactive exhibits.
Walking in the footsteps of John Muir
Kings Canyon National Park is a wonderland for nature lovers. Cedar Grove boasts some of the park's best hiking, with trails winding through ancient forests, steep granite canyons, flower-strewn meadows and rumbling rivers. Keen hikers can also take on parts of the legendary John Muir Trail. With sun decks, hot tubs and stunning mountain views, Kings Canyon National Park vacation rentals will have you feeling utterly relaxed after a day on the trails. Kings Canyon is also crisscrossed with underground caves. With sparkling streams and dramatic stalactites, Crystal Cave offers a fascinating glimpse at what lies beneath the canopy.
Summer road trips in the Sierras
Summer is high season in Central California, when flocks of sightseers descend on Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park. Warm temperatures and long days make it the perfect time to swim, hike and park hop. While campgrounds and RV parks can feel impossibly crowded, Kings Canyon National Park vacation rentals feel wonderfully secluded. Winters can get snowy, with much of the park closing from November to April. If you are planning a winter getaway, it's best to arm yourself with an all-terrain vehicle and reliable snow tires.
Welcome to bear country
From its ancient sequoia groves to its soaring mountains, the grand proportions of Kings Canyon National Park never fail to impress. Kings Canyon anchors the park, carved by the South Fork of the Kings River. With a vertical drop of 8000 feet, it's the deepest gorge in the US. Remember, the Sierra Nevadas are classed as bear country, so, if you're hiking in the backcountry, don't forget to keep dogs leashed, make plenty of noise and carry bear spray. You should also keep an eye out for cougars and rattlesnakes.
Transportation to and around Kings Canyon National Park
The nearest airport is in Bishop, CA (BIH-Eastern Sierra Regional), located 35 mi (56.3 km) from the city center.